Do you prefer rear, front or all wheel drive and why?

Question

I'm probably looking for more personal opinions, such as why you like one layout more than another from perhaps cars you have owned, not answers relating to the technical aspects of each drive layout.

You can talk about technical aspects if you like as I can understand it might be difficult to explain your preference(s) otherwise. Thanks

Answer 1

I personally like rear wheel drive. I feel it handles better and because of the actual axle on the vehicel I can load more in the back. Also repairs are usually cheaper

Answer 2

I like all three.

My preference is rear wheel drive for good weather. Rear wheel drive offers better steering accuracy and handling without the compromises of front-wheel drive and the weight and complexity of all-wheel drive.

I'm not sure how to answer your question while avoiding any technical aspects though.

I've had cars with all three types of "drive" and they all have appeal for different reasons. Front wheel drive tends to be the most practical and economical for most applications but I've found it gives a less refined feeling driving experience and some annoying qualities when accelerating through a turn. Cars with FWD usually have the weight bias towards the front of the car which affects balance too.

AWD is great for poor weather conditions and snow especially, but the rest of the time it wastes fuel and wears tires down more quickly.

Answer 3

I prefer front.

I have owned all three.
Rear is not good in snow or rain and you can spin out more.
Four wheel drive is too costly as it takes more gas to run.

I have owned 1994 Subaru (front wheel) and it was the best car I ever owned. It did terrific in the snow and it was not 4 wheel. most shops could not believe it when I told them. They thought I was nutts. I gave it to my son, he had it awhile and needed a bigger car. That car is still on the road and probably has 200,000 on the engine by now.

I have a Ford F-150 4x4 and it is not good on gas but does ok plowing through snow drifts. Not good on ice though.

I have a VW beetle and love that one, front wheel. It is great on gas up to 35 mpg hwy. It is good in snow, and easy on gas. We love it.

I had a brand new Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 and hated it. I used to see them and loved the look but they are a pain all the way around. They are ok in snow but the mud sprays all over it. You cant keep them clean. And it guzzled gas too.

I will stick with VW and Subaru. They have been the best.

Answer 4

I think it really depends on where you live, and if its a daily driver. If you have snowy winters... then you probably want all wheel drive (it launches faster than either front or rear wheel drive, and handle turns very well) If whether is not a concern, then I'd say go for either rear wheel or front.. whatever you like best. Test drive all three and see for yourself. An Evo 8 or STi would be nice; all wheel drive and has power. My 2 cents.

Answer 5

i've had all 3, and since i live in an area that sees snow in the winter, out of the 3 choices, 4x4's are the best for winter driving. rear wheel drives tend to spin tires easier from lack of weight on the tires, where front wheel drives have the engine weight on them.
early 80's cars in front wheel drive that didnt have anti-lock brakes were dam near dangerous. if u were to lock the front wheels, u had zero steering control, and it would tend to revert u to passenger status while it spun into a 180 degree arc....and god help u if u released the brakes. the tires would grab and propel u into whatever was in front of the car.
4x4's give more traction in slippery areas so u can get going easier. but that doesnt mean a 4x4 can stop just as easy. they wont.

Answer 6

Front wheel for traction in the snowbelt. Otherwise, rear wheel drive for easier and cheaper maintenance than front or all wheel drive. I own two Mercury Grand Marquis cars and a Ford Taurus.

Answer 7

I prefer 4 wheel drive that can be switched on and off with a flip of a switch. However just because you have 4 wheel drive doesnt mean you are invisnable. It gives you more power to get through snow, mud, and rough train. You always want to be careful on ice no matter what kind of car, truck, suv you get.

Answer 8

Rear wheel drive with limited slip rear end.It automatically straightens out the rear end when you let off the gas. My 69NOVA was real fun going up to the ski slopes.

Answer 9

I prefer front wheel drive because I have more control of my vehicle in all weather conditions. Rear wheel you have less control and skid out easier, and all wheel is more expensive on gas.

Answer 10

i like rear wheel drive better cause then u can drift