R50/53 is MC a FWD?
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
bleeblah,
Aloha and welcome to MCO,
FWD means that the power to the wheels comes from the front as opposed to the rear axle. Sort of a pulling of the car as opposed to a pushing of the car. It also means that the weight distribution for the car is a bit different roughly 60/40, heavier in the front where the engine is. Whereas in a Rear wheel drive car the weight distribution can be more 50/50.
Many of the modern import cars are FWD. Many of the traditional sports cars are RWD.
AWD or four wheel drive means that power is supplied to all four wheels- common in some SUVs and in some Subaru and Audi cars. Lots of traction to the wheels- good for snow and mud and for climbing but kinda complicated and heavy and not so great with gas mileage- also adds to the cost of purchase and maintenance.
Aloha and welcome to MCO,
FWD means that the power to the wheels comes from the front as opposed to the rear axle. Sort of a pulling of the car as opposed to a pushing of the car. It also means that the weight distribution for the car is a bit different roughly 60/40, heavier in the front where the engine is. Whereas in a Rear wheel drive car the weight distribution can be more 50/50.
Many of the modern import cars are FWD. Many of the traditional sports cars are RWD.
AWD or four wheel drive means that power is supplied to all four wheels- common in some SUVs and in some Subaru and Audi cars. Lots of traction to the wheels- good for snow and mud and for climbing but kinda complicated and heavy and not so great with gas mileage- also adds to the cost of purchase and maintenance.
Trending Topics
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
don't think a more fun to drive fwd car exists....
Another possible contender for the most fun fwd is the Lotus Elan of the early 1990s. The "squashed bread roll" model. Wicked grip and F A S T.
Another possible contender for the most fun fwd is the Lotus Elan of the early 1990s. The "squashed bread roll" model. Wicked grip and F A S T.
Coordinator :: Sin City MINI Club & AMVIV
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Sorry Rocketboy, the Mini wasn't the 1st FWD car. It was, however the 1st to integrate the gearbox and engine into 1 unit, sharing oil, and it was the 1st transverse ("east-west"
engined car. And it was the 1st car I owned. 
engined car. And it was the 1st car I owned. 
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, PA
Aloha Minihune,
But might I question part of your answer here?
>>FWD means that the power to the wheels comes from the front as opposed to the rear axle. Sort of a pulling of the car as opposed to a pushing of the car. It also means that the weight distribution for the car is a bit different roughly 60/40, heavier in the front where the engine is. Whereas in a Rear wheel drive car the weight distribution can be more 50/50.
>>
If rear wheel drive cars were more 50/50, WHY would they have ever developed mid-engine cars for better front/rear weight distribution.
Now I'm guessing at numbers here and painting with a broad stroke ... but I'd say it is more likely that a FWD is more like 70/30 or 80/20 front rear and a RWD is more like 60/40 front rear ... but a mid-engine is closest to 50/50.
Also advantages vs. disadvantages of FWD ....
Now I've heard that one of the biggest reasons BMW has never built one before is that RWD seems to inherently make more sense in a performance vehicle. As soon as you launch a FWD car you begin to take weight OFF the drive wheels leading to more wheel spin. However, a RWD car shifts the weight ONTO the drive wheels when applying power, adding, instead of robbing traction.
FWD cars with unequal length driveshafts will also experience torque steer.
FWD cars with transverse engines tend to be more crowded underhood, placing things like belts and pulleys in the wheel well where access is more difficult.
But, all that said, the Mini has got to be one of the most capable and fun to drive FWD sports cars out there, especially for the money.....
_________________
She let's me drive her MCS (which is good, cause I gave it to her as a wedding present)!!!
Our Baby? - she's an 03 Elect Blue (white roof/wheels) MCS, w/ all the toys (premium, cold, h/k, Nav, xenon, fogs etc) !
But might I question part of your answer here?
>>FWD means that the power to the wheels comes from the front as opposed to the rear axle. Sort of a pulling of the car as opposed to a pushing of the car. It also means that the weight distribution for the car is a bit different roughly 60/40, heavier in the front where the engine is. Whereas in a Rear wheel drive car the weight distribution can be more 50/50.
>>
If rear wheel drive cars were more 50/50, WHY would they have ever developed mid-engine cars for better front/rear weight distribution.
