Donut Media: FWD vs. RWD which is better AWD: am I a joke to you

AWD : "Perfectly balanced as all thing should be" Maintenance, economy : lmao no

If you let your head talk FWD wins, if you let your heart talk RWD wins......

I think this is the best way you can decide between the two options: If you are young and with no children, the RWD is an option you would like. Once you have kids and need to consider safety during snow and rain, plus fuel economy, the FWD option is one that you need.

“Which means FWD is our winner!” Me: woooaaahhhh ok, lets check these comments

FWD for Practicality RWD for Partying AWD for PractiPartying

This was like comparing a longboard and a skateboard clearly the skateboard is gonna be more fun to drive at the end of the day so that deserves a point

The fact that RWD was physically easier to fix should’ve brought them up to at least a tie.

These other hosts are really good to watch when they don't try to be James or Nolan

"any engine into any car" be right back, gonna hemi swap a peel p50

Ryosuke Takahashi would also add that the RWD has the advantage on the uphill because it does not have the burden to power the car and also steer it.

this one seems a little off, for starters I've replaced more cv's and transaxles then any rwd transmission parts on my cars, and i've owned more rwd cars. probably the most interesting comparison was an 02' mustang and my 01' continental. both had the 4.6L ford motor but the continental went through 4 cv joints and a transaxle @140k mi vs the mustang that was driven harder and still has the factory trans,diff and everything between @210k mi. Also, living in a snow state with a rwd is way more fun because every snow day is a drift day. i don't think this answer is as simple as we all want it to be.

Average forza player be like: *AWD Swap*

"I'm not launching at EVERY red light" Really means.. "Sometimes a car is in front of me at a light so I can't launch"

