5 Pros and Cons of Front Wheel Drive

All types of drives have their share of advantages and disadvantages. Just as all wheel drive and rear wheel drive have their benefits and shortcomings, here are some great pros and cons of front wheel drive.

List of Pros of Front Wheel Drive

1. More Affordable
A car with front wheel drive is cheaper. The design of a car with front wheel drive will always be less complicated than a rear wheel drive and less extensive than an all wheel drive. A front wheel drive has fewer parts and that obviously brings the cost down. The production process is simpler too.

2. More Mileage
A front wheel drive will also be lighter than a rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. This has a direct impact on the mileage of the vehicle. Given the same specifications or features, a front wheel drive will have more mileage than both all wheel drive and rear wheel drive. The axle assemblies and transmissions are not separated which reduces the weight in addition to the design being simpler with fewer parts. Mileage is the reason why entry level cars or affordable cars have a front wheel drive.

3. Better Drive in Bad Weather
A front wheel drive is more suited for difficult terrains and also poor weather conditions. A front wheel drive is better suited for snow and rain. In rear wheel drive, it is the rear wheels that push the car forward. With a front wheel drive the front wheels pull the vehicle ahead which is simpler. Since the transaxle is on top up front, it lends to the weight and the front heavy designs help the car to get a better grip.

List of Cons of Front Wheel Drive

1. Handling Issues & Speed Cap
Since a front wheel drive is heavier up front, it tends to pose some handling challenges. You would not find sports cars or any car that has to driven at substantial high speeds to have a front wheel drive. Whether the car is too heavy due to the load inside or it needs to be driven quickly, the handling will be a challenge.

2. More Fragile
A front wheel drive is a more fragile design. The torque steer is a real problem. The constant velocity joints and half shafts are also at greater risk of damage. Although you don’t have to replace them for certain and lubing them from time to time will be sufficient, yet there is a greater risk of having the shafts and joints damaged when compared to rear wheel drives.