Hátsófogat

Hátsófogat is a Hungarian term that translates to "rear-wheel drive" in English. It refers to a vehicle drivetrain layout where the engine transmits power to the wheels at the rear of the vehicle. This is a classic and long-standing automotive design.

In a rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, the front wheels are typically used for steering, while the rear wheels provide both propulsion and, to some extent, braking force. The engine can be mounted at the front of the vehicle (front-engine RWD), or less commonly, at the rear (rear-engine RWD). Transmission of power from the engine to the rear differential is usually achieved through a driveshaft.

Historically, RWD was the dominant layout for passenger cars and many trucks due to its simplicity and effectiveness. It offers advantages such as good weight distribution, especially with a front-mounted engine, which can contribute to balanced handling. It also tends to be mechanically simpler than other layouts, potentially leading to lower manufacturing costs and easier maintenance in some regards.

However, RWD vehicles can be more prone to oversteer, where the rear of the car slides outwards, particularly in slippery conditions or during aggressive cornering. This can make them more challenging for inexperienced drivers to control in adverse weather compared to front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles. Despite these challenges, RWD remains popular in performance cars, sports cars, and heavy-duty trucks where its handling characteristics and load-carrying capabilities are highly valued.