Transmissions - Manual or Automatic?
Manufacturers don't offer many manual transmissions anymore, at least not in North America. Some people (like myself) find that a car with a clutch and standard shift is infinitely more fun to drive and offers better control in slippery situations. The downside to a manually-equipped model is their strikingly low resale value (usually 20% to 30% less than comparable automatics). However, a low resale value benefits you if you want to buy a used stick-shift.
I don't recommend buying a stick if the bulk of your driving is stop-and-go urban travel. I love manual transmissions, but reconsider their benefits every time I get stuck in a traffic jam. Backed-up interstate highways are the worst. If you've never owned one, I strongly suggest you borrow one for a few days before deciding to purchase one.
Driveline Options - Front Wheel Drive (FWD) - Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) - All Wheel Drive (AWD) - Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
Front-Wheel Drive - Most of today's minivans and under-$35,000 cars have front-wheel drive. In a front-wheel drive system, power from the engine is transferred to the front tires of a vehicle. A front- wheel drive vehicle offers increased traction and safety for the average driver. With 60 to 70% of the vehicle's weight over the drive wheels, front-wheel drive vehicles provide better drivability in inclement weather and snow. But, since the front brakes and tires handle 75% of a vehicle's braking, more frequent brake and tire inspections are recommended.
Rear-Wheel Drive - Most pickup trucks, sports cars, and luxury sports sedans have rear-wheel drive, in which power from the engine is transferred to the rear tires. The weight of the vehicle is more evenly distributed (50% front end - 50% back end), allowing the rear tires and suspension to work more efficiently, creating better cornering and stopping power and a smoother ride.
All-Wheel Drive - All-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds. In an all-wheel drive system, power is distributed to all four of the vehicle's tires, all of the time. Subaru and Audi have built their reputations on all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons. All-wheel drive passenger vehicles handle better than most front- AND rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Four-Wheel Drive - Many SUVs offer all-wheel drive as an option, with four-wheel drive as standard equipment. In a four-wheel drive system, power is delivered to all four wheels, only when the driver requests it. In normal use, four-wheel drive vehicles operate on rear-wheel drive. If additional traction is required, the driver flips a lever that switches the transaxle from two-wheel (rear) drive to four-wheel drive. This system is useful for off-road vehicles, snow plows, and tow trucks.
Manufacturers don't offer many manual transmissions anymore, at least not in North America. Some people (like myself) find that a car with a clutch and standard shift is infinitely more fun to drive and offers better control in slippery situations. The downside to a manually-equipped model is their strikingly low resale value (usually 20% to 30% less than comparable automatics). However, a low resale value benefits you if you want to buy a used stick-shift.
I don't recommend buying a stick if the bulk of your driving is stop-and-go urban travel. I love manual transmissions, but reconsider their benefits every time I get stuck in a traffic jam. Backed-up interstate highways are the worst. If you've never owned one, I strongly suggest you borrow one for a few days before deciding to purchase one.
Driveline Options - Front Wheel Drive (FWD) - Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) - All Wheel Drive (AWD) - Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
Front-Wheel Drive - Most of today's minivans and under-$35,000 cars have front-wheel drive. In a front-wheel drive system, power from the engine is transferred to the front tires of a vehicle. A front- wheel drive vehicle offers increased traction and safety for the average driver. With 60 to 70% of the vehicle's weight over the drive wheels, front-wheel drive vehicles provide better drivability in inclement weather and snow. But, since the front brakes and tires handle 75% of a vehicle's braking, more frequent brake and tire inspections are recommended.
Rear-Wheel Drive - Most pickup trucks, sports cars, and luxury sports sedans have rear-wheel drive, in which power from the engine is transferred to the rear tires. The weight of the vehicle is more evenly distributed (50% front end - 50% back end), allowing the rear tires and suspension to work more efficiently, creating better cornering and stopping power and a smoother ride.
All-Wheel Drive - All-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds. In an all-wheel drive system, power is distributed to all four of the vehicle's tires, all of the time. Subaru and Audi have built their reputations on all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons. All-wheel drive passenger vehicles handle better than most front- AND rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Four-Wheel Drive - Many SUVs offer all-wheel drive as an option, with four-wheel drive as standard equipment. In a four-wheel drive system, power is delivered to all four wheels, only when the driver requests it. In normal use, four-wheel drive vehicles operate on rear-wheel drive. If additional traction is required, the driver flips a lever that switches the transaxle from two-wheel (rear) drive to four-wheel drive. This system is useful for off-road vehicles, snow plows, and tow trucks.
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