A vehicle’s drivetrain, the system that delivers power from the engine to the wheels, significantly impacts its performance, fuel efficiency, and handling. One common configuration is a system where the front wheels both steer and propel the vehicle. This setup offers several advantages, particularly in typical driving conditions.
This drivetrain configuration tends to be more fuel-efficient due to lower component weight and reduced friction losses in the driveline. It also typically provides enhanced traction on slick surfaces like snow or ice due to the weight of the engine over the driven wheels. Historically, this configuration gained popularity due to its simpler design and lower manufacturing costs, making automobiles more accessible to the masses. The inherent stability offered by this system also contributes to its widespread adoption.
To understand the full implications of this drivetrain choice, further examination of its performance characteristics, maintenance considerations, and suitability for various driving conditions and vehicle types is necessary. This will provide a comprehensive overview of its strengths and weaknesses compared to alternative drivetrain configurations.
1. Traction (dry conditions)
Dry traction, the grip a vehicle’s tires maintain on a dry road surface, is a critical factor influencing handling and overall performance. Evaluating dry traction is essential when considering the suitability of front-wheel drive.
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Tire Grip and Load Distribution
Front-wheel drive vehicles carry a significant portion of their weight over the driven wheels. This weight concentration can enhance tire grip on dry pavement, contributing to effective acceleration and braking. However, excessive weight over the front axle can also limit the responsiveness of the steering and increase tire wear.
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Power Delivery and Torque Steer
Delivering power to the steering wheels can sometimes lead to torque steer, a phenomenon where the vehicle pulls to one side during hard acceleration. While modern front-wheel drive systems mitigate this effect, it can still be noticeable in vehicles with high power outputs, impacting the driving experience and requiring driver correction.
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Handling and Cornering
In dry conditions, front-wheel drive cars generally offer predictable handling characteristics. However, their tendency towards understeer, where the front tires lose grip before the rear tires during cornering, can limit performance during spirited driving. This characteristic stems from the combined role of the front tires in both steering and acceleration.
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Comparison with Other Drivetrain Configurations
Compared to rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive offers advantages in dry traction, particularly in everyday driving scenarios. Rear-wheel drive, while offering superior handling balance at the limit, can be more prone to wheelspin during acceleration, especially in vehicles with higher power-to-weight ratios. All-wheel drive systems typically offer the best dry traction but come with added complexity and cost.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of front-wheel drive in dry conditions depends on a balance of factors, including vehicle weight distribution, power output, and tire characteristics. While generally offering adequate traction for most driving situations, its limitations become more apparent during performance driving or in vehicles with high power outputs. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a complete assessment of front-wheel drive’s capabilities.
2. Traction (wet/snow)
Traction in adverse weather conditions, such as wet or snowy roads, is a critical factor in evaluating a drivetrain’s effectiveness and overall safety. Analyzing front-wheel drive performance under these conditions provides crucial insights into its suitability for various climates and driving scenarios.
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Weight Distribution and Traction
Front-wheel drive vehicles benefit from having the engine’s weight over the driven wheels. This weight concentration can improve traction on slick surfaces by increasing the tires’ contact pressure with the road. This advantage is particularly noticeable during acceleration and hill climbing in snow or wet conditions.
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Hydroplaning and Aquaplaning
While the weight distribution advantage can enhance traction, front-wheel drive vehicles can still be susceptible to hydroplaning or aquaplaning, where a layer of water forms between the tires and the road surface, leading to a loss of control. Proper tire maintenance and appropriate speed adjustments are crucial for mitigating this risk.
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Performance in Snow and Ice
Front-wheel drive generally performs well in snowy or icy conditions, offering better traction than rear-wheel drive in many scenarios. However, deep snow or particularly icy conditions can still pose challenges, and the use of winter tires is often recommended for optimal performance and safety.
