The mini started the move in volume from RWD to FWD cars and with the exception of prestige/sports cars, front wheel drive is now the norm.
Why, might you ask? -cheaper to manufacture -cheaper to assemble
FWD has meant a the trimming down of engine transmission & transaxle weight which in turn has shortened life expectancy
Just take one engine design parameter......engine.
a lighter engine means more aluminium, more plastic,. lower engine height-shorter stroke-shorter con rod length and V6s in lieu of straight 6s
While electronics have added to fuel metering, valve timing EGR etc the fundamental design of the low height engine needed due to steering gear & transaxle etc. means: -Higher cylinder wear & piston wear due short con rods -heavier pistons due to short con rods -more vibration due to extra side pressure of piston against cylinder side wall -V6s having 4 main Bearings while a straight 6 has 7 mains
Front wheel drive vehicles have better traction due to the powertrain being over the front wheels but that comes with handling downside of understeer .
Of course RWD have less passenger comfort Trans/propshaft tunnelling .
Perhaps some car specialists would like to comment on the merits/demerits of FWD vs RWD?