Now I'm guessing at numbers here and painting with a broad stroke ... but I'd say it is more likely that a FWD is more like 70/30 or 80/20 front rear and a RWD is more like 60/40 front rear ... but a mid-engine is closest to 50/50.
Also advantages vs. disadvantages of FWD ....
Now I've heard that one of the biggest reasons BMW has never built one before is that RWD seems to inherently make more sense in a performance vehicle. As soon as you launch a FWD car you begin to take weight OFF the drive wheels leading to more wheel spin. However, a RWD car shifts the weight ONTO the drive wheels when applying power, adding, instead of robbing traction.
FWD cars with unequal length driveshafts will also experience torque steer.
FWD cars with transverse engines tend to be more crowded underhood, placing things like belts and pulleys in the wheel well where access is more difficult.
But, all that said, the Mini has got to be one of the most capable and fun to drive FWD sports cars out there, especially for the money.....
_________________
She let's me drive her MCS (which is good, cause I gave it to her as a wedding present)!!!
Our Baby? - she's an 03 Elect Blue (white roof/wheels) MCS, w/ all the toys (premium, cold, h/k, Nav, xenon, fogs etc) !
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: bristow va
MINI almost has to be front wheel drive the original one essencially invented it... and my other question is.. after sayign WELCOME to MCO.. is why did you coem here frist.. the MINIUSA.com site has an aweful llot of information well layed out if you haven't been ther gone over teh specs and built a version of the mini, then you need to.. I can't imagine soemone would have to ask that questionon a forum site first.. etherway, glad ou did welceom again, and enjoy a new mini if you get one.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
>>MINI almost has to be front wheel drive the original one essencially invented it...
1930's Citroen Avant Traction
1930's Cord 812
1920's Miller Indianapolis Race Cars
All FWD, all predating the Mini by at least 20 yrs.
The Mini made FWD extremely popular, and as space utilization was Alec Issigonis' primary motivation FWD was mandatory in his design.
1930's Citroen Avant Traction
1930's Cord 812
1920's Miller Indianapolis Race Cars
All FWD, all predating the Mini by at least 20 yrs.
The Mini made FWD extremely popular, and as space utilization was Alec Issigonis' primary motivation FWD was mandatory in his design.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: No Cal USA
>>Aloha Minihune,
>>
>>But might I question part of your answer here?
>>
>>>>FWD means that the power to the wheels comes from the front as opposed to the rear axle. Sort of a pulling of the car as opposed to a pushing of the car. It also means that the weight distribution for the car is a bit different roughly 60/40, heavier in the front where the engine is. Whereas in a Rear wheel drive car the weight distribution can be more 50/50.
>>>>
>>
>>If rear wheel drive cars were more 50/50, WHY would they have ever developed mid-engine cars for better front/rear weight distribution.
>>
>>Now I'm guessing at numbers here and painting with a broad stroke ... but I'd say it is more likely that a FWD is more like 70/30 or 80/20 front rear and a RWD is more like 60/40 front rear ... but a mid-engine is closest to 50/50.
>>
>>Also advantages vs. disadvantages of FWD ....
>>
>>Now I've heard that one of the biggest reasons BMW has never built one before is that RWD seems to inherently make more sense in a performance vehicle. As soon as you launch a FWD car you begin to take weight OFF the drive wheels leading to more wheel spin. However, a RWD car shifts the weight ONTO the drive wheels when applying power, adding, instead of robbing traction.
>>
There are a lot of "RICERS" in sports compact in the 10-11sec E.T. at the drags.
>>FWD cars with unequal length driveshafts will also experience torque steer.
>>
The mini has the least torque steer of any FWD car.
>>FWD cars with transverse engines tend to be more crowded underhood, placing things like belts and pulleys in the wheel well where access is more difficult.
>>
One belt = no prob
>>But, all that said, the Mini has got to be one of the most capable and fun to drive FWD sports cars out there, especially for the money.....
>>
>>_________________
>>She let's me drive her MCS (which is good, cause I gave it to her as a wedding present)!!!
>>
>>Our Baby? - she's an 03 Elect Blue (white roof/wheels) MCS, w/ all the toys (premium, cold, h/k, Nav, xenon, fogs etc) !
>>
>>But might I question part of your answer here?
>>
>>>>FWD means that the power to the wheels comes from the front as opposed to the rear axle. Sort of a pulling of the car as opposed to a pushing of the car. It also means that the weight distribution for the car is a bit different roughly 60/40, heavier in the front where the engine is. Whereas in a Rear wheel drive car the weight distribution can be more 50/50.
