AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

Car shoppers have many choices to make when looking for their next ride. Although it might not be your top consideration, one important feature to think about in your vehicle is the drivetrain that you get. Two popular options are all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (FWD). The two drivetrains sound similar and even offer some similar features. However, they also have some key distinctions that may influence which type of drivetrain you choose and even the kind of car that you get. Both drivetrains can be either part-time or full-time. AWD is more frequently found on sedans and smaller vehicles such as wagons, crossovers, and hatchbacks. On the other hand, four-wheel drive is typically found on SUVs and trucks. Sport vehicles generally have four-wheel drive for their ability to help navigate successfully on trails.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

All-wheel drive can help your vehicle get through a variety of road conditions that range from dry to wet and even snowy. All-wheel drive has a consistent power supply that evenly distributes power simultaneously to all four wheels at the same time. All-wheel drive can be used on either a full-time or a part-time basis. Full-time all-wheel drive is simply referred to as "AWD." Part-time all-wheel drive is often referred to as automatic AWD or part-time AWD. With this type of drivetrain system, the car is in two-wheel drive most of the time. Power typically goes to all four wheels at the same time, but the vehicle may occasionally get extra traction to the wheels in certain conditions, such as when the front or back wheels need a boost of power or when the car is going around corners. All-wheel drive is generally automatic and does not need to be controlled by the driver, but some transmissions have a dual-clutch system that allows the driver to take control when needed.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

While all-wheel drive provides a steady and constant supply of power to the wheels, a four-wheel drive delivers torque independently to each of the wheels when needed. A four-wheel drive also comes in full-time and part-time systems. While FWD is also usually an automatic system that doesn't need to be managed by the driver, the driver may need to switch into FWD manually if the vehicle is equipped with part-time FWD or four-wheel drive on demand. A car with four-wheel drive has a different mechanical setup than a vehicle with AWD to conquer harrowing terrain more easily.

To learn more about the differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, contact our dealership today.