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Comparison with Other Drivetrain Systems
Compared to rear-wheel drive, which can be challenging to control on slippery surfaces, front-wheel drive provides a more stable and predictable driving experience in wet or snowy conditions. All-wheel drive systems generally offer the best traction in adverse weather but come with increased complexity and cost.
The enhanced traction offered by front-wheel drive in wet or snowy conditions contributes significantly to its popularity, particularly in regions with challenging climates. While not a substitute for safe driving practices and appropriate tire selection, the inherent stability and traction advantages of this drivetrain configuration make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking enhanced safety and control in adverse weather.
3. Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a significant factor when evaluating drivetrain configurations. Front-wheel drive often exhibits an advantage in this area due to inherent design characteristics. The absence of a complex driveshaft and rear differential, common in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive systems, reduces weight and mechanical friction. This contributes directly to lower fuel consumption, particularly in urban driving cycles. Moreover, the compact packaging of front-wheel drive powertrains allows for more aerodynamic vehicle designs, further enhancing fuel efficiency. For example, compact cars utilizing front-wheel drive frequently achieve higher miles per gallon compared to their rear-wheel drive counterparts.
The impact of this efficiency advantage extends beyond individual savings at the gas pump. Reduced fuel consumption translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. This factor plays an increasingly important role in vehicle purchasing decisions as environmental awareness grows. Furthermore, fuel efficiency can influence fleet operating costs for businesses, impacting profitability and long-term sustainability. The practical significance of this efficiency becomes readily apparent when considering the lifetime cost of vehicle ownership, including fuel expenses.
In summary, the fuel efficiency inherent in front-wheel drive systems offers tangible benefits, both economically and environmentally. While other factors like driving style and vehicle maintenance also influence fuel consumption, the inherent efficiency advantages of front-wheel drive contribute significantly to its overall appeal and practicality. This advantage underscores its relevance in a market increasingly focused on cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
4. Vehicle Cost
Vehicle cost is significantly influenced by drivetrain choice. Front-wheel drive systems generally offer a cost advantage due to their simpler design and reduced component count compared to rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. This inherent simplicity translates to lower manufacturing costs, which are often passed on to consumers in the form of lower purchase prices. For instance, comparing base model variants of similar vehicles, those equipped with front-wheel drive frequently exhibit lower sticker prices than their all-wheel drive counterparts. This price differential can be a decisive factor for budget-conscious consumers, particularly in the highly competitive compact car segment.
Beyond the initial purchase price, the cost advantage of front-wheel drive can extend throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. Simpler designs often translate to reduced maintenance and repair costs. The absence of a complex rear differential and driveshaft simplifies routine maintenance, potentially lowering labor costs and reducing the frequency of repairs. This cost-effectiveness contributes to the overall value proposition of front-wheel drive vehicles, making them an attractive option for those seeking long-term affordability. For example, replacing a front-wheel drive transmission is often less expensive than replacing a comparable all-wheel drive transmission due to the latter’s greater complexity.
In conclusion, the cost-effectiveness of front-wheel drive is a key factor contributing to its popularity. Lower manufacturing complexity translates to lower purchase prices and potentially reduced maintenance expenses, making front-wheel drive an attractive option for value-oriented consumers. While other factors like fuel efficiency and performance also influence purchasing decisions, the inherent cost advantage of front-wheel drive remains a significant consideration, particularly in segments where price sensitivity is high. This cost advantage positions front-wheel drive as a practical and accessible option for a broad range of drivers.
5. Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs represent a significant factor in long-term vehicle ownership. Front-wheel drive vehicles often present a potential advantage in this area due to the relative simplicity of their drivetrain systems. The absence of a rear differential and driveshaft, components typically requiring regular maintenance in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, can translate to lower overall maintenance expenses. For example, replacing constant velocity (CV) joints, a common wear item in front-wheel drive systems, is generally less expensive than servicing a rear differential, which involves specialized lubricants and potential component replacement. This difference contributes to the potential for lower scheduled maintenance costs with front-wheel drive.