>>>>
>>
>>If rear wheel drive cars were more 50/50, WHY would they have ever developed mid-engine cars for better front/rear weight distribution.
>>
>>Now I'm guessing at numbers here and painting with a broad stroke ... but I'd say it is more likely that a FWD is more like 70/30 or 80/20 front rear and a RWD is more like 60/40 front rear ... but a mid-engine is closest to 50/50.
>>
>>Also advantages vs. disadvantages of FWD ....
>>
>>Now I've heard that one of the biggest reasons BMW has never built one before is that RWD seems to inherently make more sense in a performance vehicle. As soon as you launch a FWD car you begin to take weight OFF the drive wheels leading to more wheel spin. However, a RWD car shifts the weight ONTO the drive wheels when applying power, adding, instead of robbing traction.
>>
There are a lot of "RICERS" in sports compact in the 10-11sec E.T. at the drags.
>>FWD cars with unequal length driveshafts will also experience torque steer.
>>
The mini has the least torque steer of any FWD car.
>>FWD cars with transverse engines tend to be more crowded underhood, placing things like belts and pulleys in the wheel well where access is more difficult.
>>
One belt = no prob
>>But, all that said, the Mini has got to be one of the most capable and fun to drive FWD sports cars out there, especially for the money.....
>>
>>_________________
>>She let's me drive her MCS (which is good, cause I gave it to her as a wedding present)!!!
>>
>>Our Baby? - she's an 03 Elect Blue (white roof/wheels) MCS, w/ all the toys (premium, cold, h/k, Nav, xenon, fogs etc) !
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
For quick and easy answers on Specs & Features I go to http://www.Edmunds.com. They also have a great long-term review of the MINI.
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Weight distribution will vary some for each car FWD vs midengine vs RWD.
According to this review
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/mini...ontent...MINI*
the MINI's weight distribution is 63/37.
compared to the rear wheel drive 2001 Mazda Miata in this review
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/mazd...ntent...Mazda*
with nearly 50/50 weight distribution.
You can look up your favorite mid-engine car and compare but each car will handle a bit different which is fine.
Having the engine in the front or rear doesn't always mean that is where all the weight is to be- depends alot on design and the intent of use of the car.
According to this review
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/mini...ontent...MINI*
the MINI's weight distribution is 63/37.
compared to the rear wheel drive 2001 Mazda Miata in this review
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/mazd...ntent...Mazda*
with nearly 50/50 weight distribution.
You can look up your favorite mid-engine car and compare but each car will handle a bit different which is fine.
Having the engine in the front or rear doesn't always mean that is where all the weight is to be- depends alot on design and the intent of use of the car.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, PA
Minihuni,
Don't get me wrong, I was not saying there aren't decent FWD ricers making impressive 1/4 mile times (not that I particularly care about drag racing)... however, I was pointing out an engineering difference (a disadvantage) that FWD vehicles need to overcome.
As for the crowding of the underhood components, give me a break ... one belt does NOT equal no problem. Generally speaking FWD cars are more of a PIA to work on, and the little time I've spent under the hood of the Mini does not lead me to believe it will be any different (again, it is a trade-off, space saved in the passenger compartment without needing a large transmission tunnel has to come from somewhere).
Yes, the driveshaft layout of the Mini works well to all but eliminate torque steer... but again, it is a design issue that FWD vehicle need to contend with.
Minihune,
Thanks for the reply. I'm surprised at the Miata weight distribution numbers, or maybe I should say impressed. It shouldn't surprise me that the Miata or the Mini have such good numbers as evidenced by their handling (and assisted by their relatively short wheelbases). However, that doesn't change the fact that, in general, FWD cars have a more forward weight bias...than a RWD and that a mid-engine should in theory be generally closer to balanced. Not that the talented engineers haven't come up with exceptions... can you agree with that?
Don't get me wrong, I was not saying there aren't decent FWD ricers making impressive 1/4 mile times (not that I particularly care about drag racing)... however, I was pointing out an engineering difference (a disadvantage) that FWD vehicles need to overcome.
As for the crowding of the underhood components, give me a break ... one belt does NOT equal no problem. Generally speaking FWD cars are more of a PIA to work on, and the little time I've spent under the hood of the Mini does not lead me to believe it will be any different (again, it is a trade-off, space saved in the passenger compartment without needing a large transmission tunnel has to come from somewhere).
