Front-wheel drive is a vehicle configuration where the transmission or transaxle delivers engine torque exclusively to the front axle. This layout packages the engine and drivetrain compactly in the front of the vehicle, maximizing interior cabin space and providing good traction in slippery conditions because the engine's weight sits directly over the driven wheels.
Heard on the job
Most of these little FWD hatchbacks will understeer heavily if you push them too hard into a corner.
Also heard as
- front-wheel drive
Do not mix it up with
- RWD: FWD pulls the car using the front wheels, while RWD pushes the car using the rear wheels.