Most Bmw 1 series sold are 118i on lease or PCP . Those people dont give a dam what wheels are driven. Its more about BMW badge and having latest registration plate
Unless you're approaching the limits of traction, then no, it doesn't matter. Most old 2014-2019 shape 1 series owners never even got halfway to nearing the limits, as they just bought the car for it's badge. Fortunately, a small % of owners 'do' actually push the car to it's limit, and over it, and that is where the difference is. Former M140i owner here, now in an M2.
I think they changed it to fwd to concentrate on the masses, plenty of horror stories about usability of rwd during bad weather which we get plenty of in uk
You can 100% tell the difference in even mildly spirited cornering. I can’t honestly say it would make or break a buying decision for me personally. Given a choice I would pick rear wheel drive if the model I was buying had it as an option.
In heavy snow, you have to reverse a rear wheel drive BMW to come out to a snow-cleared gritted street, but you only have to put a front wheel automatic car in comfort mode and accelerate out normally or in second gear if manual. So front wheel drive much better if your car is parked in heavy snow.
Yes true, how often do you need to do that though ? I have never got stuck in any of my RWD BMW's, even in heavy snow, I just have 200 times more fun going out in it, drifting the car at such a safe and slow speed.
Absolutely agree with the presenters. I’ve got a 318d and you don’t need to go near the limit or power slide it to feel the RWD nature. Car just feels different to a front driver.
The comparison of bonnet length is unfair since the RWD car is sized to accommodate the straight six engine of the higher power models. Yes, a transverse four will generally have a shorter bonnet length than a straight four, but not by as much as shown here.
There is one advantage of RWD over FWD which is seldom talked about. This is the ability for the transmission tunnel to add massively to the rigidity of the car. this used to be exploited by convertible sports cars, which without the tunnel would have been decidedly floppy. Of course FWD cars could have added such a tunnel superfluously but seldom did. Modern carbon fibre tubs exploit the same principle.
I read a Car Magazine review with a Merc A class v a Kia junkbox. The Kia beat the Merc in the driving section. Most people, unfortunately, only care about the badge, and probably aren't even aware of what engine or wheels are involved. But I'm with you guys and would take a 2, if i could afford it. Thanks for dedicating a video to those of us who enjoy driving
pretty good vid and does cover differences between FWD and RWD, ultimately BMW probs did make the right choice making their entry point FWD as majority of people buying it are probs only buying it because its a bmw along with the non-driving experience perks. if you wanted something more experience focused and enjoyable can just step up to the 2 series (or any of the other bmws, youll be fine), makes sense to pit the F22 as the G42 is much more expensive still
@@lloydbutcher964 What, the famously RWD 1 Series? And compared it with a RWD 2 Series? The point of this video is to compare FWD with RWD… not RWD with RWD. Granted we used two different body styles, but it's more about the driving dynamics. Sorry if the video concept was too confusing -Tim
@@motorpoint a rear wheel drive 1 series (F20) with a front wheel drive 1 series. Half of the video talks about practicality etc. How can that be compared fairly when one is a coupe and one is a hatchback?
This is a very biased review. I’d trust bmw market research globally that a load of their customers haven’t a scooby which wheels drive their car, especially those buying hatchbacks. Your n=1 experience is rubbish. They still make RWD cars for those who want them. The new 1 series is an all round better car. The comments about golf’s/astra knock off - it’s a family hatchback, that’s exactly what they’re going for and they’ve sold very well.
@@slen6293 yes you can get lift-off oversteer, but doing that on the road is a bit of a mug's game - and you don't need to actually slide the back of a RWD car on to get a sense of its satisfying driving dynamics… -Tim
@@motorpoint oh make your mind up will you. “RWD is so much more fun”, “oversteer on the road is a mugs game”, “FWD BMW is no fun” “but other FWD cars are fine because they’ve always been like that”
Rear wheel drive, more rigid chassis frame, weight distribution, less complex drive train, easier to repair along with questionable better drive experience disadvantage small lack of interior space.
