Sometimes our cars can easily break loose the rear end. Isn't this the reason to go Staggered, to even out the odds?

RWD = Staggered
AWD/FWD = Square


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The square setup our cars came with DOES provide a good neutral handling balance. You don't need staggered setup to corner well. This is due to a combination springs/shocks and sways, and the amount of grip front to rear.

Both instances above are caused by driver error. Power over steer is challenging to control no matter how wide your rear tires are. Sure, you have to rev a few hundred RPM higher to brake wider rear tires, but staggered is not the 1 answer to high power RWD setup. When you drop the clutch at 4000rpm it will be a wild ride staggered or square. Moderation in key.

If you decide to go staggered, you also have to change your rear sways to compensate the increased traction in the rear of the car from causing under-steer mid corner.

Generally speaking most sports/performance cars are set up for mild under steer. It's easier to control. The nice thing is you can always induce over steer on demand by blipping the throttle, lifting off throttle causing weight to shift, or by steering input (like Scandinavian Flick).

 

It's a lot of fun to practice burnouts in a wide empty parking lot or on a track. I learned that when the back-end losses traction, immediately taking my foot off the gas pedal violently throws the rear around from sudden grip and compression braking. It's better to gradually back-off and keep the front tires pointed in the direction you want to go.

On the street I never intentionally brake traction, there isn't enough room if I mess up... too many curbs, dogs, people, vehicles, shopping carts.