Rear-wheel drive in a car: features, selection and operation

Rear-wheel drive cars are classics of the automotive industry, which are still popular among drivers who value dynamics and handling. Unlike front-wheel drive cars, where torque is transmitted to the front wheels, in rear-wheel drive models the main load falls on the rear axle. This affects the car's behavior on the road, its cross-country ability and even driving style.

But why do some drivers prefer rear-wheel drive while others avoid it? It's all about the design features. Rear-wheel drive cars cope better with sudden maneuvers, overtaking and driving at high speeds, but require more attention from the driver, especially in winter conditions. In addition, they are often found in premium and sport models, making them a choice for those who value not only functionality, but also image.

In this article, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of rear-wheel drive cars, how to choose and operate them correctly, and also consider popular models and driving tips. If you are just planning a purchase or already own a rear-wheel drive car, this information will be useful.

What is rear wheel drive and how does it work?

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) Rear-Wheel Drive) is a type of transmission in which torque from the engine is transmitted to the rear axle of the car. Unlike front-wheel drive, where the engine and gearbox are located at the front and the drive goes to the front wheels, in rear-wheel drive models the engine can be located either in the front or in the rear (for example, in some sports cars).

The main elements of a rear-wheel drive transmission:

• 🔧 Engine - a power source, usually located at the front, but can also be at the rear (as in Porsche 911).
• 🔗 Gearbox — transmits torque to the driveshaft.
• 🌀 Cardan shaft — connects the gearbox to the rear axle.
• 🚗 Rear axle — distributes torque between the rear wheels.

The main difference between rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive is the distribution of weight and traction. When accelerating, the rear axle “pushes” the car forward, which improves dynamics, but requires more careful control, especially on slippery surfaces. In front-wheel drive cars, the front wheels both pull and steer, which makes driving easier but reduces maneuverability at high speeds.

Interestingly, the first cars were exclusively rear-wheel drive; front-wheel drive appeared later as a more budget-friendly and compact solution. Today, rear-wheel drive is often found in:

• 🏎️ Sports cars (BMW M5, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan GT-R).
• 🚙 Premium sedans (Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS).
• 🚐 SUVs and pickups (Toyota Land Cruiser 70, Ford F-150).
• 🚕 Commercial vehicles (many trucks and vans).

Advantages of rear-wheel drive cars

Rear-wheel drive has a number of undeniable advantages that make it the preferred choice for certain categories of drivers. The main advantage is better handling and dynamics. Thanks to the separation of functions (the front axle steers, the rear axle pushes), the car behaves more predictably at high speeds and in corners.

Other key benefits:

• 🏁 Better weight distribution - The engine at the front and the drive at the rear create a balanced load on the axles, which improves traction and stability.
• 🔄 More even tire wear — the front wheels do not experience the load of torque transmission, so they last longer.
• 🚀 High power and acceleration — rear-wheel drive is better able to transfer high power to the wheels, which is important for sports and powerful cars.
• 🔧 Simpler design — the absence of CV joints (as in front-wheel drive) simplifies repair and maintenance.
• 💰 Large selection of premium models - many luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar) prefer rear-wheel drive.

The advantages of rear-wheel drive are especially noticeable in the following situations:

• 🏞️ Driving on the highway - better stability at high speeds.
• 🏁 Sports driving — the ability to control drifts (drift).
• 🚛 Cargo transportation — the rear axle copes better with the load (important for pickups and vans).

However, not everything is so simple. For example, in urban environments, rear-wheel drive may be less convenient due to a larger turning radius and poorer maneuverability at low speeds. But for those who value drive and dynamics, these shortcomings are insignificant.

Disadvantages of rear-wheel drive: what to look for

Despite the obvious advantages, rear-wheel drive cars also have significant disadvantages that are important to consider when choosing. The main disadvantage is worse handling on slippery surfaces. When starting or braking suddenly, the rear axle may lose traction, resulting in a skid. This is especially true in winter or on wet roads.

Other significant disadvantages:

• ❄️ Difficulties in winter conditions - Without special tires and driving skills, rear-wheel drive can be dangerous.
• 💨 Higher fuel consumption - due to power loss in the transmission (drive shaft, rear axle).
• 🚗 Less space in the cabin — the driveshaft takes up space under the floor, which reduces ground clearance and trunk volume (in some models).
• 💰 More expensive service — changing the oil in the rear axle and repairing the driveshaft are more expensive than servicing the front drive.
• 🔄 Worse off-road performance — without locking, rear-wheel drive is inferior to full-wheel drive in difficult areas.

