What is the purpose of having the engine in the back of the car, and why do only sports cars have it there?
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Cars can be driven by their front wheels, back wheels, or both. Front wheels tend to be safer – especially for inexperienced drivers – as it allows for generally easier control. However, front wheel drive have a major downside. It has worse traction, which makes it worse in muddy or icy conditions, as well as racing. As such, many vehicles may be rear or all-wheel drives. Sporty cars especially like to be RWD.
Wherever the engine is, there’s a lot of weight. Whatever wheels have more weight have better traction. This means that an FWD car wants the engine in the front and an RWD car wants it in the back.
Additionally, an engine near the back can fly forward and crush the cabin (and the people inside) during an accident if the car is not built very sturdily.
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