Yes, the driveshaft layout of the Mini works well to all but eliminate torque steer... but again, it is a design issue that FWD vehicle need to contend with.
Minihune,
Thanks for the reply. I'm surprised at the Miata weight distribution numbers, or maybe I should say impressed. It shouldn't surprise me that the Miata or the Mini have such good numbers as evidenced by their handling (and assisted by their relatively short wheelbases). However, that doesn't change the fact that, in general, FWD cars have a more forward weight bias...than a RWD and that a mid-engine should in theory be generally closer to balanced. Not that the talented engineers haven't come up with exceptions... can you agree with that?
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, PA
>>YES! Any further answers are a waste of everyone's time. Let's move on.
Sorry, but I guess some of us figured that if someone asked a question that basic, perhaps they (or others) would appreciate understanding what FWD means (other than the fact that the drive wheels are in the front)...
Sorry, but I guess some of us figured that if someone asked a question that basic, perhaps they (or others) would appreciate understanding what FWD means (other than the fact that the drive wheels are in the front)...
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
From: Austin,Texas
Oh, I liked the part about MINI being "the 1st to integrate the gearbox and engine into 1 unit, sharing oil, and it was the 1st transverse ("east-west" engined car. And it was the 1st car I owned. " ...
I love hearing about things like this.
Where else could I learn this?
I love history and trivia.
This was a little of both!
engined car. And it was the 1st car I owned. " ... I love hearing about things like this.
Where else could I learn this?
I love history and trivia.
This was a little of both!
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
>> why did you coem here frist.. the MINIUSA.com site has an aweful llot of information
If you go to Yahoo and do a search on Mini Cooper, MCO is the first forum listed, number 7 overall (the first 6 are commercial sites). I think that's how I originally found it. Maybe he wanted to talk to enthusiasts first.
If you go to Yahoo and do a search on Mini Cooper, MCO is the first forum listed, number 7 overall (the first 6 are commercial sites). I think that's how I originally found it. Maybe he wanted to talk to enthusiasts first.
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>Minihuni,
>>Don't get me wrong, I was not saying there aren't decent FWD ricers making impressive 1/4 mile times (not that I particularly care about drag racing)... however, I was pointing out an engineering difference (a disadvantage) that FWD vehicles need to overcome.
Agreed.
>>Minihune,
>>
>>Thanks for the reply. I'm surprised at the Miata weight distribution numbers, or maybe I should say impressed. It shouldn't surprise me that the Miata or the Mini have such good numbers as evidenced by their handling (and assisted by their relatively short wheelbases). However, that doesn't change the fact that, in general, FWD cars have a more forward weight bias...than a RWD and that a mid-engine should in theory be generally closer to balanced. Not that the talented engineers haven't come up with exceptions... can you agree with that?
Sure, I agree. I'm not after those "average" cars. I like the exceptional ones and I think the MINI is one of those.
My wife wanted to buy a Camry and I wanted a MCS. Is that a dilemma or what?
Tough decision- it's a third car. I bought the first Indy blue MCS I could find.
End of discussion.
>>Don't get me wrong, I was not saying there aren't decent FWD ricers making impressive 1/4 mile times (not that I particularly care about drag racing)... however, I was pointing out an engineering difference (a disadvantage) that FWD vehicles need to overcome.
Agreed.
>>Minihune,
>>
>>Thanks for the reply. I'm surprised at the Miata weight distribution numbers, or maybe I should say impressed. It shouldn't surprise me that the Miata or the Mini have such good numbers as evidenced by their handling (and assisted by their relatively short wheelbases). However, that doesn't change the fact that, in general, FWD cars have a more forward weight bias...than a RWD and that a mid-engine should in theory be generally closer to balanced. Not that the talented engineers haven't come up with exceptions... can you agree with that?
Sure, I agree. I'm not after those "average" cars. I like the exceptional ones and I think the MINI is one of those.
My wife wanted to buy a Camry and I wanted a MCS. Is that a dilemma or what?
Tough decision- it's a third car. I bought the first Indy blue MCS I could find.
End of discussion.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
danielmini
1st Gen Countryman (R60) Talk (2010-2015)
34
Oct 20, 2015 02:09 PM
dominicminicoopers
Off-Topic :: Autos
90
Dec 21, 2005 01:08 PM