AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?
When you buy a car, performance and handling are often key considerations that you think about to make sure you're getting a vehicle that meets your needs. While cars vary widely in body style, the type of transmission they have can help with traction and control. Two common drivetrains are all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
What is All-Wheel Drive?
Unlike other drivetrains like front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive generally powers all wheels at the same time. All-wheel drive is available for your vehicle on a part-time or a full-time basis. It may also come with select driving modes that provide some control of the car's performance, as you have the ability to determine where power in the wheels goes. While you may be able to decide on the power output of your vehicle with an all-wheel drive, you will also get an automatic all-wheel drive if your car has a full-time AWD system. With automatic all-wheel drive, power is delivered at the same time and same rate to the front and rear tires. The even and predictable power output ensures your vehicle doesn't slip when you are driving on ice, snow, and otherwise treacherous surfaces. The added traction also leads to safer and more confident handling for the driver. If you have a car with part-time all-wheel drive, torque will be directed to either the front or back tires as needed depending on power needs and the make and model of the car that you drive. Some cars have electronic all-wheel drive, which is an all-wheel drive system that is controlled by electronic sensors in the vehicle. A computer in the car gets feedback from the AWD system, which then allows it to regulate power output to each wheel.
What is Four-Wheel Drive?
Another drivetrain available for your car is a four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a responsive drivetrain system that only sends power to any wheel as needed. Four-wheel drive sends torque to the wheel that needs it most in order to gain traction and control. Four-wheel drive, like all-wheel drive, can be a part-time or a full-time drivetrain system. Four-wheel drive is often found on trucks and SUVs, while all-wheel drive is a popular and versatile drivetrain that comes with cars ranging from small sedans and crossovers to pickups and large SUVs. Four-wheel drive may come standard on a car, or it can be a part-time system that you engage when necessary if you are taking a dirt road or need additional power.
Contact our dealership for more details today on all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
