Front Vs Mid Vs Rear Engine: Pros & Cons & More

When it comes to the performance of a vehicle; traction, acceleration, handling and serviceability are the key indicators. Therefore, to ensure the maximum performance of vehicles, automobile brands experiment with various car layouts, engine configurations and designs.

Speaking of that, different engine placements come into play. Currently, three types of engine placement namely front, mid and rear are used in cars. Each type of placement has its own impact on the car’s performance.

Here we have elaborated on the front Vs mid Vs rear engine placement in cars.

Engine Placement in Cars

Listed below are the pros and cons of different types of engine placement in cars.

Front Engine Cars

As evident from the name, front-engine cars have engines placed over the front axle under the hood. It is the most common type of engine placement used in conventional vehicles.

Advantages of Front Engine

Practical Design: A number of passenger cars are FWD; therefore, engine placement over the front axle aids in frequent energy transfer from the engine to the axle.
Additional Cabin Space: Front-engine cars provide additional space for cargo and passengers. This is because the engine is placed under the hood, an extended part of the car separate from the cabin.
Convenience in Service and Maintenance: The engine is easily accessible and has fewer complex auto parts which help in maintenance and servicing.
Efficient Cooling: Since the hood receives direct air, the cooling system works efficiently in front-engine cars.

Disadvantages of Front Engine

Weight Distribution: The engine at the front disrupts the weight distribution which increases understeer and oversteer chances.
High Centre of Gravity: Due to unequal weight distribution, the centre of gravity is high which increases the chances of vehicle roll-off.

Mid Engine Cars

In mid-engine placement, the engine is located between the driver seat and rear axle which leaves no space for rear passengers. Therefore, mid-engine cars only have a front row of seats (a two-seater car). Mid-engine is often used in sports cars to provide them with better handling at higher agility.

Advantages of Mid Engine

Higher Handling: Mid-engine cars have ideal weight distribution which provides increased handling even at higher speeds.
Enhanced Traction: The balanced weight distribution increases traction control and braking performance of the vehicle.
Reduced Engine Vibration: In mid-engine placement, the gearbox and differential system can be fitted together. This provides space for a separate suspension system on the driving wheel which reduces engine vibration inside the cabin.

If you are interested in driving a mid-engine car and avail of its pros, here is the list of mid-engine cars:

Disadvantages of Mid Engine

Limited Cabin Space: Since the engine is present in the mid-rear section, the cabin space is reduced. Also, the gearbox and drivetrain are present beneath the cabin thus reducing the boot space.
Difficult to Maintain and Service: The mid-engine placement is complex and difficult to reach for regular service and maintenance activities.
Harder to Control the Spin: Although, mid-engine has higher traction, a lower centre of gravity makes it difficult to regain control once the vehicle starts spinning.

Rear Engine Cars

In rear engine placement, the engine is positioned over the rear axle which increases the handling and braking performance of the vehicle. Rear-engine cars were prevalent during the early days of the automobile industry. However, in recent times, only specific brands use this design like Porsche Carrera/911.

Advantages of Rear Engine

Precise Handling: Rear engine cars have precise handling, as all the functions are located on the rear axle leaving the front axle to perform efficiently.
Optimised Braking: In rear engine placement, maximum weight is on the back which prevents the vehicle to incline forward while braking.
More Passenger Space: The passenger space is increased because the motor and engine is located behind the rear wheel.

Disadvantages of Rear Engine

Higher Chances of Oversteer: The unequal weight distribution makes rear-engine cars prone to oversteering.
Maintenance and Repair: Like mid-engine, rear-engine cars also have hard-to-reach auto parts which increase their maintenance and service costs.
Complex Cooling System: A complex cooling system is required since the engine is located at the back of the car.

This was all about front Vs mid Vs rear engine placement in cars. Engine placement creates a significant impact on the vehicle’s performance. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the engine position when purchasing a new or used car for sale in the UAE.

You can also read our blog on used, rebuilt or remanufactured engines to know the difference between the different types of engines available in the market.

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on the front or mid or rear engines in cars.