These shortcomings are especially critical for beginners. For example, an inexperienced driver can easily lose control of a rear-wheel drive car on ice if he suddenly presses the gas. At the same time, for experienced drivers these features become a plus - they allow you to better “feel” the car and control its behavior.

⚠️ Attention: If you are buying a rear-wheel drive car for the winter, be sure to install quality winter tires with studs or velcro. Even all-wheel drive will not save you from skidding if the tires are “dead.”

One more nuance - insurance price. Many insurance companies consider rear-wheel drive cars to be riskier (due to the possibility of skidding) and may increase rates, especially for younger drivers.

How to choose a rear-wheel drive car: key criteria

If you decide to buy a rear-wheel drive car, it is important to consider not only the make and model, but also technical features that will affect driving comfort and safety. Here are the main selection criteria:

1. Body type and purpose

Rear-wheel drive is not suitable for all types of vehicles. Optimal options:

• 🚗 Sedans and coupes - ideal for high-speed driving (BMW 3 Series, Toyota Crown).
• 🏎️ Sports cars — here rear-wheel drive is practically no alternative (Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z).
• 🚙 SUVs and pickups - if you need load capacity (Toyota Hilux, Nissan Patrol).

Not the best choice are small hatchbacks or crossovers, where rear-wheel drive can impair maneuverability in the city.

2. Engine power

Rear-wheel drive better reveals the potential of powerful engines. If the engine is weak (for example, 1.6 liters), then the advantages of rear-wheel drive will be invisible, but the disadvantages (fuel consumption, difficulties in winter) will remain. The best option is engines from 2.0 liters and above.

3. Availability of electronic assistants

Modern rear-wheel drive cars are equipped with stabilization systems (ESP), traction control (TCS) and distribution of braking forces (EBD). These systems make driving much easier, especially for beginners. When choosing, check if there is:

• 🔄 ESP (Electronic Stability Program) - prevents skidding.
• ❄️ Winter Mode - soft start on slippery roads.
• 🚗 LSD (Limited-Slip Differential) — self-locking differential for better traction.

4. Climatic conditions

If you live in a region with cold winters, give preference to models with:

• 🔥 Heated rear window and mirrors - improves visibility.
• ❄️ All-wheel drive system (optional) - some rear-wheel drive cars can be converted to all-wheel drive (Mercedes 4Matic).
• 🚘 High ground clearance - relevant for snowy regions.

5. Maintenance budget

Rear-wheel drive cars require more attention to:

• 🛠️ Rear axle — oil change every 60–90 thousand km.
• 🔗 Cardan shaft — checking crosspieces and hanging bearings.
• 🚗 Tires - rear tires wear out faster when driving aggressively.

If your budget is limited, choose models with a simple design (for example, Toyota Mark II or Nissan Skyline older generations).

Top 5 rear-wheel drive cars for different tasks

The choice of a rear-wheel drive car depends on your goals: comfortable driving, sports or off-road. We have selected top models in different categories.

Category	Model	Benefits	Price (from)
🏆 The best premium sedan	BMW 5 Series (G30)	Perfect handling, comfort, advanced technology	3 500 000 ₽
🏁 The best sports car	Toyota GR Supra	Lightweight body, powerful engine (3.0 l, 340 hp), precise steering	5 200 000 ₽
🚙 Best SUV	Toyota Land Cruiser 70	Indestructible design, high ground clearance, reliable rear axle	4 800 000 ₽
💰 Best budget option	Lada Granta (rear-wheel drive, rare modification)	Ease of repair, low cost of spare parts, unpretentiousness	800 000 ₽
🚘 Best family car	Lexus GS 350	Reliability, comfort, spacious interior, all-wheel drive optional	3 000 000 ₽

When choosing, pay attention not only to the price, but also to rear axle reliability (for some models it requires frequent repairs) and availability of spare parts. For example, BMW and Mercedes can be expensive to maintain, while Toyota and Lexus known for their survivability.

Which rear-wheel drive cars are better not to buy?

Old American muscle cars (for example, Ford Mustang of the 1970s) - difficult to find spare parts, high fuel consumption. Also avoid rare Japanese models without official support in Russia (for example, Nissan Stagea).

Features of driving a rear-wheel drive car

Driving a rear-wheel drive car is more difficult than a front-wheel drive car, especially in extreme conditions. The main rule is smoothness. Sudden movements of the steering wheel, gas or brakes can lead to skidding. Here are the key tips:

1. Start and acceleration

On slippery roads, avoid sudden pressure on the gas. Better:

• 🚦 Start moving on second gear (if mechanics).
• ❄️ Use winter mode (if any).
• 🔄 Add gas smoothly, avoiding slipping.

