Quote:
Originally Posted by Eau Rouge
In the end, automobile performance all boils down to optimizing its mass, the distribution of that mass on the car and your ability to change its velocity (speed and direction). Focusing just on 2WD and all other variables such as cost being equal, the fundamental mathematical expression for choice of engine location and drive wheels looks like this:
FF < FR < RR < MR
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Except a car is never as simple as it's engine placement. There are things which are much more important, principally - tires, chassis stiffness, center of gravity, weight distribution, suspension, brakes, and all the steering mechanisms which determine track and radius and all other aspects of steering geometry.
Besides that, there is how much emphasis was placed on communication through the steering wheel, road feel, tire feel, brake feel, clutch feel, effort, pull, engagement - and how all these systems work together in harmony with all the electronics from power steering to active suspension.
You want to make some grand philosophical statement about which drive train layout is "best"? Forget it, it's a academic question at best with no discernible real world application, and at worst it's an inane attempt to justify your own car snobbery.
If you want an example of a FWD which handles better then most other RWD cars then check out the Renault Megane RS Trophy. It beats the competition with a less favorable power to weight around the Nurburgring.
Personally I never understood this attitude of separating FWD and RWD cars as if we need to divide people into two classes of car enthusiasts. You put me behind any car and I can have a blast. From wrestling a high power torque steering monster into a straight line, to drifting a FRS around a corner.
My advice is don't think so hard about the different drive trains, and just try to enjoy each car for what it is. :happy0180: