AWD vs FWD vs RWD: Who Wins? - XCAR

All Wheel Drive is there to keep you planted in a variety of circumstances but with modern engineering being what it is do you really need it? We took an example of each type of drive to see how they tackle some challenging environments.

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[ricardolourizela]

Let's compare FWD, RWD and AWD, boys! Let's also choose 3 cars with absolutely nothing in common in terms of power, torque or gearbox so as to make this test an absolutely pointless exercise!

[bliglum]

RWD if you're a driving enthusiast, AWD if you live in a snowy climate, and FWD if you're a soccer mom!

[supremewhip]

Now do the entire test over again with all cars running the same tires and driver.

[mcglol]

Not sure XCARFlims will read this but a top tip for the future. 

Please don't use edited shots for this type of test, its impossible to tell whats happening with the car from a side shot. It needs to be a static frontal or rear shot.

[BuiltOnStruggle]

Trying just a bit too hard to be Top Gear

[moaski]

There is absolutely no instance where I would prefer FWD over AWD or RWD.

[samhaokip]

WTf who directed this video? I wanted to see the car from the time it starts till it slides from the

[cloud]

Suspensions on sporty FWDs tend to be pretty aggressive, far more than the RWD or AWD examples. Really this video is fun, but proves little. Really all setups have their benefits.

[mozzmann]

Now as a professional Driver, I can honestly say that in my experience that an AWD has a small advantage over a wider range of conditions, BUT this is somewhat subjective and rely's on the person driving remaining within their OWN capabilities as well as those of the Vehicle. There will undoubtedly be many driver's of modern Cars that "THINK" they are good or better than average driver's because the electronics are working for them and they in all possibility don't know it.

Place them in a Vehicle;e with none of the electronics and they potentially couldn't drive a Knitting Needle through a sponge cake !.

3 things make a good driver IMHO

1. Knowing your Own capabilities
2. Knowing the capabilities of your Vehicle
3. Driving to the current conditions as they apply to your location AND while remaining well within the limits as described in Points 1 and 2

[bobtwobeers]

I would like to see a comparison of all season radials versus ice/snow tires, on AWD, RWD, FWD on the ice road. My take has always been tire selection is just as important as drive system. Maybe more important.

[FastLaneDaily]

Great video on the difference between AWD, FWD, and RWD! Amazing to see how the different drive systems handle each scenario and you were able to highlight their strengths and weaknesses. 

[RamiFef]

one of the best video on the internet, i like the way that the review is honest, its not like other videos those who advertise to a specific brand . thanks and expecting more like that

[RenatoWang]

good video, better than many others i watched, but i can say that 50% of this test is about tires, and not traction system.

[zkelley]

id really like to know what brand that black and orange jacket is!

[mariodiniz]

3 different type of tyres which is proven to be the most important factor in slippery conditions, 3 completely different cars with opposite power deliveries and suspensions/chassis made for completely different porpuses and reactions, 3 different drivers with different inputs. I do appreciate your effort but this "test" proves absolutely nothing, and the people that think it does know very little/nothing about driving.

[RaphaeLoh]

What does a slippery surface have to do with the wd? Isn't that about the tire grips and weight of the car?

[matthamel]

It all comes down to personal preference. I can put a Lincoln in places most people can't get a geo.

[tan]

4WD as long as its set up correctly in terms were the power is sent etc and tbh FWD cars such as the megane are better than RWD as there more practical
Generally id rather have a RWD over a FWD
Even big companies such as BMW are moving to FWD and 4WD

[darek]

I am stunned how shit was the camera work here. Also editing had some room for improvement.

[andyhengf]

What tires did you use? summer? All-season? winter?