Furthermore, the compact packaging of front-wheel drive powertrains often simplifies access to components for repair or replacement. This can potentially reduce labor costs associated with maintenance procedures. For instance, accessing and replacing a water pump, a common maintenance item, might be more straightforward in a front-wheel drive vehicle due to the less congested engine compartment. However, it’s important to acknowledge that other factors, such as vehicle make and model, driving conditions, and individual maintenance practices, can also significantly influence overall maintenance costs. While front-wheel drive offers potential advantages, diligent maintenance remains crucial regardless of drivetrain configuration.
In summary, while not guaranteeing lower maintenance costs in every scenario, front-wheel drive often presents a potential advantage due to its simplified drivetrain and potentially easier component access. This factor contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness often associated with front-wheel drive vehicles. Understanding these potential cost benefits provides valuable context when evaluating the long-term financial implications of different drivetrain choices and reinforces the relevance of maintenance costs in the broader question of whether front-wheel drive offers a superior ownership experience.
6. Performance limitations
Evaluating the performance limitations of front-wheel drive is crucial in determining its suitability compared to other drivetrain configurations. While offering advantages in fuel efficiency and cost, front-wheel drive presents inherent limitations that can impact performance, particularly in demanding driving situations or high-performance applications. Understanding these limitations provides a balanced perspective on the overall effectiveness of front-wheel drive.
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Torque Steer
Torque steer, a tendency for the steering wheel to pull under hard acceleration, is a common characteristic of front-wheel drive vehicles, especially those with higher power outputs. This phenomenon occurs because the same wheels responsible for steering also deliver power, creating uneven forces that can affect steering control. While modern engineering mitigates this effect, it can still be noticeable in certain situations, impacting handling precision and requiring driver correction.
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Understeer
Front-wheel drive vehicles often exhibit understeer, a handling characteristic where the front tires lose grip before the rear tires during cornering, causing the vehicle to push wide of the intended path. This occurs because the front tires are tasked with both steering and acceleration, limiting their available grip. While predictable, understeer can limit cornering speeds and require adjustments in driving technique compared to vehicles with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
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Power Delivery Challenges
Effectively delivering high power levels through the front wheels can be challenging. As power increases, the limitations of front-wheel drive become more apparent, leading to increased torque steer and potentially compromising traction during acceleration. This limits the suitability of front-wheel drive for high-performance applications, where consistent and predictable power delivery is essential.
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Reduced Feedback
Compared to rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive can offer less feedback to the driver through the steering wheel. This can make it more challenging to sense the limit of grip and anticipate handling characteristics, particularly in demanding driving situations. While not necessarily a safety concern, reduced feedback can impact the overall driving experience and limit the driver’s ability to finely control the vehicle at the limit of its performance capabilities.
These performance limitations contribute to the overall assessment of front-wheel drive’s suitability for various applications. While generally adequate for everyday driving, these limitations become more pronounced in performance-oriented scenarios. Recognizing these trade-offs is essential for making informed decisions about vehicle selection and understanding the broader context of whether front-wheel drive aligns with specific driving needs and preferences. The performance limitations underscore the importance of considering individual priorities when evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of front-wheel drive.
7. Handling characteristics
Handling characteristics, encompassing a vehicle’s responsiveness, stability, and predictability, are central to the evaluation of front-wheel drive’s overall suitability. Understanding how front-wheel drive influences these characteristics provides crucial insights into its advantages and disadvantages compared to alternative drivetrain configurations. This exploration delves into the specific ways front-wheel drive impacts a vehicle’s behavior on the road, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive assessment of its merits.
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Understeer
Understeer, a common characteristic of front-wheel drive vehicles, describes a tendency for the front tires to lose grip before the rear tires during cornering. This results in the vehicle pushing wide of the intended path, requiring steering corrections or reduced speed to maintain control. While generally predictable, understeer can limit cornering performance, particularly in spirited driving or emergency maneuvers. For example, navigating a tight curve at higher speeds in a front-wheel drive car might induce understeer, necessitating a reduction in speed or a wider turning radius.
