Good sites explaining difference between FWD/RWD?

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
3
71
Here's a rough outline of a speech I'm doing in my speech class..where can I find sources to research these topics?

Intro:
· Set up scenario
o It?s late at night, you?re driving in heavy rain, getting away from a criminal chasing you
o Car is a RWD Mustang GT
o Due to less traction, when trying to make a corner you swerve, slam into a tree, and criminal catches you in his FWD car due to better traction in the bad weather
o Repeat scenario, but switch cars as well as the result in each situation

Central Idea:
· Explain that most cars out on the road are FWD, and that only a select few nowadays are RWD
o Give examples of a few companies? line of cars and how they are dominated with FWD ones, with only a few RWD models
o Provide data of shift from old RWD muscle cars to their economical FWD counterparts
· Explain that FWD is better for economical reasons
· Explain that for performance RWD is a much better alternative than FWD

Trans:
· Briefly describe differences between FWD and RWD cars mechanically
o Explain weight, car layout, and basic differences between the two

Trans:
· Describe differences between FWD and RWD cars in terms of daily drivability
o Describe differences in acceleration
o Describe differences in handling
o Describe differences in bad weather driving

Trans:
· Show demonstration of how the two drive differently
o From video: footage from Gran Turismo 3
o Using model car show how handling differs

Concl:
· Explain debate over which is better ?overall?
· Explain which layout is preferable for whom
· Explain future of each platform, and how it will affect future car production
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
4
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A mustang GT will pull 0.85G or better on the skidpad. A honda Civic isn't gonig to do any better than that. The only reason you'd lose the Mustang into a tree during a turn is cause you can't keep your foot out of the gas. And you wouldn't have to floor a mustang GT to outrun almost any FWD car anyway.

Explain that for performance RWD is a much better alternative than FWD
Tell me how that jives w/ your "RWD cars run into trees when you go fast around turns" example?

From video: footage from Gran Turismo 3
At least get video of a real car.
 

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
daily drivability goes to front wheel drive
performance in good conditions goes to rear wheel drive

AWD takes them all, lol
 

LeeTJ

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2003
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Originally posted by: notfred
A mustang GT will pull 0.85G or better on the skidpad. A honda Civic isn't gonig to do any better than that. The only reason you'd lose the Mustang into a tree during a turn is cause you can't keep your foot out of the gas. And you wouldn't have to floor a mustang GT to outrun almost any FWD car anyway.

Explain that for performance RWD is a much better alternative than FWD
Tell me how that jives w/ your "RWD cars run into trees when you go fast around turns" example?

From video: footage from Gran Turismo 3
At least get video of a real car.

Did you miss the "in heavy rain part"?? A mustang will never out corner a Civic in heavy rain.
 

boyRacer

Lifer
Oct 1, 2001
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Originally posted by: LeeTJ
Originally posted by: notfred
A mustang GT will pull 0.85G or better on the skidpad. A honda Civic isn't gonig to do any better than that. The only reason you'd lose the Mustang into a tree during a turn is cause you can't keep your foot out of the gas. And you wouldn't have to floor a mustang GT to outrun almost any FWD car anyway.

Explain that for performance RWD is a much better alternative than FWD
Tell me how that jives w/ your "RWD cars run into trees when you go fast around turns" example?

From video: footage from Gran Turismo 3
At least get video of a real car.

Did you miss the "in heavy rain part"?? A mustang will never out corner a Civic in heavy rain.

Must be some idiot driver in the mustang then... :confused:
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
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Originally posted by: LeeTJ
Did you miss the "in heavy rain part"?? A mustang will never out corner a Civic in heavy rain.

A civic is just as likely to slide around in the rain as a mustang as long as you are conservative w/ the gas pedal in the mustang.
 

LeeTJ

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2003
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Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: LeeTJ
Did you miss the "in heavy rain part"?? A mustang will never out corner a Civic in heavy rain.

A civic is just as likely to slide around in the rain as a mustang as long as you are conservative w/ the gas pedal in the mustang.

depends on the wheels. i'm willing to bet that the mustang has wider wheels than the civic.

i had a lx 5.0 mustang in the late 80's. that thing was HORRIBLE in the rain. i don't know if the newer models are much better, but i'm willing to bet not.

finally, the mustang with its wider tires and solid rear axel IS more likely to lose it in a corner.

also, the main reason i posted what i did was not because i disagreed with you overall, but because you posted .85 g force stat which would imply dry conditions. no way it pulls that in wet conditions.
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
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Originally posted by: LeeTJ
also, the main reason i posted what i did was not because i disagreed with you overall, but because you posted .85 g force stat which would imply dry conditions. no way it pulls that in wet conditions.

well, I've never seen any skidpad stats from a wet track :)
 

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
3
71
Originally posted by: LeeTJ
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: LeeTJ
Did you miss the "in heavy rain part"?? A mustang will never out corner a Civic in heavy rain.

A civic is just as likely to slide around in the rain as a mustang as long as you are conservative w/ the gas pedal in the mustang.

depends on the wheels. i'm willing to bet that the mustang has wider wheels than the civic.

i had a lx 5.0 mustang in the late 80's. that thing was HORRIBLE in the rain. i don't know if the newer models are much better, but i'm willing to bet not.

finally, the mustang with its wider tires and solid rear axel IS more likely to lose it in a corner.

also, the main reason i posted what i did was not because i disagreed with you overall, but because you posted .85 g force stat which would imply dry conditions. no way it pulls that in wet conditions.

Wider tires make it more likely to swing its tail? Don't wider tires provide more grip?
 

duke

Golden Member
Nov 22, 1999
1,240
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Originally posted by: Syringer
Originally posted by: LeeTJ
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: LeeTJ
Did you miss the "in heavy rain part"?? A mustang will never out corner a Civic in heavy rain.

A civic is just as likely to slide around in the rain as a mustang as long as you are conservative w/ the gas pedal in the mustang.

depends on the wheels. i'm willing to bet that the mustang has wider wheels than the civic.

i had a lx 5.0 mustang in the late 80's. that thing was HORRIBLE in the rain. i don't know if the newer models are much better, but i'm willing to bet not.

finally, the mustang with its wider tires and solid rear axel IS more likely to lose it in a corner.

also, the main reason i posted what i did was not because i disagreed with you overall, but because you posted .85 g force stat which would imply dry conditions. no way it pulls that in wet conditions.

Wider tires make it more likely to swing its tail? Don't wider tires provide more grip?

Depends on the road conditions.