Wheel Drives Explained: AWD vs FWD vs RWD & 4WD

The wheel drive systems are one of the most important features of a car and are designed to prompt its dynamic movement. There are four main drive systems that are utilized in modern cars:

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All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

In a way, all wheel drive vehicles can be considered to be the most powerful ones. This wheel system manages to power both axles at the same time. In other words, the engine's power is distributed to the front and rear axle, in order to ensure the tire's secure performing ability.

All wheel and four wheel drive vehicles are similar, but the difference is that with AWD cars the drive system cannot be turned off and does not require the driver's input. The system regulates the vehicle's power distribution as it deems necessary. This means that such wheel drive cars do not utilize the wheels evenly, but the power is automatically regulated based on the conditions that the vehicle is driven on.

Depending on the type of system used with the vehicle during its manufacture, the rear axle will receive less power or none at all until the driving conditions require it.

The specialty, so to speak, of AWD vehicles, is their performing traction in harsh weather conditions and their versatile off-road performance. As both axles are engaged and provide the necessary traction, the vehicle is able to easily conquer changing and rough terrains, while also ensuring its performing safety.

The better traction helps to improve the tire's overall handling, both in good and bad weather situations. As a result, all wheel drive systems are mainly made for larger vehicles, such as SUVs, minivans, and crossovers.

However, a major negative point we need to attribute to the AWD systems is the increased weight of the vehicle. Compared to FWD and RWD vehicles in the same class, all wheel drive vehicles are heavier, which can be up to a couple of hundred pounds of difference. This ruins the vehicle's acceleration and fuel economy, as a stronger engine is needed to power a mightier system.

A strengthened engine will bump up the cost of the vehicle itself as well and will make repairs more costly once the vehicle warranty wears out.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Front wheel drive vehicles channel the engine's power to the front axle, influencing only two tires during its performance. This wheel system can generally be found on passenger vehicles, which focus on fuel economy. An FWD vehicle is rarely a performance type.

A front wheel drive car works by powering the front axle to pull the vehicle forward, on which the weight of the engine sits. The heavier pressure placed on the front axle's tires improves its traction and stabilizes the vehicle while it is in motion. This greatly minimizes the possibility of oversteer, which can cause the driver to lose control over the vehicle.

The engine's weight on the front axle also helps to increase the tires' dry, wet, and winter (if equipped with snow tires) weather driving traction.

Not only are FWD vehicles cheaper to manufacture, but they also reduce the vehicle's fuel usage. This system, compared to RWD and AWD vehicles, weighs less and decreases the tires' rolling resistance by lessening the pressure affecting them. This means these vehicles have lowered fuel cost/mile throughout their lifetime as their fuel intake and CO2 emission is optimized.

Like all things in existence, front wheel drive cars also come with cons. Unfortunately, the weight of the engine on the front tires makes the tire's handling less sharp. With these vehicles the front axle has two jobs: steer the vehicle and provide the necessary traction. Multitasking is often not a profitable idea as it can cause issues during the cars' high speed performance.

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

A rear wheel drive vehicle will transfer the engine's power output to the rear wheels. This type of wheel two wheel drive system utilizes the back tires in order to ensure the vehicle's forward motion. The rear wheels are powered on most SUVs, sports cars and racing vehicles as well.

There is a good reason for that! The rear wheels provide the traction necessary to ensure the tire's safer performance. This type of vehicle provides better traction and acceleration, as the vehicle is pushed forward by the force of the rear tires. This enables the tire's optimal handling in dry weather situations.

As a result, the vehicle is able to avoid torque steer from making the tires less responsive to the driver's steering input. This is due to the axles being able to focus on one job: the rear axle on performance, and the front axle on steering.

All in all, rear wheel drive vehicles promote better handling, but they are also able to upgrade their load durability. As the engine's power transmission and the force moving the vehicle forward are located under the trunk (typically where the load is carried), the tires are able to offer improved load durability.

Unfortunately, rear drive wheels also come with their downsides. While they offer excellent handling to the car, they are that much harder to handle. Inexperienced drivers will find these vehicles hand to control, especially in wet and winter weather situations. However, modern traction control systems are able to remedy the problem.

Secondly, as these types are vehicles are pushed forward by the rear axle, their maneuvering safety decreases in wet and winter weather road conditions. Traction control can also help with this, but it is without a doubt that the cars' performance in snow is diminished.

