The mini started the move in volume from RWD to FWD cars and...

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?