etupyörällä

Etupyörällä is a Finnish term that translates to "on the front wheel" or "front-wheel drive" in English. It refers to a type of vehicle drivetrain where the engine powers only the front wheels of the vehicle. This is in contrast to rear-wheel drive, where the engine powers the rear wheels, or all-wheel drive, where power is sent to all four wheels.

Vehicles with front-wheel drive, often abbreviated as FWD, are common in passenger cars due to several advantages. They generally offer better fuel efficiency because the engine, transmission, and drive axles are all located in the front of the car, reducing overall weight. This compact arrangement also allows for more interior space in the passenger cabin and a larger trunk. Furthermore, FWD vehicles typically provide superior traction in slippery conditions, such as snow or rain, as the weight of the engine is over the driving wheels.

However, FWD vehicles can also have some drawbacks. They may experience torque steer, a phenomenon where the steering wheel pulls to one side under heavy acceleration. In performance driving, FWD can also lead to understeer, where the car tends to push wide of the intended turn. Despite these potential issues, front-wheel drive remains a dominant configuration for many modern vehicles, particularly for everyday driving.