BMW lost its prestige and soul when it started making fwd cars. Why would you buy a fwd BMW over a Toyota for example, apart from the badge? Interesting video, thanks for making.
I've only owned RWD or AWD over the last 20 years or so. On the occasion I drive FWD, I always get stutter pulling out at junctions and the steering just doesn't feel as connected. Also, I could get 3 bananas in the glovebox of my 3 series. No joke. 🙂
@motorpoint Yes, I think ye did. Just at the point you started doing on shout BMWs weird naming structure with the 2 Series I thought you were saying that the white car was a 2 series too lol.
@@DjNikGnashers because lift off mid corner in FRD is often recoverable (reamember the Citroën Saxo rear wheel lift) unlike RWD that can invokes a rotation ruclips.net/video/azd287vwmQY/видео.htmlsi=6Z_LKy-If2iNsF-S
@@gingernutpreacher All modern cars have ABS, traction control, stability control, and many other nanny aids. It doesn't matter if a car is FWD or RWD, those systems will recover control for either drive system. Yes if you turn everything off, and you don't have the skill and reactions to react to a RWD car over-steering, it will rotate. But an understeering FWD car will simply go straight on instead of cornering, and still end up in a hedge, just forwards instead of backwards. So that is why I replied to your comment, because you stated it as if it was a fact, and it isn't. No disrespect, and I am happy engaging in adult debate sir.
Well, turning the clock back massively, to a diet of 1970’s Ford Cortina’s, RWD, I then changed to owning a Mk3 Ford Escort FWD in 1983 having driven Fiesta FWD, Escort FWD and Alfasud FWD as hire cars beforehand. For me FWD was a revelation! I could certainly tell the difference and have been FWD ever since. I’ve yet to drive a modern RWD car. Maybe I’m missing something…
@@rimmerblues1586 - I think you are right. Mind you, now there is a resurgence of RWD (as electric cars) but I’m way off considering one of those. Interestingly (maybe) I well remember when the first jelly-mould Sierra came out - a RWD aerodynamic blob on Cortina running gear, at a time when the arch rival FWD Cavalier was better regarded I recall. I always enjoyed the great gearboxes Ford had on their RWD cars of the 70’s. I’ve often pondered over the idea of a 3-Series Touring, but they have been beyond my budget, and the saloon would not suit my use-case.
@@adrianlw2750 indeed i was after a 3-series but the last gen "F"-series much in-line with the 2-series in this vid, but they do feel dated now as they finished in 2019, ppl say the newer G-gen 3er is much better but i find it difficult to like them as they feel a cheaper imitation of a BMW and missing some soul - plus expensive. Also not easy to find a reasonable one as it seems ppl were holding-on to them [for good reason]. Other choice was a 4-series gran-coupe, 5-doors with the rear hatch. I agree about the bEVs coming as RWD, and also not being ready for them.
@@rimmerblues1586 - I know what you mean about soul. I’m in a Mini (Countryman ‘23) nowadays - has quirkiness, character and soul - BMW underpinnings of course. Suits my need for sporty, practicality, and flavour that is very much not vanilla.
@@adrianlw2750rear wheel drive works very well with Electric Cars.. much better traction to be had on the real wheels. Weight distribution is perfect, in the past paving slabs were often needed in the boot. And no tunnel in the cabin because it's Electric.
i have a 2020 218i for my first car, insurance didnt murder me because its only a 1.5, but at the same time, i love driving it, its so so fun, the feeling of being pushed off the line even in a 1.5, the sharpness of going round a corner, dont get me started on an empty country lane, its awesome. i've driven a fwd car and it was nowhere near as fun. though most people arent me (who loves cars) so ultimately there dont care and see it more as a tool from getting point a to b and a status symbol.
