Understand The Difference Between AWD & 4WD

You may get caught up thinking that four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are the same thing, but contrary to common beliefs there is a difference between the two. It is important to understand the difference between AWD and 4WD when purchasing a vehicle or when trying to understanding the vehicle of your own. Here is some information on the differences.  

What is All-Wheel Drive?

The all-wheel drive system powers the front and back wheels all the time. There are two types of all-wheel drive: Full-time AWD and part-time AWD. Full-time AWD drives all of the wheels, all of the time, while part-time or automatic AWD operates in two-wheel drive most of the time.  

In all-wheel drive, all the wheels get torque which distributes power to all the wheels for traction optimization. The best thing about AWD is the system is designed to sense loss of traction, so the driver doesn’t need to make any manual decisions. AWD is typically not chosen by serious off-roaders. In addition, AWD increases the overall cost of the vehicle.  

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Four-wheel drive is a more traditional car system typically found in SUVs and trucks. 4WD the wheels get torque from front, rear and center diffractals. This allows the 4WD vehicle to operate with maximum traction under various conditions. AWD and 4WD both send torque to all four wheels, but 4WD generally can handle more rugged terrain.  

Similarly, four-wheel drives can operate full-time or part-time. 4WD is best when handling adverse conditions both on and off road pulling maximum power to the wheels. This option raises the initial cost of the vehicle and has a large impact on fuel economy.  

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What Do You Need? 

The answer to this question is a choice that weighs heavily on where you live and the driving conditions you face. AWD can be found in a variety of sizes of vehicles and deliver an increase in traction in normal winter conditions and minor off-roading. 4WD is a better choice for those in extreme weather conditions and a hobby for off-roading adventures.