I've owned all three drivetrains in various versions, and for me there's no comparison at all. FWD is cheap to make, but a catastrophe for maintenance because so much is stuffed into the engine compartment and lots of big angles the power has to navigate. AWD is great if you genuinely _need_ to put down more power than one pair of tires can manage... but for most drivers in most conditions, that's very, very rare. RWD is the easiest to maintain by far, and _when built well_ is excellent in the snow, far, far better than FWD or AWD for most drivers in most conditions. The problem is that RWD gets a bad rap for mostly American-designed cars that are RWD despite having 70/30-ish weight distribution. The "grip advantage" in poor conditions that FWD gets is _entirely_ based on that terrible weight distribution that so many people have just come to expect as 'inevitable'. Here's the basic problem: In FWD, you are sending power and control to the same place. If you need more power than your traction can put down, you definitionally have no control, and vice versa. However, since only the front wheels break free, and the rear wheels are more important for staying in an envelope of _recoverability,_ for an unskilled driver, this makes FWD sort of self-limiting (unless you don't listen to your tire expert and put the new tires on the front instead of the rear where they should be). In AWD, you are sending power to all four wheels, which _sounds_ great, and when you genuinely need maximum possible power to the ground, it is. But it also means that you inherit the problems of _both_ FWD _and_ RWD, which can make them unpredictable in the hands of an amateur when things get dicey. In RWD, you use one set of wheels to steer, and one set for power. It's the ideal, in my opinion (if we're talking about pure FWD, RWD, 50/50 AWD). I know, I know, Subaru fanboys will be upset, but here's the thing... the best winter car I ever owned was _not_ my Imprezza with perfect power distribution. I know, shocking, right? I was shocked too! On paper, 25% power to each wheel for four-wheel burnouts is _obviously_ the best. But in real life, nooooot so much. My favorite cars of all three power options (without fancy stuff to get in the way), and my experience with them in poor conditions is as follows: FWD: Nissan Sentra. This car could pretty much either go, or not go. If it couldn't go, it would very quickly get into trouble. Once you break the front tires free, the car starts to yaw with the camber of the road. Thrust steer can help with this _somewhat_ but ultimately it just felt like the rear was being dragged around like a useless lump. Throwing it around to play, it just... didn't. Like most FWD cars it suffered from crippling levels of understeer. With the handbrake I could get the rear to kick out a little, but not much. Really kind of boring, for all that it was zippy on dry ground. AWD: Subaru Imprezza. This car could go pretty much no matter what. It could leave several inches of ruts in the snow with the undercarriage components, literally still going while using the front bumper as a plow. Great, right? Well... I'd say "good". Here's the problem. If you're on level ground, it's practically miraculous. Up hills it's obviously the best option. But road camber? There were many times when I'd start up in extremely slick conditions with parked cars to my right, and as all four wheels would break free, I'd just slowly start sliding to the right along the slope of the road camber. Thrust steering isn't as much of an option as it is for FWD, because the rear has a tendency to kick out. So you either make it without side-swiping, or you don't, and have to creep out very slowly without losing grip. Playing with it in the snow was always a little bit disappointing. As long as I stayed on the power, I could retain control, but it always slid _waaaaay_ further sideways than I wished it would, and the counter-intuitive way in which it wanted _more_ power to thrust-steer into recovery, and taking your foot off the gas would just as counter-intuitively make it completely lose its rear-end and spin made it kind of unpredictable in the snow. Yeah, it could go... but like I always used to tell confused FWD car owners when insisting on putting a pair of new tires on the rear, "If you can't get enough traction to go, you also can't die. If you put the good tires on the front, and _can_ get going, only to spin out, that's much worse than just being stuck." This car _always_ had enough grip to get going... but is that always a good thing? I'm not so sure. RWD: Toyota MR2 (Mk 2). This was _the best_ winter car I ever owned. No, it couldn't go through snow deep enough to be half way up the bumper, but on normal streets, with crushed-down snow, or thinner layers after plowing, this car had the single quality that I think makes a well-balanced RWD car superior: predictability. Now, admittedly, I had some _very_ nice tires on it (I was a tire sales manager at the time, after all!): V-rated BFG KDWS all-season sports tires, big wide boys on the back (IIRC, 245/45R18, front 215/55R18), but this car never, ever got stuck. It also never slid sideways, or wandered due to road camber or side hills. It just did what I wanted it to do. If I wanted to stay planted, I'd keep the throttle mild and it'd track perfectly. If I wanted to do a slow, graceful snowy power-slide or drift, it was like it could read my mind. IIRC, it had about a 45/55 front/rear weight distribution, and when sideways, had zero tendency to change angle on its own. It didn't have the power to be a drift car, and it had _way_ too much grip with those tires; I could throw it around normal street corners at stoplights at 45 mph and not even a chirp from the tires, and highway onramps marked for 35, I could take at 90+ with no issue at all. When it did start to let go, it did so gracefully and predictably, giving me plenty of warning and never threatening to do anything scary or unpredictable. So, my take on the three pure-form drivetrains with no gizmos is: FWD is cheap, simple, and relatively safe, but not as good as the hype. AWD is expensive and could get an inexperienced driver into more trouble than they know how to handle (as evidenced by the number of SUVs I see in ditches in the winter). RWD is optimal... but only with a good weight distribution, either 50/50 or a bit heavier to the back, but since _most_ RWD cars still have more weight in the front, it gets a bad reputation not for where the power goes, but for the layout of the car. Mid-engine RWD is amazing! When you start to mix things up, though, I actually think a primarily RWD car that _can_ send power to the front wheels when required, with traction control, is better by far. My Volvo XC90 just never lost its footing. Never. Turns out, computers are really good at micro-adjustments to ensure wheels never spin, and never lose grip. That thing was just _planted,_ no exceptions, in the snow. My _worst_ ever winter car? A Chevy Prism. Auto trans, all kinds of ways for power to build up then release like a rubber band, to demolish grip, extremely poor weight distribution, underpowered... ugh. Oh, of course, my Suzuki Samurai, in 4-Low with hubs locked was a beast and a half... except for that time when the wind hit the rag top and flipped me around like a Hot Wheel being smacked by a toddler, heh. Nothing to do there but hold on and hope... and then effortlessly crawl up out of the snow-filled ditch when the dust had settled. xD

“No manufacturer is building rwd cars for daily use” BMW: hol’up

“You’d have problems with slippery surfaces in RWD” Lancia Stratos and 037: *am I a joke to you?*

“Rear wheel drive is bad in snow” Me: *Laughs in Canadian*

I just want to point out the Level of track records a rwd car has so the fact that it didn't get 5 points there is kinda bs

I'm honestly really surprised that they didn't mention the static friction in the corners. Friction is basically a resource in the corners. You only have so much of it. If you're "using" some of that friction to put power down to the road, you have less of it left over to keep your car pointed where you're steering

FWD: wins in the boring categories RWD: wins in the fun categories You see where I’m headed with this?

"rear wheel drive cars are bad in snow" me laughs in Volvo 240

I love how these videos explain the nuances clearly. That is honestly quite difficult to do properly.