Rwd v fwd utter nonsense ,got to love how its always a racing driver they get to test them.why ? Because most pratts have them in a ditch, not for gb roads and poor drivers, people buy bmw because it is german and well put together and one of the few without a wet belt
I still don't understand why a 2-series Coupé was chosen instead of the previous F20/21 1-series, that would've made much more sense, plus there are many F2x 118i on the used market and cheaper than a 2er - other than that major point it was still a fairly interesting vid. Indeed you _can_ feel the difference between RWD & FWD, but there aren't many practical small 5-door RWD on the market - choices are limited and likely only used ones. Agree about the naff "plastic" oversized steering wheels on the newer models. That 2er gen of beemers do feel dated instrument & infotainment wise, but they still have everything you _need_ full smartphone integration is not 'needed' by everyone. I absolutely agree that the torque steer with the 128ti is absurd - downright dangerous! If the 128ti was RWD it would've been close to perfection, plus it would likely have a different gearbox as the aisin 8-spd is awful (except perhaps on the race-track). As far as i can see the only reason BMW went FWD was to save money and use the same platform for it's main range of smaller vehicles as well as the MINI vehicles, they could've easily made the 1-series RWD, the F40 is already larger than the F20/21 and even has a middle tunnel so could've still had more room along with the soul of a RWD and made that the selling-point instead of just another FWD-based hatchback. But sadly BMW are now more about marketing, tech-gimmicks & badge-hunters, even their top models are questionable (and over-priced).
Great video and a predictable outcome. One note to all you car journalists , stop sitting on car especially in jean’s the studs or Zips scratch the paint and if you’re a lard arse you bend the panel!
What a stupid review. Why not compare a BMW 1 series F20. The 2 series is a totally different car with a different audience. That's 16 mins of my life I won't get back!
Rear wheel drive is crap. Front wheel is so much better. In wet or slippery conditions, a FWD car will handle poor grip so much better. RWD cars will slip and slide, FWD will pull you out of slippery conditions. Long drive shafts and the antiquated suspension that RWD needs keeps those cars back in the farm cart era.
Yeah RWD is crap, that's why every fast sports and supercar ever made has been RWD, and many still are. The ones that aren't, are AWD. Don't see many FWD Porsches, Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, etc around, I wonder why that is ? You have that opinion because you have never gained the skills to push a car to it's limits and over them, and thus you have no idea about the pleasure of steering a car on the throttle with no nanny aids switched on, can bring.
I'm sure Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, etc would disagree. Letting you have a computer to post idiotic bs on the internet is the worst idea ever.
Most Bmw 1 series sold are 118i on lease or PCP . Those people dont give a dam what wheels are driven. Its more about BMW badge and having latest registration plate
Correct. Tho sad. Business.
True that
for everyday use fwd is ok in uk specially loads of speed camera.however if you’re in a racing track then go for rwd….
Rebecca was dressed to test review a Jaguar, not a BMW.....🧐👀💯🤣🤣🤣
Unless you're approaching the limits of traction, then no, it doesn't matter.
Most old 2014-2019 shape 1 series owners never even got halfway to nearing the limits, as they just bought the car for it's badge.
Fortunately, a small % of owners 'do' actually push the car to it's limit, and over it, and that is where the difference is.
Former M140i owner here, now in an M2.
I think they changed it to fwd to concentrate on the masses, plenty of horror stories about usability of rwd during bad weather which we get plenty of in uk
You can 100% tell the difference in even mildly spirited cornering. I can’t honestly say it would make or break a buying decision for me personally. Given a choice I would pick rear wheel drive if the model I was buying had it as an option.
In heavy snow, you have to reverse a rear wheel drive BMW to come out to a snow-cleared gritted street, but you only have to put a front wheel automatic car in comfort mode and accelerate out normally or in second gear if manual. So front wheel drive much better if your car is parked in heavy snow.
Yes true, how often do you need to do that though ?
I have never got stuck in any of my RWD BMW's, even in heavy snow, I just have 200 times more fun going out in it, drifting the car at such a safe and slow speed.
Absolutely agree with the presenters. I’ve got a 318d and you don’t need to go near the limit or power slide it to feel the RWD nature. Car just feels different to a front driver.
The comparison of bonnet length is unfair since the RWD car is sized to accommodate the straight six engine of the higher power models. Yes, a transverse four will generally have a shorter bonnet length than a straight four, but not by as much as shown here.
Rebecca does make that point to be fair -Tim
I love this video. Just gone from a 220d to a 128ti and this is accurate for both vehicles. Two cracking cars to be fair
There is one advantage of RWD over FWD which is seldom talked about. This is the ability for the transmission tunnel to add massively to the rigidity of the car. this used to be exploited by convertible sports cars, which without the tunnel would have been decidedly floppy. Of course FWD cars could have added such a tunnel superfluously but seldom did. Modern carbon fibre tubs exploit the same principle.
I read a Car Magazine review with a Merc A class v a Kia junkbox. The Kia beat the Merc in the driving section. Most people, unfortunately, only care about the badge, and probably aren't even aware of what engine or wheels are involved. But I'm with you guys and would take a 2, if i could afford it. Thanks for dedicating a video to those of us who enjoy driving
pretty good vid and does cover differences between FWD and RWD, ultimately BMW probs did make the right choice making their entry point FWD as majority of people buying it are probs only buying it because its a bmw along with the non-driving experience perks. if you wanted something more experience focused and enjoyable can just step up to the 2 series (or any of the other bmws, youll be fine), makes sense to pit the F22 as the G42 is much more expensive still
Much better, much more balanced, pun intended. Top superb vs base 5/E would be an interesting one at about the sane price
wouldn´t the comparison be more precise comparing the fwd 118i with a rwd 118i?
That's literally what we've done here -Tim
@@motorpointNo it isn't, you should've picked a BMW F20 1 series. Stupid review
@@lloydbutcher964 What, the famously RWD 1 Series? And compared it with a RWD 2 Series? The point of this video is to compare FWD with RWD… not RWD with RWD. Granted we used two different body styles, but it's more about the driving dynamics. Sorry if the video concept was too confusing -Tim
@@motorpoint a rear wheel drive 1 series (F20) with a front wheel drive 1 series. Half of the video talks about practicality etc. How can that be compared fairly when one is a coupe and one is a hatchback?
@@lloydbutcher964not the brightest are you 🤡
Yes, do more videos like this please 👏🏼
This is a very biased review. I’d trust bmw market research globally that a load of their customers haven’t a scooby which wheels drive their car, especially those buying hatchbacks. Your n=1 experience is rubbish.
They still make RWD cars for those who want them. The new 1 series is an all round better car. The comments about golf’s/astra knock off - it’s a family hatchback, that’s exactly what they’re going for and they’ve sold very well.
Watch carfection review of m135i - can get lift off oversteer
@@slen6293 yes you can get lift-off oversteer, but doing that on the road is a bit of a mug's game - and you don't need to actually slide the back of a RWD car on to get a sense of its satisfying driving dynamics… -Tim
@@motorpoint oh make your mind up will you. “RWD is so much more fun”, “oversteer on the road is a mugs game”, “FWD BMW is no fun” “but other FWD cars are fine because they’ve always been like that”
@@motorpoint contrary much?
The m135i is fwd but it shifts power to rear when required during loss of traction
For driving pleasure it’ll always be rwd though 😮
Nice video 👍🏻
The Stig in subtle and camo leopard print!
Rear wheel drive, more rigid chassis frame, weight distribution, less complex drive train, easier to repair along with questionable better drive experience disadvantage small lack of interior space.
BMW lost its prestige and soul when it started making fwd cars. Why would you buy a fwd BMW over a Toyota for example, apart from the badge? Interesting video, thanks for making.
Totally agree.
I've only owned RWD or AWD over the last 20 years or so. On the occasion I drive FWD, I always get stutter pulling out at junctions and the steering just doesn't feel as connected. Also, I could get 3 bananas in the glovebox of my 3 series. No joke. 🙂
Unless BMW changed the naming of their cars recently the white ye are in is a 1 Series not a 2 Series.
I think we made the point this is a 1 Series vs 2 Series vid? -Tim
@motorpoint Yes, I think ye did. Just at the point you started doing on shout BMWs weird naming structure with the 2 Series I thought you were saying that the white car was a 2 series too lol.
The Problem is fwd wil mean less bmw's in hedges and seeing that brings me joy
Oh, so just because a car is FWD, automatically means you can't lose traction and write it off.
Yeah thanks for that gem of wisdom.
@@DjNikGnashers did you read tbe comment i said less not none stop gas lighting because that gem of wisdom i never said it
@@gingernutpreacher OK Einstein,
Please by all means clarify how FWD BMW's will end up in less hedges than a RWD BMW.
I'm willing to be educated.
@@DjNikGnashers because lift off mid corner in FRD is often recoverable (reamember the Citroën Saxo rear wheel lift) unlike RWD that can invokes a rotation ruclips.net/video/azd287vwmQY/видео.htmlsi=6Z_LKy-If2iNsF-S
@@gingernutpreacher All modern cars have ABS, traction control, stability control, and many other nanny aids.
It doesn't matter if a car is FWD or RWD, those systems will recover control for either drive system.
Yes if you turn everything off, and you don't have the skill and reactions to react to a RWD car over-steering, it will rotate.
But an understeering FWD car will simply go straight on instead of cornering, and still end up in a hedge, just forwards instead of backwards.
So that is why I replied to your comment, because you stated it as if it was a fact, and it isn't.
No disrespect, and I am happy engaging in adult debate sir.
Brilliant. Interesting video. Well done
Well, turning the clock back massively, to a diet of 1970’s Ford Cortina’s, RWD, I then changed to owning a Mk3 Ford Escort FWD in 1983 having driven Fiesta FWD, Escort FWD and Alfasud FWD as hire cars beforehand. For me FWD was a revelation! I could certainly tell the difference and have been FWD ever since.
I’ve yet to drive a modern RWD car. Maybe I’m missing something…
It's likely down to that there aren't so many RWD cars around, even more so that are reasonably priced and hatchback sized.
@@rimmerblues1586 - I think you are right. Mind you, now there is a resurgence of RWD (as electric cars) but I’m way off considering one of those. Interestingly (maybe) I well remember when the first jelly-mould Sierra came out - a RWD aerodynamic blob on Cortina running gear, at a time when the arch rival FWD Cavalier was better regarded I recall. I always enjoyed the great gearboxes Ford had on their RWD cars of the 70’s. I’ve often pondered over the idea of a 3-Series Touring, but they have been beyond my budget, and the saloon would not suit my use-case.
@@adrianlw2750 indeed i was after a 3-series but the last gen "F"-series much in-line with the 2-series in this vid, but they do feel dated now as they finished in 2019, ppl say the newer G-gen 3er is much better but i find it difficult to like them as they feel a cheaper imitation of a BMW and missing some soul - plus expensive. Also not easy to find a reasonable one as it seems ppl were holding-on to them [for good reason]. Other choice was a 4-series gran-coupe, 5-doors with the rear hatch.
I agree about the bEVs coming as RWD, and also not being ready for them.
@@rimmerblues1586 - I know what you mean about soul. I’m in a Mini (Countryman ‘23) nowadays - has quirkiness, character and soul - BMW underpinnings of course. Suits my need for sporty, practicality, and flavour that is very much not vanilla.
