Front-engine design

A front-mounted engine describes the placement of an automobile engine in front of or on the front axle.

This layout is the most traditional form and remains a popular, practical design. The engine which takes up a great deal of space is packaged in a location passengers and luggage typically would not use. The main deficit is weight distribution—the heaviest component is at one end of the vehicle. Car handling is not ideal, but usually predictable.

Examples

FR layout

Front engine, rear wheel drive

• Ford Model T
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class

FF layout

Front engine, front wheel drive

• Austin Mini
• Ford Taurus

FA layout

Front engine, four-wheel drive

• Jeep
• Audi Quattro