2. Braking

When braking, a rear-wheel drive car may “nod off” or go into a skid. To avoid this:

• 🛑 Slow down engine (lower gears on manual transmission).
• ⚠️ Avoid blocking wheels (especially rear ones).
• 🔄 If a skid begins, turn the steering wheel towards the skid and let off the gas.

3. Turns

When cornering, a rear-wheel drive car is prone to excessive agility (the rear axle “goes” outward). To control the car:

• 🏁 Enter the turn at below speedthan with front-wheel drive.
• 🔄 When demolishing the front axle, add gas slightly (this is called “gas steering”).
• 🚗 Avoid sudden steering movements.

For training you can visit autodrome or do drift under the guidance of an instructor. This will help you feel the car better.

⚠️ Attention: If your car is equipped ESP, do not turn it off unless necessary. The system will help you avoid skidding, even if you make a mistake with the controls. It should only be turned off in closed training areas.

Servicing a rear-wheel drive car: what to pay attention to

Rear-wheel drive cars require more careful attention to the transmission. Here are the key points to check regularly:

1. Rear axle and differential

The rear axle is the “heart” of a rear-wheel drive car. It needs to be serviced every 60–90 thousand km:

• 🛢️ Oil change - use only what is recommended by the manufacturer (for example, GL-5 75W-90).
• 🔧 Checking the seals - An oil leak can lead to damage.
• 🔄 Bearing diagnostics — extraneous noises (humming, crunching) indicate wear.

2. Cardan shaft

The cardan transmits torque from the gearbox to the rear axle. Problems with it manifest themselves as:

• 🔊 Vibration at a speed of 60–80 km/h.
• 🛠️ Backlash in the crosses.
• 🚗 Beats when starting or changing gears.

The solution is to replace the crosspieces or the suspension bearing. Average cardan service life - 150–200 thousand km.

3. Suspension

Rear wheel drive cars often have multi-link suspension rear, which is more difficult to maintain than the beam. Check regularly:

• 🔧 Silent blocks — their wear leads to deterioration in controllability.
• 🛠️ Shock absorbers - if the car “squats” when braking, it’s time to change them.
• 🌀 Springs — subsidence worsens the suspension geometry.

4. Tires and wheel alignment

Rear tires on rear-wheel drive cars wear out faster, especially during aggressive driving. Recommendations:

• 🔄 Tire rotation every 10–15 thousand km (move the rear wheels forward and vice versa).
• 📏 Wheel alignment adjustment every 20 thousand km or after impacts.
• ❄️ Winter tires - only studded or friction tires with markings 3PMSF.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear crunch when turning at low speeds, this may be a sign of worn CV joints (in all-wheel drive cars) or problems with the differential (in rear-wheel drive cars). Don't ignore this sound - it can cause jamming!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear-wheel drive cars

🔹 Is it possible to convert a front-wheel drive car to rear-wheel drive?

Technically this is possible, but extremely expensive and inappropriate. You will need:

• Replace the gearbox, driveshaft, rear axle.
• Rework the suspension and braking system.
• Get permission from the traffic police (which is almost impossible).

It is better to immediately buy a rear-wheel drive model.

🔹 Which drive is better for winter: front or rear?

For a beginner front wheel drive is safer — he is less prone to skidding. However, rear-wheel drive ESP and good winter tires can be no worse if the driver is experienced. The main thing is correct tires and careful driving.

🔹 Why are rear-wheel drive cars more expensive to insure?

Insurance companies consider them riskier due to:

• High probability of skidding (especially for inexperienced drivers).
• More engine power (many rear-wheel drive cars are sports cars).
• High cost of repairs (for example, rear axle or driveshaft).

To save money, choose models with stability control (ESP) and install anti-gravel film on the body.

🔹 Is it possible to drift in a rear-wheel drive car without preparation?

No! Drifting requires skills and special training. Without them, you risk:

• Get into an accident (skidding on the road is dangerous for other road users).
• Break the transmission (sudden loads damage the rear axle and clutch).
• Get a fine for dangerous driving.

If you want to learn, sign up for an extreme driving course or visit an indoor racing track.

🔹 Which rear-wheel drive cars are the most reliable?

Japanese and German models lead in reliability:

• Toyota Mark II / Chaser - simple design, durable engine.
• Nissan Skyline (R34) — legendary reliability (with proper maintenance).
• BMW E39 (5 Series) — one of the most reliable German sedans.
• Lexus GS — premium reliability with minimal repair costs.

Budget options you can consider Volga GAZ-24 (if retro style doesn’t scare you) or Lada Granta with rear-wheel drive (rare modification).