Front or Rear Wheel Drive.

[dave87]

Butuz - good approach, I just don't like the cars such as Audi A6 3.0 where you get 4wd, and it feels down on power compared with a 530i. (not my words, reviewers) Which would put me off a car like that. Also, full bore starts in a 4wd car puts more stress on the clutch don't they? I'm sure that was a reason cited for the (lack of) lifespan of Lambo clutches etc.

[kalniel]

Best for what?

I'm assuming the poll is concerned with the majority of driving, hence I'll answer FWD.

The majority of my driving is not on a track, nor is it in a hurry or indeed in places where I could hurry much if I wanted.

FWD, accompanied by front mounted engine, is the safest configuration on British roads in our weather conditions. 4WD is also a safe choice, however FWD wins out because of the decreased maintainence and increased economy that's possible.

[J4MES]

you're right - FWD is safe and efficient...

but wouldn't you rather have RWD and actually enjoy journeys?

driving is more than getting from A to B surely?

[kalniel]

It's primarily about getting there in one piece, which given the death toll on the roads isn't a joke.

I can and do still enjoy driving, even in my astra , however I don't think the additional pleasure from a RWD car is worth the additional risk, given the infrequent chances I would have to actually take advantage of it.

If I didn't have to commute, or could afford track days etc. then of course my answer would change, but really, sitting in traffic on slippery hilly roads I'd rather be in a FWD car (and would certainly rather other people were as well).

Don't forget that it's not just about drive either - an old RWD toyota camry is hardly a thrilling drive and I'd sooner drive a FWD mk 2 golf gti. It just happens to be the case in this country that most RWD cars are sporty and most FWD aren't.. but it's not always the case.

[staffsMike]

I think people are concerning themselves too much with the modern FWD cars. My ignis sport is a seriously old skool in it's approach..comparable to the metro I had before it in fact.

I however now take the arive alive approach to twisty lanes etc..since I almost killed myself a few months back in my first ignis sport.

The main fun now is the communication you get from the car which is best and most apparent in 3 cars i've driven..ironic perhaps that it's one from each drive type lol

RWD feels well balenced like it will go round any car whether it's going to drift round or stay fixed to the road.

FWD does feel safe and it makes small cars very agile when you know how to use it properly.

4WD has elements of both but I think you need to be a track to get real fun out of them where you have room to let them slide and get up to the speeds where they can be appriciated best.

Favourite Cars I've driven are.. My Ignis Sport..needs to be tried to appriciate. Civic Type R is nice too for a FWD.

Evo VII on track..SOOO fun. Go on a track day where you get to drive one..so worth it.

and the 3 series which was an eye opener to RWD.

[Shad]

From a circuit driving point of view...

I think it depends on the chassis. It's easier to push a FWD car to the limits than a RWD car IMO, but a good RWD chassis (e.g. new MX-5) can also be just as easy to drive hard.

Up until around 250-300hp, I vote FWD. Beyond that, I vote RWD

[GoNz0]

RWD 328 here, love it and never look back !

[arbitor]

RWD 328 here, love it and never look back !

They are nice cars, and quite forgiving due to the lowish bhp. bloody nice mix of comfort and pace though

[Gibbo]

I prefer RWD - but I haven't had a RWD car since 1993.

[dkmech]

I voted front because i reckon it deserves more votes

When I had to make the choice i went for fwd myself because i know that i lack experience and i wanted to be able to access the power of my vehicle safely. It might not have the same ultimate corner speed - but i can feel what it's doing and react in time in a safe manner. I'd consider a rwd car as a fun car, but i would probably want tc if i had one. 4wd is great if its done right (not talking from experience mind) but it's out of my budget atm.

Also the benefits of fwd from the engineering point of view deserve a mention.

[GoNz0]

They are nice cars, and quite forgiving due to the lowish bhp. bloody nice mix of comfort and pace though

very forgiving due to the factory fitted sports suspension, M3 wheels and aero kit.

would have been even better if they took the traction control off and replaced it with a limited slip diff

[MaddAussie]

It's primarily about getting there in one piece, which given the death toll on the roads isn't a joke.

Have to say that the death toll has been falling pretty much over the last few years see here

I voted RWD,tho Ive had just as much fun in a well sorted FWD car if its got a sorted chassi (MG ZS springs to mind ). Cars should be driven within the limits of the road conditions and you ablities tho

[dave87]

Mini is of course the prime example of FWD fun, but with the added weight and size required to conform with EU standards, the days of light nippy FWD cars are most certainly numbered.

Look at the new mini for example, not so much a mini but a maxi.

[kalniel]

Have to say that the death toll has been falling pretty much over the last few years see here

That's good news, but it's still way way too high. The number of accidents is simply absurd given how much coverage is given to other things that affect only a fraction of the number.

I wonder if the answer to the poll would be different if the question was: What would you prefer *other* drivers to be driving?

[J4MES]

That's good news, but it's still way way too high. The number of accidents is simply absurd given how much coverage is given to other things that affect only a fraction of the number.

I wonder if the answer to the poll would be different if the question was: What would you prefer *other* drivers to be driving?

considering the amount of cars and the mileage covered, we've got pretty safe roads in th UK tbh...

not that there's an acceptable level of death/injury..

[Butuz]

I prefer RWD - but I haven't had a RWD car since 1993.

Get it sorted gibbo me old mukka!!! Have some fun!

Butuz