Which Drivetrain Should You Choose: FWD, RWD, or AWD?

When buying a car, especially if you're a new driver, it's very important to decide on the drivetrain type ahead of time. The drivetrain is the mechanism that transmits engine power to the wheels. There are three types: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. To choose the one that's most suitable and convenient for you, let's look at each in more detail.

In front-wheel-drive cars, engine power goes to the front wheels. This layout is found mostly on affordable cars. Its advantages include lower vehicle weight (there's no driveshaft or rear axle), good traction and handling, and relatively cheap, simple maintenance. The drawbacks are that the car tends to understeer (especially at high speeds) because the front end is much heavier than the rear, and its acceleration and dynamic performance are weaker. A car with this type of drivetrain is best for beginners.

With rear-wheel drive, power goes to the rear wheels. This layout is common on American cars and has long been used on classic models from many brands. In Japan and Europe, it is used on premium, higher-class cars. Its advantages include good dynamic performance, which is exactly why it's used in sports cars. The main drawback is that the car is prone to oversteer, especially on slippery roads, so beginners are advised not to start out behind the wheel of a rear-wheel-drive car.

All-wheel drive is fitted to upper- and mid-priced cars, as well as sports cars and SUVs. Here, engine power is sent to all four wheels. The power split between the axles can also vary. The load can be divided equally between the front and rear axles, or, for example, as on the Lamborghini Gallardo, 70% can go to the rear axle and 30% to the front. In another approach, under normal driving power goes only to the front axle, and the rear axle engages immediately if the wheels start to slip. This kind of system is used on the Mitsubishi Outlander. All-wheel-drive cars have excellent traction, and with good tires suited to the season, the car is practically immune to oversteer and understeer. It's a great choice for less experienced drivers. The downside is that this is the heaviest and most expensive type of drivetrain.