Does rear-wheel-drive really matter? FWD vs RWD compared

A couple of years ago the internet lost its mind when BMW switched to front-wheel-drive for some of its cars. But does it really matter in the real world? Join Tim Rodie and Rebecca Jackson as they take a pair of low-powered BMWs – a 118i and 218i – out for a spin to see if the driving dynamics of a rear-drive car are worth the interior space penalty. It's nerdy but good.

[rxy]

Most Bmw 1 series sold are 118i on lease or PCP . Those people dont give a dam what wheels are driven. Its more about BMW badge and having latest registration plate

[jrs]

Rebecca was dressed to test review a Jaguar, not a

[davidmcgavin]

The comparison of bonnet length is unfair since the RWD car is sized to accommodate the straight six engine of the higher power models. Yes, a transverse four will generally have a shorter bonnet length than a straight four, but not by as much as shown here.

[UKcounties]

In heavy snow, you have to reverse a rear wheel drive BMW to come out to a snow-cleared gritted street, but you only have to put a front wheel automatic car in comfort mode and accelerate out normally or in second gear if manual. So front wheel drive much better if your car is parked in heavy snow.

[DjNikGnashers]

Unless you're approaching the limits of traction, then no, it doesn't matter.
Most old 2014-2019 shape 1 series owners never even got halfway to nearing the limits, as they just bought the car for it's badge.
Fortunately, a small % of owners 'do' actually push the car to it's limit, and over it, and that is where the difference is.
Former M140i owner here, now in an M2.

[hugomota]

wouldn´t the comparison be more precise comparing the fwd 118i with a rwd 118i?

[michaelg]

I think they changed it to fwd to concentrate on the masses, plenty of horror stories about usability of rwd during bad weather which we get plenty of in uk

[steveberridge]

Absolutely agree with the presenters. I’ve got a 318d and you don’t need to go near the limit or power slide it to feel the RWD nature. Car just feels different to a front driver.

[ryandamper]

You can 100% tell the difference in even mildly spirited cornering. I can’t honestly say it would make or break a buying decision for me personally. Given a choice I would pick rear wheel drive if the model I was buying had it as an option.

[eddieleon]

I love this video. Just gone from a 220d to a 128ti and this is accurate for both vehicles. Two cracking cars to be fair

[slen]

This is a very biased review. I’d trust bmw market research globally that a load of their customers haven’t a scooby which wheels drive their car, especially those buying hatchbacks. Your n=1 experience is rubbish.
They still make RWD cars for those who want them. The new 1 series is an all round better car. The comments about golf’s/astra knock off - it’s a family hatchback, that’s exactly what they’re going for and they’ve sold very well.

[IwillBwaiting]

The Stig in subtle and camo leopard print!

[MiniEggs]

Much better, much more balanced, pun intended. Top superb vs base 5/E would be an interesting one at about the sane price

[ProjectTheKhan]

pretty good vid and does cover differences between FWD and RWD, ultimately BMW probs did make the right choice making their entry point FWD as majority of people buying it are probs only buying it because its a bmw along with the non-driving experience perks. if you wanted something more experience focused and enjoyable can just step up to the 2 series (or any of the other bmws, youll be fine), makes sense to pit the F22 as the G42 is much more expensive still

[davidhayes]

There is one advantage of RWD over FWD which is seldom talked about. This is the ability for the transmission tunnel to add massively to the rigidity of the car. this used to be exploited by convertible sports cars, which without the tunnel would have been decidedly floppy. Of course FWD cars could have added such a tunnel superfluously but seldom did. Modern carbon fibre tubs exploit the same principle.

[nahidrahman]

Yes, do more videos like this please 👏🏼

[ianleach]

Brilliant. Interesting video. Well done

[pigeonpoo]

I read a Car Magazine review with a Merc A class v a Kia junkbox. The Kia beat the Merc in the driving section. Most people, unfortunately, only care about the badge, and probably aren't even aware of what engine or wheels are involved. But I'm with you guys and would take a 2, if i could afford it. Thanks for dedicating a video to those of us who enjoy driving

[sharonec]

Unless BMW changed the naming of their cars recently the white ye are in is a 1 Series not a 2 Series.

[terryaspinall]

Rear wheel drive, more rigid chassis frame, weight distribution, less complex drive train, easier to repair along with questionable better drive experience disadvantage small lack of interior space.