The main disadvantages of rear-wheel drive (RWD) include poor traction control, increased weight, higher cost, reduced interior space, and greater handling difficulty. In severe weather or on slippery roads, RWD vehicles exhibit poor traction performance, are prone to slipping or oversteering, which is particularly noticeable in snowy or rough road conditions. Due to the need for a driveshaft to connect the engine and the rear axle, the vehicle's weight increases, and the manufacturing cost is also higher than that of front-wheel drive models, partly due to structural complexity and the need for additional components. For interior space, the transmission tunnel encroaches on the cockpit and boot space, affecting riding comfort and practicality. There is an efficiency loss during power transmission due to the presence of the driveshaft, and fuel economy is slightly inferior to that of front-wheel drive models. Despite these drawbacks, RWD is still favored by some car enthusiasts for its precise handling and driving pleasure, and it is particularly common in performance cars and sports cars.
