Comparisons between front wheel drive (FWD) and rear wheel drive (RWD) cars don’t usually discuss which type of car would last longer. This is because there is no precise answer or standard for comparison.
- Difference between FWD and RWD cars
Essentially, the “front” and “rear” refer to where the transmission sends power to move your car. This difference doesn’t make one better than the other. IF this were true, manufacturers would have stopped producing the far less superior type of drive.
In RWD cars, the transmission sends power to the rear wheels while the front wheels steer, allowing optimal steering and mobility. In contrast, the transfer of power to the front gives the car better traction but making it harder to navigate. FWD cars are supposedly an improvement on the RWD cars that are prone to slippage. However, instead of being phased out, RWD cars are still in demand as they are preferred for sportscar racing and police vehicles.
- How FWD cars last longer than RWD cars
- They are less likely to crash when driving in rain or snow.
If how long a car lasts includes its liability to get into road accidents, then FWD wins over RWD. The transmission and the engine are both located above the front wheels, making for better traction on the road.
Since FWD cars are better to maneuver during rainy and snowy weather and when climbing hilly roads, in this way, FWD cars may outlast RWDs. RWD is notorious for being difficult in wet conditions, although new technology has improved traction control and stability in more recent models.
- How RWD cars last longer than FWD cars
- They don’t break down as quickly and are easier to maintain.
When a product is more expensive, we tend to assume that it is made with better materials and will last longer. Since FWD cars are produced at less expense than RWD cars, they generally cost less. But this doesn’t mean that they are easier and cheaper to maintain.
Also, RWD cars have fewer parts to fix and replace, and since there is still a demand for RWD, finding replacement parts is not an impossible task. Many FWD users have also complained about how easily the car can be damaged, compared to RWD, which may escape minor bumps with no issue.
- Conclusion
So, which among the two lasts longer? Mostly it depends on you, mainly how you drive and maintain the car. But knowing their differences is important to figure out which car may last you a lifetime.
Also, we can’t ignore the fact that RWD cars are still around. Before FWD was invented, Americans have been driving RWD, and fans of vintage and nostalgia have lovingly maintained many ancient models, and not just for posterity. But this is true of all vehicles of any drive: if you are willing to spend a lot of money to maintain your car carefully, it will last you your entire life. Taking the car to its routine service appointments on time works for both FWD and RWD cars. Focus on which car better suits the way you drive instead.
