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The vast majority of automobiles have the engine in the front. This is the most practical way to build a vehicle, especially in terms of cost. However, it is not the only location where we can see an engine. In many sports cars, the powerplant is placed in the rear or even in the middle to achieve better performance.
The engine position is usually related to how the rest of the vehicle is configured. It also has a lot to do with the axle that drives the traction, since the relationship between the block’s position and the wheels is very notable. In this article, we will talk about all the positions where we can find an engine and how it affects both the performance and handling of the machine.
Front engine: Pros and cons
Front-mounted engines are the most common engine location. Consequently, front-wheel drive cars are also the most common.
This location is truly practical. The front engine is the easiest to work on. In addition, placing the powerplant in the front allows for wider cabins and leaves more space for passengers.
Although a front-engine vehicle may be limited for spirited driving, front-engine cars are at such a performance disadvantage that many high-performance car manufacturers reserve them for their lower-end models or omit them entirely. The reasons are as follows:
- Difficulty in getting power to the rear axle: in rear-wheel drive vehicles like BMWs or all-wheel drive, part of the engine’s power and torque are wasted having to carry the movement to the rear axle.
- Worse braking capacity: since the car’s weight shifts forward when the car decelerates, giving it an extra push in the unwanted direction.
- Weight imbalance: a front engine causes most of the vehicle’s weight to be concentrated in the front. This can make the car less balanced, especially at high speeds or during quick maneuvers, and can result in lower handling capacity.
- Tendency to understeer and limited performance in corners: the greater weight in the front causes the vehicle to tend to push wide. When driving sportily, it is preferable to suffer the opposite problem (oversteer), since it can be compensated for with some skill at the steering wheel.
Rear engine: Advantages and disadvantages
A rear-mounted engine basically means that the engine is located in what we consider the trunk area. It is a popular design for sports cars because placing the power source behind the rear axle increases acceleration and braking capacity. As is usually logical, these engines take advantage of their proximity to the rear axle to drive the rear wheels —or provide the vehicle with all-wheel drive—.
Acceleration might seem counterintuitive. After all, the car essentially needs a big push from behind to get going, and that’s where all the weight is based. But that weight also rests on the rear tires, which improves tire traction.
Due to the nature of the design, rear-engine cars tend to be considerably smaller than an average passenger vehicle. That size advantage will improve handling as well.
On the other hand, there is a specific handling drawback: rear-wheel-drive cars are prone to a type of slide known as oversteer. Oversteer is when the rear of the car slides out of line with the front, causing a fish-tailing effect. Oversteer can be difficult to control, especially in adverse weather conditions, but many weekend track warriors seem to enjoy the effect. However, experienced drivers usually learn to keep it in check. This is one of the reasons why it is often said that front-wheel-drive cars are driven, and rear-wheel-drive vehicles are piloted.
Mid-engine. Strengths and weaknesses
Mid-engine cars are the least common configuration of the three, but they have the engine in “the optimal location,” according to many experts.
In these types of cars, the engine is placed just in front of the rear axle. That is because, in addition to the proximity of a mid-mounted engine to the rear wheels, this design also allows the car to achieve ideal weight distribution, center of gravity, and traction. When the car’s weight is centered, the wheels will not become unbalanced by having to deal with extra weight, and the car can be steered with more precision.
These are factors that the average driver probably never thinks about, but they can make a big difference when going through tight corners on a track.
Of course, it’s not all advantages. Besides these cars being the least common, there is also a long list of disadvantages:
- Limited interior space: mid-engine cars often offer less interior space for passengers and luggage. This is because the engine, located between the cabin space and the trunk, takes up a considerable amount of space.
- Difficulty of access to the engine: The engine in a mid-engine vehicle can be harder to access for maintenance and repair tasks. This can increase the costs and time required for vehicle maintenance.
- Heat and noise: mid-engine automobiles can sometimes have issues with engine heat and noise, as it is located closer to the passenger compartment. This can result in a less comfortable ride for passengers.
- Higher production and sales cost: mid-engine vehicles are usually more expensive to produce due to the added design complexity. This translates to higher retail prices, which can be a deterrent for some buyers.
- Lower rear visibility: due to the engine’s location, these vehicles can present limited rear visibility. This can make parking maneuvers and reversing difficult.