@@adrianlw2750rear wheel drive works very well with Electric Cars.. much better traction to be had on the real wheels. Weight distribution is perfect, in the past paving slabs were often needed in the boot. And no tunnel in the cabin because it's Electric.
i have a 2020 218i for my first car, insurance didnt murder me because its only a 1.5, but at the same time, i love driving it, its so so fun, the feeling of being pushed off the line even in a 1.5, the sharpness of going round a corner, dont get me started on an empty country lane, its awesome. i've driven a fwd car and it was nowhere near as fun. though most people arent me (who loves cars) so ultimately there dont care and see it more as a tool from getting point a to b and a status symbol.
Rear wheel drive every time
No, RWD anytime. Had 2 RWD 1 series and wont go for a FWD 1 series. the outgoing shape isnt as nice as the previous 2nd gen one series
My motors all wheel drive
I hate front Wheel hop on fwd car
Rwd v fwd utter nonsense ,got to love how its always a racing driver they get to test them.why ? Because most pratts have them in a ditch, not for gb roads and poor drivers, people buy bmw because it is german and well put together and one of the few without a wet belt
Ive got an EV with RWD its fantastic,.
I still don't understand why a 2-series Coupé was chosen instead of the previous F20/21 1-series, that would've made much more sense, plus there are many F2x 118i on the used market and cheaper than a 2er - other than that major point it was still a fairly interesting vid.
Indeed you _can_ feel the difference between RWD & FWD, but there aren't many practical small 5-door RWD on the market - choices are limited and likely only used ones. Agree about the naff "plastic" oversized steering wheels on the newer models. That 2er gen of beemers do feel dated instrument & infotainment wise, but they still have everything you _need_ full smartphone integration is not 'needed' by everyone. I absolutely agree that the torque steer with the 128ti is absurd - downright dangerous! If the 128ti was RWD it would've been close to perfection, plus it would likely have a different gearbox as the aisin 8-spd is awful (except perhaps on the race-track).
As far as i can see the only reason BMW went FWD was to save money and use the same platform for it's main range of smaller vehicles as well as the MINI vehicles, they could've easily made the 1-series RWD, the F40 is already larger than the F20/21 and even has a middle tunnel so could've still had more room along with the soul of a RWD and made that the selling-point instead of just another FWD-based hatchback. But sadly BMW are now more about marketing, tech-gimmicks & badge-hunters, even their top models are questionable (and over-priced).
Because we didn't have an F20 1 Series on hand -Tim
This review sounded very weak and a little patronising.
I shall be sticking to VW and have had no problems for around 28 years.
But has it space to store a banana?
Oh god don't get her started -Tim
@@motorpointcorrectv
Just make the car longer
Great video and a predictable outcome. One note to all you car journalists , stop sitting on car especially in jean’s the studs or Zips scratch the paint and if you’re a lard arse you bend the panel!
What a stupid review. Why not compare a BMW 1 series F20. The 2 series is a totally different car with a different audience. That's 16 mins of my life I won't get back!
Of course you can feel it. It’s like asking a woman if it’s in the front or rear bottom
Rear wheel drive is crap. Front wheel is so much better. In wet or slippery conditions, a FWD car will handle poor grip so much better. RWD cars will slip and slide, FWD will pull you out of slippery conditions. Long drive shafts and the antiquated suspension that RWD needs keeps those cars back in the farm cart era.
Yeah RWD is crap, that's why every fast sports and supercar ever made has been RWD, and many still are. The ones that aren't, are AWD.
Don't see many FWD Porsches, Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, etc around, I wonder why that is ?
You have that opinion because you have never gained the skills to push a car to it's limits and over them, and thus you have no idea about the pleasure of steering a car on the throttle with no nanny aids switched on, can bring.
Yep, FWD are difficult to drive up hill in wet weather 😊
RWD and the joys of opposite lock 😊
Cheap £18,000 not cheap to a pensioner on £12,000 per year.
Rear wd for car its horrible, the worst ideea ever.
I'm sure Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, etc would disagree.
Letting you have a computer to post idiotic bs on the internet is the worst idea ever.
Fwd in uk roads is fine…