The abbreviation for rear-wheel drive, a traditional vehicle layout where the transmission connects to a driveshaft that turns a rear differential. This configuration separates the steering and driving functions, providing better weight distribution and traction under hard acceleration compared to front-driven layouts.
Heard on the job
We're putting a limited-slip diff in this RWD setup so it hooks up better off the line.
Also heard as
- rear-wheel drive
Do not mix it up with
- 4WD: RWD only powers the rear axle, whereas 4WD can send power to all four wheels.
Related terms
FWD
Front-wheel drive, a drivetrain layout where the engine powers only the front wheels.
4WD
A drivetrain configuration that sends engine torque to all four wheels simultaneously.
Drivetrain
The complete group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface.
Rear-end
To crash the front of your vehicle into the back of the vehicle ahead of you.