frontwheeldrive

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a drivetrain layout that powers the vehicle's front wheels. It is the most common configuration for modern passenger cars. FWD differs from rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

In a typical FWD setup, the engine is mounted transversely at the front, and the transmission and differential are combined in a front transaxle. Power reaches the front wheels via half shafts connected to the front hubs. Steering is usually linked to the front suspension.

Advantages include compact packaging, more interior space, lower cost, and better fuel efficiency. The front weight bias can improve traction in wet or light snow, since the engine sits over the driven wheels.

Disadvantages include torque steer in high-torque engines, and less balanced handling in aggressive cornering. FWD generally has poorer off-road capability and can limit high-performance dynamics compared with rear- or four-wheel-drive systems.

History: FWD saw widespread adoption from the 1950s onward, aided by mass-produced cars such as the Mini and Renault 4. It became dominant in the economy and compact segments due to efficiency and packaging.

Variants: Some modern platforms combine FWD with hybrid or electric propulsion, where front motors drive the front axle or where the engine drives a transaxle with electric assist.

Maintenance: Regular tire rotation and alignment are important, and front CV joints can wear. Front tires often wear faster than rear tires in FWD cars.