Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

Keywords

What is rear wheel drive in a car?

A rear wheel drive car is one where the power generated by the engine is sent to the rear wheels, which then ‘push’ the car along. This is the layout that is often used in sports cars, as it tends to offer better handling. In addition, it’s seen as an advantage for the front wheels to steer the car while the rear wheels power it forward (in a front wheel drive car, the front wheels do both).

Related Jargon

What is a front-wheel-drive car?

A car with front-wheel drive (FWD) means that the engine and gearbox are connected directly to the front wheels only.

What is a 4x4 car?

A 4x4 car is one that is fitted with four-wheel drive, which means that the power created by the engine is sent to all four wheels.

What is all-wheel drive?

An all-wheel-drive (AWD) system sends the power of the engine to both the front and rear wheels all the time so if one or more wheels is stuck, or can’t get any grip on the road, the other wheels are still driving the car forward.

What is an SUV?

Sport utility vehicle - or SUV - a type of car fitted with four-wheel drive, which was built for use off-road.

What is rear wheel drive in a car?

A rear wheel drive car is one where the power generated by the engine is sent to the rear wheels, which then ‘push’ the car along.