Oversteered my 2nd S2K and nearly died. After a 6 year break I am tempted to get a 3rd, but am opting for a Type R instead because FWD and I’m still scared as hell after that reality check.

It's like mom trying to explain to you that the Prius is better than the 86 while standing in the Toyota dealership after you've saved up enough money, and told all your friends from school that you already know how to change the clutch, suspension and short shifter on the 86.

"Letting the numbers do the talking." *proceeds to personally rate every category*

"I spun out 3 times in a RWD" therefore... wait for it "FWD Wins!"

This gentleman has a lot of potential, it just need to relax a little bit more and make it more cozy for all of us 👍🏼🙏🏼 welcome to the donut family

Did anyone else notice when he was scoring after the availability category he said fwd has some catching up to do when it had more points

Donut Media: FWD VS RWD which is BEST? AWD: I'm BOTH

10 minutes in dirt rally has taught me that FWD is better in every way

FWD wins! Everyone: What about AWD? Me: What about no wheel drive?

"I let the numbers do the talking" - (The numbers I arbitrarilymake up)

He said “front wheel drive cars have some catching up to do” after he scored the first category.

Loved this video. I drive a rear wheel drive car and everything you said especially about everyday drive ability fits 10/10

honestly both are so cool in their own rights and it truly depends on personal preference and circumstances

The real answer is *single wheel drive*

Kinda reminds me of science garage. I miss science garage.

The RWD should lose points for “excuses when losing races” , “aghhh my back wheels spun out” blah blah

"Do you wanna see an LS Datsun?" *me who's always wanted a 2jz swapped 280z* "WELL NOW I DO"

I feel like this show is just meant to trigger people 😂

You forgot one category: Driftability

Im 3 minutes in and I already know FWD is gonna win because the history of this series and the points this dudes making. “Unbiased” my ass

Owning classic muscle cars, a balanced frc rwd, and an awesome Em1 I really think it all comes down to personal choice. My favorite car to drive was the em1 but you can’t beat drifting in a rwd.

"Rear wheel is bad in snow" Me : *laughs in tropical climate*

This was informative, but the point system seemed pretty arbitrary.

fantastic topic and well covered

My uncle has an old Jeep that's 3 wheel drive

For once in a generation subie boys and evo boys agree on something. AWD goons lol

*RWD dominates a class* I’m going to have to give it to the fwds because they have two really cool cars in the class 🙄

Everyone will hate me for this, but let's go: 1_ Front wheel drive favors regenerative braking. The weight shift towards the front axle during braking means the front wheels can receive higher braking torque, permitting higher regeneration power, and higher energy efficiency. 2_ Steering or driving an axle makes it way more expensive to manufacture than an axle that is neither driven nor steered. However, driving the front wheels will cost only marginally more than just steering them, while driving the rear wheels through anything but a live axle will cost as much as or maybe more than a complete front wheel drive suspension. 3_ Rear wheel drive is only necessary when, due to the power level, it is critical to use the weight shift to the rear axle during acceleration in order to provide better traction. 4_ Torque steer is caused by driveline asymmetry and suspension geometry (when the traction makes the wheels toe in too much and then a minor weight shift chooses one side to runaway to); but depending on power level, when the asymmetry gets sorted out, the geometry doesn't need to; just look at Subaru cars.

Would of liked a fun-to-drive category. Good comparison in the customizability category though 😀

I'm not gonna lie, I don't actually care about how good fwd cars are, rwd will always be my pick just for the fun and adrenaline

"Do you want your power from the front, or the back" Most Subarus: porque no los dos?

Never realized front wheel drive was so common

Hey! Loved the vid. Got one suggestion tho: timestamps to the different sections. Why? Simple. Its done super fast and eases the interaction for viewers. Keep it up!

"Do you want the power to the front? Or to the back?" Me: why not both?

You forgot the most important part "fun" you can have so much more fun in a RWD!!!

This was a great video 🔥

I am so absolutely curious on how you came up with your point system????

Next Episode: *TURBOCHARGED VS SUPERCHARGED* #spoolVSwhine

I would call a 1 point difference “within the margin of error” and “a statistical tie.”

I was looking for this music can you please tell I try to find music like this please please help me 1:32

I've had FWD Ford focus and RWD Ford sierra, must say I love RWD.

I dont know, for some reason I feel like they were really trying to find any reason to give fwd the win...