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Torque Steer
Torque steer, a phenomenon where the steering wheel pulls to one side under hard acceleration, can be noticeable in front-wheel drive vehicles, especially those with higher power outputs. This occurs due to the combined role of the front wheels in both steering and power delivery, creating uneven forces that can impact steering control. For instance, accelerating rapidly from a standstill in a powerful front-wheel drive car might induce noticeable torque steer, requiring the driver to counteract the steering wheel’s tendency to pull.
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Steering Feel and Feedback
Front-wheel drive systems often provide less steering feedback compared to rear-wheel drive configurations. This reduced feedback can make it more challenging for the driver to sense the limit of tire grip and anticipate the vehicle’s behavior at the edge of its handling capabilities. While not inherently unsafe, this characteristic can influence the overall driving experience and limit the driver’s ability to precisely control the vehicle in demanding situations. For example, on a winding road, a driver might find it more difficult to accurately gauge the available grip in a front-wheel drive car compared to a rear-wheel drive equivalent.
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Impact of Weight Distribution
The weight distribution of front-wheel drive vehicles, with a significant portion of the weight over the front axle, influences handling characteristics. This weight concentration can enhance traction in certain situations, but it also contributes to the tendency towards understeer. The weight bias towards the front can also impact braking performance and overall vehicle dynamics. For example, under heavy braking, the weight shift towards the front of a front-wheel drive car can increase the load on the front tires, potentially improving braking effectiveness.
These handling characteristics contribute significantly to the overall assessment of whether front-wheel drive is “better” for a particular application. While understeer and torque steer can present limitations, they are often manageable and predictable. The reduced steering feedback, while potentially impacting the driving experience, is not necessarily a safety concern. Ultimately, the suitability of front-wheel drive depends on individual driving needs and priorities. Balancing these handling characteristics against the advantages of front-wheel drive in terms of fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness provides a comprehensive perspective for informed decision-making.
8. Interior Space
Interior space, a critical factor in vehicle practicality and passenger comfort, is often influenced by the choice of drivetrain. Front-wheel drive offers potential advantages in maximizing interior volume, particularly in smaller vehicles. The absence of a driveshaft tunnel, necessary to accommodate the drivetrain components in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, allows for a flatter floor pan. This design characteristic can create more usable floor space for rear passengers, enhancing legroom and overall comfort. For example, comparing a front-wheel drive compact sedan to a rear-wheel drive counterpart of similar exterior dimensions often reveals greater rear passenger legroom in the front-wheel drive model. This can be a decisive factor for families or individuals who frequently transport passengers.
Furthermore, the compact packaging of front-wheel drive powertrains often allows for greater flexibility in interior design and layout. This can translate to more efficient use of space within the dashboard and center console, potentially increasing storage capacity and improving ergonomics. For instance, a front-wheel drive minivan can often accommodate more passengers and cargo compared to a rear-wheel drive minivan with similar exterior dimensions. This enhanced space utilization is a key advantage of front-wheel drive, contributing to its popularity in vehicle segments where maximizing passenger and cargo capacity is a priority.
In summary, front-wheel drive frequently contributes to enhanced interior space, particularly in smaller vehicle classes. The absence of a driveshaft tunnel and the compact packaging of the powertrain contribute to a flatter floor and greater design flexibility. This translates to more usable passenger space and potentially increased cargo capacity, making front-wheel drive a practical choice for those prioritizing interior volume and comfort. This advantage underscores the relevance of interior space considerations when evaluating the overall benefits and drawbacks of front-wheel drive, contributing to a more informed assessment of whether it aligns with specific needs and preferences. The impact on interior space is a key component in the broader discussion of whether front-wheel drive offers a superior solution for various applications.
