Which has more loss ? FWD or RWD ? i know AWD has around an estimated something like 35%.. but what it the difference ?


Thanks
Pete

 

An FF (front engine front drive) will typically have less loss than an FR.

 

Yup. Its easier to pull than to push.

 

Well, theoretically on a dyno you shouldn't see much of a difference. I think it has more to do with the drive shaft, but I could be wrong.

 

Yep - there are more 'bits' in a RWD layout. All this extra rotational mass and increased friction result in more parasitic losses in a RWD setup. But it's not a whole lot, a couple extra percent.

 

Thats what i thought.. cause a rwd has to go through an extra 5 parts to get to the power down

 

I think that the greater efficiency losses in a FR configuration are mainly attributible to the rear differential's requirement to induce a 90 degree change in the axis of the rotational energy transferred through the driveshaft in order to drive the wheels. Friction is a lesser player but it all adds up.

 

Partially correct jfh. Spinning a 3 to 7 foot long driveshaft is a major power loss, as well.

 

7 foot driveshaft?! what rwd cars have you been driving lately? f450s? My 300zx's driveshaft is like, a foot and a half long.

 

I've seen some pretty long driveshafts on some bigger domestics. One in particular was a Camaro Z28 driveshaft that the owner twisted up like a twizzler BEFORE it snapped and that had to be at least 3-4' long.

 

I snapped the u-bolts on my 88 stang doing neutral drops from 5500.....First and hopefully last time ill see a driveshaft become a missle.

Anywho...the busted DS was about 4 feet long, if i remember correctly.

 

I think the minor drivetrain loss that comes with RWD is worth the utter track domination over FWD. You can launch harder, do real burnouts, and oversteer.

 

Agreed, Score.

FWD is for women and children. (no offense to the select women who can drive RWD cars better than most guys can of course)