what do you answer to people saying rear propulsion cars suck

[Mordan]

in a BMW context

[Russell]

Rear propulsion cars. LOL. Like the Jetsons!

Seriously, rear wheel drive cars just handle different than front wheel drive cars. Is this why some will say that rear wheel drive cars suck? Perhaps they mean in rainy, icy or snowy weather. Hard to tell from your post.

[RallyD]

depending on how technical their understanding is I would have to say that tires have X amount of grip. That grip can be used either laterally (cornering) or radially (propulsion). Driving the front wheels limits the amount of grip as it needs to be divided between turning, accelerating, and braking. It also tends to bias the vehicle weight towards the front, making a 50/50 weight distribution nearly impossible.
A rear drive vehicle uses the front wheels predominately for turning/braking and rear wheels for accelerating/braking thus allowing more of the tires grip to be used before slip is induced.

if they don't get it then I tell them that FWD just plain sucks, it is boring and you can't do proper donuts. FWD is great for inexperienced drivers because if you push the car too hard it will plow, let off and it is easily recovered. However it just doesn't give me the driving pleasure of RWD.

If theire opinion of BMW rear drive is based on foul weather experience then the car was most likely not fitted with proper tires. My 5er is a blast in the snow with narrow grippy tires, forget about it with the 9" sport wheels/ all season rubber.

[Mordan]

My 5er is a blast in the snow with narrow grippy tires, forget about it with the 9" sport wheels/ all season rubber.

thx all for the answers.

what are the specs of your snow tires for the 5er?

[whiskychaser]

what are the specs of your snow tires for the 5er?

Same tyres as when it doesnt snow. You guys must live a long way off a bus route

[RallyD]

what are the specs of your snow tires for the 5er?

conti winter contact 205/60/15 on bottlecap wheels

[NielsGalan]

I saw a BMW ad once that read:

"If you want front wheel drive, just put it in reverse."

That should shut anyone up :-)

[repenttokyo]

If theire opinion of BMW rear drive is based on foul weather experience then the car was most likely not fitted with proper tires. My 5er is a blast in the snow with narrow grippy tires, forget about it with the 9" sport wheels/ all season rubber.

I've ICE RACED my 5er on good winters. And blown past Scoobies in winter rally in whiteout conditions (driving via maps / timing / gps.)

[whiskychaser]

in a BMW context

Tell them FWD cars understeer, chew up front tyres and suffer from axle tramp. BMWs on the other hand are perfectly balanced driving machines.
Dont mention snow though!!

[Ross]

And they suck why?
Front drive's only justification, other than packaging, is having the weight of the engine over the drive wheels for better FORWARD traction in snow. A rear drive, rear/mid engine car accomplishes the same thing with the added benefit of being able to A. Steer while drive wheels are spinning B. Control steering angle with the throttle.
Typically these gripes come from inexperienced drivers with summer tires complaining about poor winter traction.
If I could afford to I'd buy 'em all a Camry to shut the **** up.