what is the difference between four wheel drive and awd?
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Generally, an all-wheel drive system uses a center differential to distribute the engine's torque between the two axles, while four-wheel drive relies on a transfer case, which functions like a locked differential. ... But four-wheel drive often doesn't work on the road for the exact same reason it works so well off road.
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While a four-wheel-drive system tries to send as much power to the four wheels as equally as possible for maximum traction, all-wheel drive is all about varying the amount of power sent to each wheel, either mechanically or electronically.
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All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a fairly recent driving system which transfers power to the wheels with the most traction. Power can be split between the front and rear wheel axles or individual wheels, via three 'differentials': central, front and rear.
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The upside: AWD provides excellent all-year/all-weather grip on snow-covered roads in winter and improves handling on dry (or wet) paved roads in summer. Unlike a truck-style 4WD system, AWD is optimized as much for use on smooth, paved surfaces as it is for use in snow (or even on unpaved gravel and dirt).
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The main difference between FWD and 4WD, obviously, is the number of wheels they can supply power to. A FWD can only supply power to the front wheels. In contrast, 4WD vehicles have the ability to power all four wheels, which can come in handy in some situations, but generally just use the two rear wheels.
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2WD either the front or rear wheels are driven. FWD the front wheels are the drive wheels and RWD the rear wheels are driven. ... 2WD refers to RWD or FWD. AWD and 4WD are related, but not exactly the same.
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The 328i uses rear-wheel drive (RWD), which means that the vehicle uses only the rear wheels to move. In contrast, the 328xi uses all-wheel drive (AWD), which means the car's four wheels are driven by the engine all the time.
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AWD is particularly good for assisting with acceleration on slick surfaces. However, drivers should keep in mind AWD does little to aid turning and braking on snow and ice vs. a two-wheel drive vehicle equipped with all-season tires.
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Many of our Mitsubishi models come with all-wheel drive (AWD) and some come with four-wheel drive (4WD). Both of these drivetrains offer different benefits in varying road conditions and weather. AWD gives power to the wheels that need it most when the vehicle is in operation. ... You can find AWD on sedans.
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Front-wheel drive cars are generally more affordable than all-wheel drive cars. This is due to less parts, and a perceived lack of utility. ... FWD is cheaper to buy, and cheaper to operate. Snow tires are a cheaper option than AWD.
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All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vs. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) | Subaru Australia. 4WD is normally used on large SUV Four-Wheel Drive (4x4) vehicles designed to use the extra traction of 4WD in off road situations.
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Four-wheel drive (4WD) refers to vehicles with two axles providing torque to four axle ends. In the North American market, the term generally refers to a system optimized for off-road driving conditions.
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Is AWD that much safer and worth the roughly $2,000 premium these systems command? The short answer is this: AWD and 4WD help a vehicle accelerate in slippery conditions, but they don't aid with braking and only sometimes improve handling. That said, you shouldn't necessarily cross the feature off your shopping list.
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While you don't have to go for a huge, traditional 4x4 that can cross a desert; having a drive train system that powers all four wheels (even part time) is essential when you're getting away from bitumen. There are two main systems available for SUVs to go off-road, All Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD).
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Front-wheel drive tends to have a lower towing capacity than rear-wheel or 4WD/AWD drivetrains. Front-wheel drive has worse acceleration than rear-wheel drive, which is why most sporty and race cars use rear-wheel drive. With all the weight up front, front-wheel drive can make handling more difficult.
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AWD is fine for most normal snow conditions or for light-duty, off-pavement excursions. If you'll be driving in severe snow or true off-road situations, or if you're interested in pursuing off-roading as a hobby, you should opt for a vehicle with 4WD and lots of ground clearance.
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Car shoppers looking at any vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) as an option face a difficult decision. ... The short answer is this: AWD and 4WD help a vehicle accelerate in slippery conditions, but they don't aid with braking and only sometimes improve handling.