AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

There are a number of factors to consider when buying a car, drivetrain is one of them. When you get a car, there are several drivetrains that you can choose from. Two of the most popular choices are all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are two standout options when you are thinking about the kind of car you want to get. The type of drivetrain that you want to get can also determine the body style and model that you decide to get. Both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available on trucks and SUVs, but all-wheel drive is more commonly found on sedans, which also don't often have four-wheel drive. Capability and handling are other considerations to keep in mind when deciding between all-wheel and four-wheel drive.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

All-wheel drive is a versatile drivetrain that drives trucks, sedans, and SUVs. All-wheel drive is offered as a full-time or a part-time option. All-wheel drive provides power to all four wheels evenly and at the same time if you get full-time all-wheel drive. If you choose part-time AWD, your vehicle will have another drivetrain that works in combination with all-wheel drive. Part-time AWD means that you can switch into AWD mode when your car needs extra traction on the road. Part-time AWD and full-time AWD are usually offered with an automatic transmission, but you can sometimes get them with a manual transmission or a dual-clutch transmission that allows you to manually engage all-wheel drive on demand. All-wheel drive sends power evenly to all four wheels most of the time, but it can also provide additional power to individual wheels on an as-needed basis. All-wheel drive works with cars that have automatic and manual transmissions.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Four-wheel drive is another drivetrain option. Four-wheel drive can also work with manual and automatic transmissions. Four-wheel drive is frequently found on SUVs and trucks, but it is less common on sedans and smaller cars. Four-wheel drive has independent suspension systems and unique axles. Four-wheel drive is either full-time or part-time, which means that it can be engaged as needed by the driver. Four-wheel drive has two types of gearing, which are low-range and high-range gearing. High-range gearing is the standard drivetrain option, while low-range gearing is available if you need additional traction on-road or off.

To get more details about all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, contact our friendly and helpful dealership today.