Hey guys, I just have a question about drivetrain losses. I know this is really not the right section. I figure since most the guys here race a lot, they'd know the answer. What type of drivetrain loses the most between FWD, RWD and AWD. It has been my understanding that FWD loses around 20-25 % of it's flywheel power. RWD loses between 10-15% of it's flywheel power. AWD Loses around 10 % of it's flywheel power. I want to educate myself so I don't look like an idiot when talking about power and drivetrains etc.. Also, based on trans you lose an addition amount of power. But, generally speaking, how is it ranked based on power loss. FWD>RWD> AWD??? Thanks everyone!

 

IMO and I think I'm correct, AWD has the most drivetrain loss. I think it should go like this >FWD/RWD/AWD. (Least to worst)

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

manual awd usually has the most loss ~20%
manual rwd and fwd are usually pretty close as far as loss goes ~10-12%
if its an automatic add anouther 5%

 

Depends on the type of tranny in play. Based on RWHP, automatics typically lose between 20 to 23 percent while manual trannys lose or should I say take away between 15 and 17 percent of HP.

I purchased my Mustang new with an automatic. I converted over to a Tremec 3650. Prior to the conversion, my Mustang hit 408 on Dyno. After converson with no upgrades, Dyno hit 436rwhp -- about 7 percent difference.

What I under stand, for equal power at the flywheel, AWD's need between 4 to 6 percent to match 1/4 track times of a RWD.

 

As mentioned in the other board..
GM Autos tend to claim 16~18% DTL while the T56 is supposively 13~15%...
Fords AOD sucked 20+ % according to some... and their T5, T45 was good for ~15%

On FWD cars it's hard to say (so few dyno them) but I always heard 12~13% since they lack heavy drivetrain components like a driveshaft.

AWD is complete opposite, more axles, more heavy parts, more DTL.

It would take months to get a complete list of percentages that were somewhat accurate just to answer that question. Ha ha.