Why do FWD cars have higher offsets?

[R6_240sx]

I'm bored as hell and I saw someone with this question that I was also curious about.

I know that the term FWD and RWD offsets is a saying because back when they started saying it most FWD cars had positive offsets and most RWD cars had lower offsets (e.g. 0 offset) compared to FWD cars. I also know its a saying because a lot of RWD cars today have FWD offsets... such as a 240.

What I'm curious about is why FWD cars had higher offsets?

I'm pretty sure I have a good idea as it might relate to scrub radius and how higher offsets decrease scrub radius which decreases torque steer, and this is good for FWD cars.

I maybe completely wrong. I need some confirmation or enlightenment. Thanks.

[yokota180sx]

um....its because more FWD cars hubs stuck further out than RWD

[R6_240sx]

LOL yeah that makes sense, but is there a reason the hubs stick out further?

[adrianfromthecastle]

not sure, but I'm guessing its due to the driveshaft clearance??

[AmoebAssassin]

Scrub radius reduction is correct, however not the complete answer.

Although scrub radius is bad on FWD cars, as it causes the driver to experience a higher magnitude of torque steer at the steering wheel, some scrub radius is needed to transmit steering feedback to the driver.

Another reason FWD hubs stick out so far is to reduce the angularity in the CV joints of the driveshaft. If the driveshafts were shorter, then for a given wheel movement, the angle that the driveshaft would be at would be larger than with a longer driveshaft. Operating CV joints at high angles causes increased CV joint wear, so the hubs poke out farther to allow for longer axles.

[redtop91]

I'm officially confused now. Thanks Neel. LOL.

[R6_240sx]

You are suspension god. I knew you would come here and answer my question.

[bone_stock_240]

Ah perfect, thanks! I had a feeling it had to do with scrub radius and torque steer, but I didn't think about the CV joints at all.