RE: [T3] FWD vs. RWD

[James MacNaughton <JMac@uglyduckling.com>]

OOoooh, you're the Ford engineer, aren't you?  Cool!  A debate from a
qualified person!  

Well, yes, I understand the 'qualified' part, and while I drive *much* more
than the average person (probably 50-60K per year), I've never been to
Bondurant.  I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles, and given very
little prompting, I'd never own FWD again (though if I *do* move back east,
I'll probably go water to save Deathrich any further angst).  I don't think
it's particularly forgiving at all, especially in the rain (deep snow, I'm
not that sure of).  It seemed to me, that once you'd lost it in the rain
with FWD, it's harder to regain control than with RWD.  With RWD it's just a
little more or less gas, counter steer in the turn, and you're back.  FWD,
no matter how much gas you give it, once it's gone, it continues to plow.

I don't know, this is one of my pets.

> ----------
> From: 	John Jaranson[SMTP:johnj@grandnet.com]
> Reply To: 	jjaranson@grandnet.com
> Sent: 	Friday, November 13, 1998 9:45 AM
> To: 	T3 List
> Subject: 	[T3] FWD vs. RWD
> 
> Had to get my 3 cents in here.....
> 
> James MacNaughton writes:
> 
> >> RWD cars ( *this* is gonna start controversy) handle/perform better >>
> in the snow.
> 
> You are right, about the controversy part anyway.  I do agree
> that RWD offers more control.  How many real race cars do you see
> with FWD.  Even the FWD Taraus is converted to RWD for NASCAR and
> the FWD Dodge Daytonas used in the IROC races were converted to
> RWD.  RWD offers more control in the hands and feet of a skilled
> driver.  However, how many of those are out on the roads in
> America?
> 
> On the other hand, FWD is much more forgiving.  It can be driven
> in adverse weather by the average driver more easily.  That is
> why almost all new cars are FWD, plus it is easier to package the
> powertrain, gives more forgiving weight distribution, etc.
> 
> Just some thoughts.
> 
> John Jaranson
> 71 FI Auto Fastback (Rear Engine, RWD)
> 
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