Front Engine Front Wheel Drive | Diagram , Front engine front wheel drive advantages and disadvantages

The majority of light vehicles have the engine at the front of the vehicle with the driving power being transmitted to front wheels. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1.8, the engine and transmission units are placed transversely at the front of the vehicle. So, they are at right angles to the main axis of the vehicle.

No propeller shaft is used in the front engine front wheel drive and differentials are included in the same assembly. This layout provides an optimum body-luggage space and flat front line resulting a transverse longitudinal engine position. A good road adhesion is provided by the large proportion of vehicle’s weight acting on driven wheels.

front engine front wheel drive diagram
front engine front wheel drive diagram

Advantages Of Front engine front wheel :

1. Because the engine and transmission system are placed over the front wheels the road holding is improved especially in wet and slippery conditions.
2. Good steering stability is achieved because the driving force at the wheels is in the direction that the vehicle is being steered. There is also a tendency for front-wheel drive vehicles to understeer which can improve drivability when cornering.
3. Passenger and cargo spaces are good because there is no need for a transmission shaft to the rear axle.
4. Good road adhesion is obtained due to a large part of the vehicle weights are carried on driving wheels under normal conditions.
5. Under steady conditions, this drive is preferred by many drivers.
6. Lower flat floor line is provided due to dispensing with the propeller shaft resulting less centre of gravity.
7. The engine clutch, gear box and final drive are combined similar to a rear engine car. It provides a more comfortable drive due to final drive spring.

Disadvantages of Front engine front wheel :

1. Complicated drive shafts are needed for constant velocity joints.
2. Acceleration is affected because the load transfer to rear of the vehicle lightens load on the drive axle at the front.
3. The turning circle radius is limited by the angle through which a constant-velocity joint can function.
4. Due to the combination of steered and driven wheels with short shafts, special universal joints and more complicated assembly are required.
5. To prevent the rear wheels from skidding under heavy brake, the required weight at the rear usually necessitates a special arrangement.
6. The tractive effort is reduced which is mostly required on steep gradients and during acceleration.

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