driving skills: RWD v. FWD

[fiznat]

This spring Ill be buying my first RWD car (s14 240), and I'm wondering what kind of differences I can expect as far as handling/necessary driving techniques from the FWD cars I learned on and have been driving for years. A lot of people say they "handle alot better," all that- but I've also heard some things about how rear ends tend to slide out on corners if you go to fast... etc... maybe that's good for drifters, but not for me on my way to work! So yeah- what kind of changes can I expect- and is there anything I should know for when I switch over?

[northstar ninja]

fwd= better in inclimate weather... rwd = more fun any other time... yeah you gotta watch for torque steer (i think thats the technical term) so basically if youre on the gas too much thru a turn, the car will turn too much (oversteer) in a rwd car as opposed to ploeing thru the turn cuz the car wont turn (fwd)... thats the best i can explain it ...

[drifter]

RWD also allows for a better launch off the line...there's actually a lot of info on RWD, just search for it.

[stunt_driver]

if you go to fast in a turn and the rear end is trying to over come the front just steer the opposite way and you wont do a donut you would just follow threw the turn thats why RWD are hella FUN!! also the FWD layout it sucks in corners people just say they handle better because one they never driven a rwd or they have driven and are to scared to go in a turn faster knowing they would do a donut or slide around and also from may exp the exit speeds from a corner the rwd kicks the fwd ***

[Mayhem_J30]

for rwd the oversteer feeling is a scary one, compared to understeer. fiznat if you don't want that scary oversteer(assuming you don't want to get used to it.) don't start putting on aftermarket RSWB's as they will almost induce oversteer. Keep the rear bar soft and it'll stick. If on dry pavement it's probably not a worrysome problem unless you're pushing it HARD. But always keep it in the back of your mind what you're driving when in rain and ESPECIALLY SNOW!

[stickgoat]

RWD is so much better for weight transfer.

They're better for launching and acceleration, of course, because when you hit the gas, the weight shifts to the rear wheels. RWD has the advantage of this weight going right over the drive wheels...whereas FWD has the weight shifting off of them.

That same logic also explains why RWD is better for handling and allows for quicker acceleration out of corners.

I much prefer RWD to FWD.

[ESPER]

well i have an option video and i havent seen it in a while, but it is a FF special. i remember though being mentioned is that the FF can turn into a corner deeper than a FR. and how FF doesnt have to "bow down" before the might of FR!! heheh ff and fr drivers should just get alon1! :cuddle ahah

[ESPER]

BUT, $WD is the weakest!!! heheeh NO FUN!! driver does less, lets car do all work ahah :rant

[wingzero]

I gotta agree with esper. we all know Rwd cars are more fun, but that doesn't mean fwd cars are crap. I take my civic road racing occasionally and she can hold her own. although I'm sure my silvia would perform better, just from messing around on the street, I have yet to take her to the track. if only it would stop raining.........

[SpeeDDrifT]

plain and simple......in the hands of a capable driver FR is better.however a FR car takes a better understanding of the fundamentals of driving in order to preform at exceptional levels.

there is a reason "real" performance cars are not made FF.