While on front-
wheel drive and rear-
wheel drive discussion, it is interesting to analyse further for anyone not familiar. Comparisons between front-
wheel drive and rear-
wheel drive sedans demonstrate the design differentiation. The Maserati Ghibli, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, new Genesis G80 and Jaguar XF—all rear-
wheel drive—below have a large distance between the door line and fender (shown below roughly, in pink). The Volvo S90 at the bottom—which is front-
wheel drive—was engineered to ensure the proportions looked rear-
wheel drive. The designers knew it was essential to differentiate it from the mainstream so it could compete with the others:
View attachment 27467
Not all rear-
wheel drive vehicles are the same; the Jaguar XF has a slightly smaller distance compared to the others (which is not bad, just interesting). Another crucial detail that differentiates is where the top of the hood ends. On rear-
wheel drive vehicles, it is pushed rearwards (shown above in green, roughly), whereas it is further towards the front wheels on front-
wheel drive. As Genesis has engineers from BMW, it is evident why the proportions are similar to the 5 Series. Again, not all rear-
wheel drive vehicles are the same. This Holden Commodore is rear-
wheel drive but the top of the hood is closer towards the front wheels, like a front-
wheel drive vehicle:
View attachment 27464
Other design hallmarks is the short front overhang, long rear overhang, typically long wheelbase, long hood and A-pillar pushed rearward. I prefer this design as it gives the vehicle a unique and distinguished, prominent stance. This is not to say either is better than the other, it is just a visual difference I notice and prefer presently. Vehicles can look good with either front-
wheel drive or rear-
wheel drive and everyone's opinions are valid; the A7 looks extremely sleek and modern. An example of the difference is the Lexus ES, which is front-
wheel drive. The front overhang, distance between the door line and fender, top of the hood and A-pillar are all pushed forward:
View attachment 27465
Interestingly the Lexus GS is rear-
wheel drive but does not quite have the same rear-
wheel drive characteristics, it is closer to the Audi A6, which is front-
wheel drive (default layout):
View attachment 27468
Yet visually these cars have similar proportions. Again, there is nothing wrong with any of these designs, it is just interesting seeing the differentiation. The
Infiniti Q50 is rear-
wheel drive but the door line extends forward, even though it has space to go back:
View attachment 27469
See how the door line does not connect to the pink section. Depending on how the door line is, you can have a greater distance in this section. More rear-
wheel drive vehicles below, except the Volvo S60 which is front-
wheel drive but again has the rear-
wheel proportions. Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Genesis G70, Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE and Volvo S60:
View attachment 27470
And some more, Jaguar XJ, Genesis G90... not sure if anyone has heard of th- hehe, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and
Cadillac CT6:
View attachment 27471
Again, not arguing with anyone... please don't come for me




. Just showing the unique difference between the two, all the vehicles look great. (Another thing I love in rear-
wheel drive is I sit further away from the front, which helps with safety).