AWD VS 4WD - What's the Difference
A few years ago, if you wanted a car with a four-wheel-drive system, you had a few options to pick from. These were full-size SUVs and large trucks that drivers used mainly for off-road adventures or work chores. Thanks to technology, most cars, sedans, trucks, and SUVs for sale come with either four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems, making them more desirable and capable to a larger audience. However, the main challenging issue comes in differentiating between the two terminologies and picking the right one.
What is All-Wheel Drive?
As the name implies, all-wheel-drive cars use systems that power and control the rear and front wheels. Fortunately, drivers can pick from two types of all-wheel drive systems: full-time all-wheel drive and part-time all-wheel drive. The full-time all-wheel-drive system continuously drives all wheels, while the part-time AWD system powers all four wheels when necessary. In most conditions, these part-time AWD system powers two wheels to conserve fuel and switch to AWD when the car needs extra traction.
One primary advantage of an all-wheel-drive system is that the driver does not need to engage the system. When the system senses traction loss, it automatically sends power to the desired wheel, making it easier for drivers to take on rough roads. You will find this system on various vehicles, from luxurious and performance-oriented SUVs to compact sedans, offering you a vast range of choices.
What is Four-wheel Drive
Primarily found in large and performance-oriented SUVs and pickup trucks, 4WD is a traditional system that powers all wheels. You will mostly find this system in vehicles meant for crawling over rocks, crossing a river, or off-roading through the desert. Generally, a 4WD setup uses a series of rear, center, and front differentials, plus couplings and transfer cases to provide all four wheels with power.
However, one advantage of the 4WD system is that it can tackle more rugged terrain than the AWD system. The 4WD system features high and low range settings that you can select with either a lever or an electronic switch. Thus, if you want to cruise over loose sand, gravel, or snow, you can use the high setting, while the low setting provides enough traction for an off-road environment.
If you are interested in learning more about the differences between 4WD and AWD, reach out to us at BMW of Lincoln. Feel free to visit our dealership if you want to take a test drive.
