Front or top loader washer?

[Colly0410]

Here in England just about everyone (including me) has a front loading automatic washing machine, been like that for decades. However when I was in America I only saw top loaders. Wondering why the difference? My Mother had a (rare) top loading automatic washer & it was really good, she loved it. However one day it sprung a leak & flooded the kitchen so was sent to washer heaven. She then got a front loader but was never 100% happy with it, she pined for her top loader..