RE: Worst tank of WWII
Hello, I will diverge for one post to attempt to answer the front/rear drive question.
The philosophy of the front drive was some natural –added- protection of the crew from frontal assault. The disadvantage was obviously KO of gearbox more likely to occur in frontal assault. Also the technical complexity of front drive with a under floor drive shaft created vertical space issues and yet another potential breakage point.
Rear drive required moving the turret forward (and the crew) and generally less hull space for ammo storage.