9. Understeer Tendency
Understeer, a common handling characteristic of front-wheel drive vehicles, significantly influences the answer to “is front-wheel drive better?” It describes a dynamic where the front tires lose traction before the rear tires during cornering, causing the vehicle to deviate from the intended path and continue in a straighter line than desired. This phenomenon stems from the dual role of the front tires in both steering and providing propulsive force. When cornering forces exceed the front tires’ grip capacity, they slip, reducing steering effectiveness and leading to understeer. The weight distribution inherent in front-wheel drive, with the engine positioned over the driven wheels, further contributes to this tendency. While manageable and often predictable, understeer can limit cornering speeds and necessitate corrective steering inputs or speed adjustments, especially during spirited driving. For instance, navigating a tight bend at speed in a front-wheel drive car might induce understeer, requiring the driver to reduce speed or apply more steering input to maintain the desired trajectory. This contrasts with rear-wheel drive vehicles, which tend towards oversteera condition where the rear tires lose traction firstoffering a different set of handling challenges and requiring distinct driver responses.
The practical significance of understanding understeer in the context of front-wheel drive lies in its impact on vehicle control and driver expectations. Drivers unfamiliar with front-wheel drive’s understeer tendency might misinterpret the vehicle’s response during cornering, potentially leading to inappropriate reactions. Recognizing understeer as a characteristic, rather than a malfunction, allows drivers to anticipate and manage its effects. Techniques like smoothly applying steering inputs, avoiding abrupt braking or acceleration mid-corner, and maintaining appropriate speeds can mitigate understeer and contribute to safer and more controlled driving. Furthermore, understanding the relationship between weight transfer and understeer can inform decisions about vehicle loading and its impact on handling dynamics. Overloading the front of a front-wheel drive vehicle can exacerbate understeer, while a more balanced weight distribution can improve handling characteristics. This understanding enables informed choices about vehicle setup and load management for optimal performance and safety.
In conclusion, understeer, while a potential limitation of front-wheel drive, is a manageable characteristic that drivers can anticipate and control. Recognizing the dynamic interplay between weight distribution, tire grip, and steering inputs empowers drivers to make informed decisions and maintain vehicle control during cornering. Understanding the nuances of understeer adds crucial context to the question of whether front-wheel drive is “better,” enabling a more comprehensive evaluation that considers handling characteristics alongside factors like fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and interior space. Understeer, therefore, emerges as a pivotal factor in the broader assessment of front-wheel drive’s suitability for various driving needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding front-wheel drive, offering concise and informative responses to clarify potential misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of this drivetrain configuration.
Question 1: Is front-wheel drive safer than rear-wheel drive?
Front-wheel drive often exhibits superior traction in inclement weather like snow or rain due to the engine’s weight over the driven wheels. However, safety depends on various factors including driver skill, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions. Neither drivetrain inherently guarantees superior safety.
Question 2: Do front-wheel drive cars perform poorly in snowy conditions?
While deep snow can present challenges for any vehicle, front-wheel drive generally performs well in snowy or icy conditions, often exceeding the capability of rear-wheel drive in similar circumstances. Appropriate tires and cautious driving practices are crucial for optimal performance in any adverse weather.
Question 3: Are front-wheel drive cars more fuel-efficient?
Front-wheel drive vehicles typically exhibit greater fuel efficiency due to reduced drivetrain weight and complexity compared to all-wheel or rear-wheel drive systems. This inherent efficiency contributes to lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.
Question 4: Are front-wheel drive cars less expensive to maintain?
Simpler drivetrain design can potentially lead to lower maintenance costs for front-wheel drive vehicles. Fewer components, such as the absence of a rear differential and driveshaft, can translate to reduced maintenance requirements and potentially lower repair expenses.
Question 5: Is front-wheel drive suitable for performance driving?
