Four wheel drive and all-wheel drive are great features to have on any truck or car. Having all four of your tires driving your car is an incredible advantage for traction in inclement road conditions. Many erroneously think these terms are synonymous and interchangeable. There are however significant differences between the drive systems.
Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
Four wheel drive is the original system for driving all wheels in your automobile, first introduced for mass production by Jeep in the 1940’s. With a transfer box, when 4WD is engaged, the system evenly distributes power to all four of your tires. This means all four of your tires are going the same exact speed. This tried and true system has stood the test of time as advantageous for off-roading and slick-road traction.
There are a few drawbacks to the traditional 4WD systems, however. Though most vehicles allow you to turn the system on and off, it is not very fuel efficient. The 4WD option is also much more complex and an expensive upgrade from most base models. Aside from this, there is a drawback to how 4WD systems allow you to handle your vehicle.
Because your transfer case evenly distributes power to all your wheels and they are all going the same speed, turning is more difficult when the system is engaged. This is because when turning, your front tires need uneven power distribution because the outside tire has more ground to cover than the inside. This makes for awkward, noisy turning and clunky handling.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
First introduced by Honda in the late 1990’s on their ‘Super Handling’ models (SH), AWD is more refined version of 4WD. A highly computer-based drive system, AWD is run on both mechanical and electronic framework. And unlike most 4WD systems, AWD is always on. This makes for even tire distribution whenever you need it, in slick or adverse road conditions for seamless handling and tire grip.
The advantage over 4WD stems from AWD differential box, which is capable of splitting torque to the wheels at varying levels when conditions call for it. AWD is unlike 4WD in that the latter does not distribute power based on road conditions and handling. But because AWD systems are heavy and they run all the time, they decrease the power to weight ratio and decrease fuel efficiency.
Depending on what you will be using your vehicle for should determine which system best suits your needs. The long and short of it is 4WD is best used for off-roading and AWD is best used for road travel, especially in northern climates with long winters. If you are looking for efficiency, however, 4WD may be your best bet.
