Vehicles have different forms of drive that allow their wheels to perform actions with varying levels of power. The all-wheel drive involves all four wheels, while front-wheel drive consists of only the front two, and rear-wheel drive employs the back two. Sports cars commonly use rear-wheel drive to support their unique functions.
What Is Rear-Wheel Drive?
Rear-wheel drive on a vehicle is an engine and transmission layout that delivers power specifically to the back wheels. As the rear wheels push the car forward, the front wheels maneuver through the roads. The location of the engine can vary between the front, middle, or rear of a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.
The Benefits of Rear-Wheel Drive on Sports Cars
Most sports cars are rear-wheel drive due to the necessary maneuverability required due to their speed. The amount of horsepower constantly supplied through the vehicle makes a sports car move faster than most vehicles.
For example, a Tesla with a Tesla body kit will need better control to match its aerodynamics and speed. The fast rate of speed requires the front tires to have the sole responsibility of turning and direction. If the front wheels had the amount of power that the back wheels had, the driver wouldn't have the control required to properly maneuver the car.
Rear-Wheel Drive in Sports Car Manufacturing
Depending on the engine and transmission, the engine's weight may put more pressure on specific areas of the vehicle. Most sports cars are rear-wheel drive since they need an evenly distributed weight. A front-wheel drive has the engine supply power to the front wheels and not connected to the back, which puts more weight on the front part of the vehicle; sports cars will have a more challenging time staying stable when performing sharp turns at fast speeds if they were weighed down in the front.
Meanwhile, the rear-wheel drive has a longitudinal engine connected to the workings of the rear wheels via the driveshaft. The weight distributes appropriately, and the car will have sufficient maneuverability at higher speeds.
The use of rear wheel-drive in sports cars is essential to maintain their ability to drive fast with excellent mobility. If you ever look for a sports car, make sure it has rear-wheel drive to ensure the best performance on the road.