Our Mechanic Explains Drivetrains
Back when autos were first invented, they were called ‘horseless carriages.’
Perhaps this was to show that the type of propulsion had now changed from the pulling of horses to the torque generated by an engine.
In a car, chemical energy in the fuel is converted to mechanical energy at the wheels. This is done via two systems. The internal combustion engine is responsible for changing gas into movement. The transmission relays this movement to the wheels in the most efficient way possible. Today, your favorite mechanics in Pompano Beach are going to take a look at the different ways the transmission drives the wheels.
Historically… (Rear Wheel Drive)
Before your favorite mechanics in Pompano Beach opened Foreign Affairs Motorwerks (which is a long time ago).
Early vehicles drove the car through the back wheels. The reason they were designed this way was twofold.
Firstly, the engine, transmission, and differential could all be placed in one line down the middle of the auto body. This was the most efficient way of using space at the time; early engines and transmissions were big and heavy. Since the drive and the steering systems were separated, tires would wear evenly and there was more space to accommodate the developing suspension and steering systems.
This configuration is still in use today in some performance vehicles (like BMW) as it is believed to give superior handling characteristics. Another place you may spot it in the wild is in pickup trucks. The reason being that providing the driving force directly under the main axle load proves to be more stable.
Conventionally (Front-Wheel Drive)
In the late 1950s there was this engineer called Alec Issigonis, who was tasked with designing a new, spacious, compact, and economic passenger vehicle. He took a look at the drivetrain layout we were just discussing and asked… ‘can’t I fit it all in the front?’ What this meant was that instead of having the length of the vehicle to accommodate everything, he was limited to using only the width.
Enter the BMC Mini, and front-wheel drive was here to stay. Not only was the format more efficient and less noisy but it also proved to be cheaper and better at utilizing space. Sir (as he later became) Alec’s design was soon the defacto standard of the econobox or city car and remains so until today.
Exotically (All Wheel Drive)
In the early 1980s a relatively new kid on the block called Audi began to dominate the rally car scene. They had invented a new drive system called ‘quattro’. Sure, Jeep, Land Rover, and Toyota all had four-wheel drive vehicles available at the time, but they were big and bulky SUVs.
Four-wheel drive was something that you had to stop to engage. In some cases, it even required a special tool to lock the wheel hubs. Audi’s system shrunk all that, automatized it, and stuck it into a passenger car. Not to mention the firecracker 2.1l turbo motor that they mated it to. In the performance car arena, it was quite clear that all-wheel drive was the way to go.
Why is it so much better than the two systems we have previously discussed? The answer is in handling. There is only so much power you can send to any wheel at any given time before it will start to slip and spin. When this happens power and torque are wasted, and the driver can even lose control of the auto. What if you have four wheels to choose from? Suddenly there are many different combinations of power and torque that can be provided to four different areas simultaneously. The result? Ultimate traction, as Lancia proved with their Integrale.
Which Car is Best For Me?
Hey Mr. Pompano Beach Mechanic, which system is best for me? It depends. Are you looking for ultimate on-road performance with good gravel handling? Then you are probably looking for an all-wheel drive system. Just bear in mind that because they are inherently more complex, so their maintenance costs are higher.
If you are looking for the best gas mileage, love the Toyota Prius, and believe the future is bicycles, what are you doing reading this blog? Just kidding… A front-wheel-drive vehicle is for you, or better yet, get a Tesla which is essentially all-wheel drive (but a completely different discussion).
Do you love drifting, or driving on the edge of control? Then rear-wheel drive could have been made for you. What we’re trying to say is although all these systems are radically different from each other we love and understand each one. No matter what foreign vehicle you drive, our ASE-certified mechanics in Pompano Beach team are there to help and advice.
The Best Choice for Mechanics in Pompano Beach
Foreign Affairs Motorwerks has long been the mechanic of choice for Pompano Beach auto-enthusiasts. With a knowledgeable team and attention to detail, we’re always the first choice. If you are having issues with your drivetrain, or anything else on your car, contact us today at 954-746-0488 to schedule a check-up!