AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

The Difference Between AWD vs 4WD

There are many differences between AWD and 4WD to be aware of when you're selecting the features that you want your new car to have when you're selecting it. Unfortunately, many people assume that both features are the same with how they work. Although it may be challenging to understand how they differ, there are a few basic facts that you can review to ensure you choose the right option.

How Does All-Wheel Drive Work?

All-wheel drive allows the powertrain to deliver power to all of the wheels of the car. This ensures all of the wheels continue to be in motion. With a part-time system, it has a two-wheel drive mode that is mostly in use and can switch over to all-wheel drive if extra traction is needed under the wheels.

The all-wheel drive feature is convenient because it doesn't require you to engage the system. However, there are a few specific models available in the industry that can allow you to have extra control. Torque is provided to each wheel by way of clutches, couplings, and differentials.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

When you have a four-wheel drive on larger models like trucks and SUVs, a set of differentials are used on the rear, front, and center. The power is also transferred to the four wheels with couplings and transfer cases to keep the vehicle planted on the ground.

Each wheel on your car also gets the torque it needs when your car is built with four-wheel drive whenever it's needed on wet or slippery surfaces. It works part-time and full-time, similar to all-wheel drive. As the driver, you have the option of low and high ranges as you spend time operating the vehicle. You'll use a lever or electronic switch to adjust it. Whenever you're driving over slick surfaces like gravel, sand, or snow, you can take advantage of this mode to maintain the performance and safety of the vehicle. The car will be easier to operate and you can tackle different types of surfaces with ease.

Contact our team of experts today if you're ready to learn more about the main differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. You can also visit our dealership to check out different models that come with each of the modes and test drive some of our cars to discover how well they work and how they differ from one another in different driving situations.