Front Engine Front Wheel Drive Cars
What is a Front Engine Front Wheel Drive Car?
A front engine front wheel drive (FF) car is a type of vehicle in which the engine is located at the front of the car and the front wheels are used to propel the car forward. This is in contrast to rear engine rear wheel drive (RR) cars, in which the engine is located at the rear of the car and the rear wheels are used to propel the car forward, and mid-engine rear wheel drive (MR) cars, in which the engine is located in the middle of the car and the rear wheels are used to propel the car forward.
FF cars are the most common type of car in the world, and they offer a number of advantages over RR and MR cars. These advantages include:
- Improved traction: FF cars have better traction than RR and MR cars because the weight of the engine is over the front wheels, which helps to keep them planted on the ground.
- Better weight distribution: FF cars have a better weight distribution than RR and MR cars because the weight of the engine is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels.
- More interior space: FF cars have more interior space than RR and MR cars because the engine is not located in the passenger compartment.
- Lower cost: FF cars are typically less expensive to build than RR and MR cars because they require less complex engineering.
Disadvantages of Front Engine Front Wheel Drive Cars
While FF cars offer a number of advantages, they also have some disadvantages. These disadvantages include:
- Torque steer: Torque steer is a condition in which the steering wheel pulls to one side when the car is accelerating. This is caused by the torque from the engine being transferred to the front wheels, which causes them to turn slightly in one direction.
- Understeer: Understeer is a condition in which the car does not turn as sharply as the driver intends. This is caused by the front wheels losing traction and sliding out, which makes the car go straight ahead.
- Less sporty handling: FF cars generally handle less sportingly than RR and MR cars because the weight of the engine is over the front wheels, which makes them more prone to understeer.
Examples of Front Engine Front Wheel Drive Cars
Some examples of FF cars include:
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Ford Focus
- Chevrolet Cruze
- VW Golf
Conclusion
FF cars are the most common type of car in the world, and they offer a number of advantages over RR and MR cars. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as torque steer, understeer, and less sporty handling. Ultimately, the best type of car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.