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Engines mounted on the wing of the airplane are typically found on bigger aircraft. They minimize drag and yaw and also add to the weight of the wing.

Engines mounted on the back of the airplane are used on smaller aircrafts. Here, the drag and yaw are also minimized as well, but the center of gravity (where the weight of the plane is pulling it down) is closer to the end of the plane, resulting in a longer tail. It does not have an effect on wing performance.