Now I’m starting to think about a 6 wheeler (such as a g wagon ) having a middle wheel drive 😂

PLEASEEE BRING BACK THIS SERIES

My area of the US isn't known for massive snowfalls or snowdrifts in harsh winters but we are known for REALLY bad ice which makes roads slippery death traps however while my friends and family have to be careful with their RWD to avoid losing control or spinning out, its easy for me to regain control on the same ice in my FWD.

He really gave them a 4 in customization when he just said that the motor swaps on fwd cars were converted to Rwd...🤨 he scuffed this one bad.

4:40 FWD: 4 RWD: 2 "It looks like FWD has some catching up to do"

I had no idea Formula D existed before this video. Thank you so much, I have a sport I actually enjoy now!

Assigning 3 points to FWD for "trackability" while acknowledging that they barely compete in motorsport is just dumb.

I'm almost convinced this video is a meme. It has to be. Where's the mention of torque steer?

The FWD bias in the scoring hurt. Should’ve been RWD by at least two based on his analysis

Ive been obsessed with fwd since Shingo Shogi of the Myogi Night Kids. He can lose the attitude and the cancer sticks, but that FR Killer technique of left foot braking has been my driving style for over a year now.

7:15 "If you wanted to match that time with a RWD car you'd be spending 3 times as much." Shows FWD at $36K and RWD at $84K. Ummm... maybe $108K?

14:19 that's an old Fiat 500, and the engine was originally in the back with RWD. The newer 500 has the engine in the front with FWD

Once again : science garage Shout-out to my man Bart

0:05 thank you for showing the interceptor Both RWD & FWD are both amazing beast, it just depends on what you prefer. I like RWD period but FWD are ok for places like where I live because of the snow ❄️ in winter

please blink... please, this staring contest has gone on too long, my eyes... cannot...

FWD for everyday driving RWD for drifts and donuts

Trying to convince me that his Yaris is cool

I live in Denver with a fwd accord v6. When it snows it’s fun to watch the rear wheel trucks/suvs fishtail while I have few issues.

What's that song they were playing when talking about the history of the cars? I hear it a lot in the Topher's videos too

There are some valid points that he made, but that doesn't excuse the fact that you just said FWD > RWD

The true winner? AWD w/ RWD bias and a "drift mode" or RWD mode that can defeat the front traction. I know there's a couple of those out there.

I've had all configurations just about, including the standard rwd V8. Right now my FWD '06 Corolla XRS is a potential monster. New tyranny here wed with a LSD + short shifter and bushings. Then the rest. Thinking of leaving it sleeper outside. Shooting for 350HP agility based.

7:18 That's just false lol. My RWD car costs slightly less and could lap a type R around a track. Drifting is king

I think the ability for rwd to oversteer when you peal out on wet roads is a big positive

Cheapest car in the world.. Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Micra: Am I joke to you?

Availability for car lovers matters not, we will walk to the ends of the earth for the correct car when buying. I live in the Northeast, so you best believe I'm usually taking a trip when going to get my cars. People think I'm crazy but taking a day to get a car that's never seen snow is worth it every time. It also means I can get RWD a lot easier. Small price to pay (and the trips with my dad generate good memories and stories) for getting the right car once every handful of years. Just went on my last little trip three months ago, and now have my lovely California RWD 340i MPPSK car, something that just wasn't available in Buffalo, NY. A little undercoat and some Blizzaks and she is read for winter. Worth the trip and minor (I undercoated and got snow tires for my s4 too) preparation extras to have the best driver's experience. Just my take...

After working on my FWD tC, I feel like fixability should be 1 point less. I love fwd cars and rwd cars, as well as autos and manuals. I feel like it comes down to the general use case of the car, if you want fun track go rwd, if you want street go fwd. That being said, I'm hell bent on making my tC be able to go toe to toe with rwd in track performance with some wild suspension work.

I’m driving a Hellcat Charger as my daily, in Switzerland, where it often rains or snow... Meh, just be careful with the throttle and survive 🤷🏻‍♂️ If you can’t control your car then it doesn’t really belongs in your hands.

FWD for small power cars, RWD for more powerful cars

Speaking of any engine in any car, a few years ago there was VW Lupo with an Audi R8 v8 in its boot (or trunk for the transatlantic amongst us)..

Now we need another video. Which is worse, understeer or oversteer?

Fwd is a pain in the ass to wrench tho. And rwd is so much more fun to drive imo.

AWD for me If i wanted to choose between RWD and FWD. I would prefer RWD as they are way more fun then FWD

never thought I would DISLIKE one of your videos... you made me do it lol

Drifters after watching this: Guess I'll grip