AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

When you're in the market for a new car, you'll quickly discover how many features are available in most models. You can even have the option of choosing between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, depending on the type of car you're checking out. Some drivers aren't aware of the main differences between both setups and assume they're the same. Other people can be confused by how they're unique from one another. Fortunately, there are a few basic facts that make it easy to understand how your car will operate when you select each option to ensure you can make the right choice for your driving needs.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

When you have an all-wheel drive on your car, it causes the powertrain to deliver power to the front and back wheels. The system can operate full-time to ensure every wheel is always moving. If it's used part-time, it tends to use a two-wheel drive mode but occasionally switches to all-wheel drive when your car needs extra traction to move.

When you use all-wheel drive, you don't have to spend any time engaging the system to have it operate correctly. There are still several models in the industry that provide you with options for having control of the setup. Each wheel gets enough torque through a set of clutches, couplings, and differentials.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Larger cars, trucks, and SUVs often come with four-wheel drive. This setup also uses a set of differentials in the rear, center, and front of the vehicle with couplings and transfer cases to ensure power is delivered to each of the four wheels.

Torque is sent to all of the wheels on the car when it's needed, which is available in full-time and part-time mode, which is also common with all-wheel drive. You'll get to choose between low and high ranges as the car is running. You can set this up with an electronic switch or lever that is in place. With the low setting, you'll get the highest level of traction. The high setting is more ideal to use when you plan to drive on surfaces that include gravel, snow, or sand.

Contact us today if you want to learn more about all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive to ensure you can make the right selection when choosing your next vehicle. Our team is highly knowledgeable and will be happy to answer your questions to ensure you feel good about your decision.