What are the advantages and disadvantages of front wheel drive?

Answer 1

It is definitely better the RWD for sure. I have Toyota celica gt 2000 with all season tires i live in Alaska and i never put studs on. The weight of the engine pushes down on your front tires and gives you amazing grip, But if you are not careful that weight can push down while you slide and you turning your wheel wont help. It is like i said alot lot better then RWD to drive during winter and it gets as good of a grip and quicker response in summer.

A2

FWD actually drives the front wheels which also steer the car. You can therefore point the wheels where you want to go and the driven wheels will pull you through a corner. Better for getting you going in snow and ice.

Unfortunately they tend to be front heavy, so when approaching a corner fast, it will tend to understeer. (you go straight on)

The system is more complicated because the driven wheels also have to be able to steer, so involve complex CV (constant velocity) joints, which can wear and fail.

Under hard acceleration the rotational force on the front of the vehicle causes it to lift and it is easy to loose grip with wheel spin, so no good for drag racing.

Because there is no prop shaft to the back wheels, the rear suspension can be made more flexible and interior space in the car maximised.

Horses for courses.

If you want a good, safe, family car, with good space and no intention of racing, then FWD is ideal.

If you want blistering performance, on dry roads, ignoring creature comforts, go for RWD.