While capable in everyday driving scenarios, front-wheel drive can exhibit limitations in high-performance applications. Torque steer and understeer can impact handling at the limit, making rear-wheel or all-wheel drive systems often preferred for performance-oriented vehicles.
Question 6: Do front-wheel drive cars have less interior space?
Front-wheel drive can actually enhance interior space, particularly in smaller vehicles. The absence of a driveshaft tunnel allows for a flatter floor, increasing passenger legroom and potentially maximizing cargo capacity.
These responses highlight the key aspects of front-wheel drive, offering a balanced perspective on its advantages and limitations. Considering these factors provides a comprehensive understanding crucial for informed vehicle selection.
For further exploration, the following section delves into specific comparisons between front-wheel drive and alternative drivetrain configurations, offering a detailed analysis of their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Optimizing Vehicle Selection
Informed vehicle selection necessitates careful evaluation of drivetrain characteristics. These tips offer practical guidance for assessing the suitability of front-wheel drive based on individual driving needs and priorities.
Tip 1: Prioritize Fuel Efficiency: Opting for front-wheel drive can yield notable fuel economy benefits, particularly relevant for budget-conscious drivers and those seeking to minimize environmental impact. Compact cars and sedans with front-wheel drive often achieve higher miles per gallon compared to their counterparts with alternative drivetrains.
Tip 2: Navigate Inclement Weather with Confidence: Front-wheel drive generally provides enhanced traction on slick surfaces like snow or ice due to the engine’s weight over the driven wheels. This can be advantageous in regions with challenging climates.
Tip 3: Maximize Interior Space: In smaller vehicles, front-wheel drive can contribute to increased interior volume due to the absence of a driveshaft tunnel, resulting in a flatter floor and greater passenger legroom.
Tip 4: Consider Performance Limitations: Front-wheel drive can exhibit torque steer and understeer, particularly in high-performance applications. Evaluate these potential limitations when considering vehicles with powerful engines.
Tip 5: Acknowledge Handling Characteristics: Front-wheel drive typically offers predictable handling in most driving conditions. However, understand the tendency towards understeer, especially when cornering at higher speeds.
Tip 6: Assess Long-Term Costs: Front-wheel drive often translates to lower purchase prices and potentially reduced maintenance expenses due to its simpler design and fewer components.
Tip 7: Evaluate Tire Selection Carefully: Proper tire selection is crucial for optimizing front-wheel drive performance and safety, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Consider all-season or winter tires as appropriate for the driving environment.
Tip 8: Test Drive Before Committing: A thorough test drive allows one to experience firsthand the handling characteristics and performance of a front-wheel drive vehicle, ensuring alignment with individual driving preferences.
By considering these tips, potential vehicle owners can make informed decisions aligned with their individual driving needs, priorities, and prevailing conditions. Informed decision-making ensures optimal vehicle selection, maximizing satisfaction and long-term suitability.
The following conclusion summarizes the key advantages and disadvantages of front-wheel drive, offering a final perspective on its place within the broader automotive landscape.
Is Front-Wheel Drive Better? A Concluding Perspective
The question of whether front-wheel drive constitutes a superior drivetrain configuration necessitates a nuanced evaluation, considering individual priorities and driving conditions. Front-wheel drive offers compelling advantages, including enhanced fuel efficiency, often lower purchase and maintenance costs, and generally favorable traction in inclement weather. The compact design can also contribute to increased interior space, a significant benefit for many drivers. However, inherent limitations such as potential torque steer and a tendency towards understeer warrant consideration, particularly for those seeking performance-oriented driving experiences. The overall assessment, therefore, hinges on balancing these strengths and weaknesses against specific needs and preferences.
Ultimately, “better” remains subjective and context-dependent. A comprehensive understanding of front-wheel drive’s characteristics empowers informed decisions, aligning vehicle selection with individual driving styles, prevailing environmental conditions, and budgetary considerations. This informed approach ensures optimal vehicle choice, maximizing satisfaction and long-term suitability.
