Which drive configuration does not have a traditional driveshaft?

Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles are designed such that the engine and transmission are located in the front of the vehicle, and the drive axle, which connects directly to the front wheels, allows for the vehicle's movement. This setup minimizes complexity and weight, providing better fuel efficiency and handling compared to configurations that require a traditional driveshaft.

In FWD systems, the power from the engine is delivered directly to the front wheels via constant velocity (CV) joints and half shafts. This means that there is no need for a traditional driveshaft that runs from the rear of the vehicle to the front, as seen in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) systems.

Other configurations like RWD, AWD, and 4WD utilize a driveshaft to transmit power from the engine to either the front or rear wheels or to all wheels, ensuring that all drive wheels receive the necessary torque to operate effectively. Therefore, the absence of a traditional driveshaft in FWD configurations distinctly sets it apart, leading to a simpler and more compact design.