In a rear wheel drive vehicle with a front-mounted engine, what component connects the transmission to the rear axle?

The component that connects the transmission to the rear axle in a rear-wheel drive vehicle with a front-mounted engine is the differential. The differential plays a crucial role in the vehicle's drivetrain by allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially when turning. This is essential for maintaining stability and control while cornering since the outside wheels travel a longer distance than the inside wheels.

In this setup, the transmission transfers power to the driveshaft, which then connects to the differential. The differential further divides the power between the left and right rear wheels. This arrangement allows for efficient and effective power distribution, ensuring that traction is maximized while maneuvering.

The engine, while vital to the vehicle's operation, does not directly connect the transmission to the rear axle; rather, it provides the power that is transmitted through the drivetrain. Front axles primarily deal with connecting the wheels to the steering mechanism and are not involved in the power transfer to the rear axle. A transfer case is typically found in all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems, not standard rear-wheel drive configurations, and is responsible for distributing power to both the front and rear axles when required. Hence, the correct identification of the differential highlights its key function in rear-wheel drive vehicles.