Another issue can be the vehicle's weight. The additional parts needed for rear wheel drive vehicles make the SUV or sports car weigh more. This can ruin the fuel economy.

Four Wheel Drive (4WD/4X4)

Four wheel drive vehicles are similar to all wheel drives, as the engine has to send power to all four tires at once. The only difference is that four wheels can be switched to two. This wheel drive system has the ability to be turned off, which will optimize the efficient performance and only power the rear wheels in turn.

Four wheel drive cars are typically trucks and SUVs. They are designed to handle harsh terrain surface conditions. This type of drive system can send torque to four or two tires, switching the power distribution between 4 and 2 wheels. Such trucks are designed to conquer versatile off-road terrain surfaces with ease, ensuring their ability to climb through soft, loose, and uneven conditions.

The vehicle's weight distribution is also even, as the parts necessary are located on both axles. As all four wheels are typically in operation during the off-road performance, the load pressure is balanced out across the tread area.

When it comes to 4WD cars, there is not much to talk about negative aspects. Mainly their negatives are the same as those of AWD cars. However, the 4WD technology has been going through constant improvements and these vehicles are becoming more and more refined with each generation. Their performance, especially on off-road terrains and in severe weather (winter and snow traction) conditions.

Four wheel drive vehicles come in three versions:

• Full-time drive systems (always engaged, power sent to all four wheels)
• Automatic drive systems (automatically switching between 2WD and 4WD)
• Part-time drive systems (manual switch between 2WD and 4WD power)

All Wheel Drive vs Front Wheel Drive (AWD vs FWD)

So which should you get: AWD or FWD?

The answer depends on where you wish to drive the vehicle. Vehicles with a front wheel drive system offer better traction on-road, even when performing on wet and winter weather surface conditions. On the other hand, all wheel drive systems excel on off-road terrain surface conditions, optimizing the tire's driving safety levels.

Another issue to consider is the cars' fuel economy. Front wheel drive vehicles use up less fuel due to their lowered overall weight, while AWDs increase the use intake as they place extra pressure on the tires.

Rear Wheel Drive vs All Wheel Drive (RWD vs AWD)

Without a doubt, the all wheel drive vehicle will leave the RWD in the dust on slippery surfaces. An AWD system distributes the engine's output to the front and rear tires, all 4 tires will work in providing the traction needed for a safer performance. This helps to prevent loss of traction, as the transmission keeps all four tires in operation.

However, the trophy for efficient handling and performing safety will still be awarded to the RWD. In other words, RWD vehicles grip the road surface better to optimize the handling and high speed performing abilities, but they can lack in their wet and winter weather traction.

Rear Wheel Drive vs Front Wheel Drive (RWD vs FWD)

FWDs offer better traction in all weather conditions and their fuel intake is also proportional. However, rear wheel drive vehicles promote excellent handling, even during the vehicle's high speed performance.

Most passenger cars are equipped with a front wheel drive system that suits the driving needs of most modern drivers. During the everyday commute, the most important thing is for the tires to provide the traction necessary for a safer performance.

Although, for drivers used to the feel and response of an RWD, a front wheel drive car will feel unrefined. If you are interested in superb control and high speed performing capabilities, a rear wheel drive vehicle might be better suited for your needs.

Which Wheel Drive is The Best?

The answer greatly depends on the intended driving conditions and what you expect the vehicle to provide you.

Whether you decide on a two wheel drive or a four wheel drive, you need to know what each vehicle will provide. Some performance features cannot be demanded from an RWD, which an AWD or FWD can offer without any issues and vice versa. You as the driver need to know what you expect from your vehicle's traction and performance vise.

If the vehicle will be driven more off-road, then it might be worth investing in an AWD or 4WD. Harsh weather on-road traction is provided by most FWD cars, while sharper handling and performance are the specialty of RWDs. All in all, you will be the judge of how you wish your engine to do its job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FWD Better Than RWD in the Snow?

An FWD performs significantly better in snow than an RWD. An FWD pulls the vehicle forward, handling both the vehicle's traction and steering. This will allow for better winter weather performance, as the weight of the engine on the front axle will give better snow traction.

Is It Better to Drift With RWD or FWD?

An RDW is much better for drifting than an AWD. During drifting, the rear tires need to lose traction to a certain degree for the maneuver to be successful. This is easier for an RWD vehicle as its rear axle pushes the vehicle forward, focusing on controllability rather than traction.

Do You Really Need AWD in an SUV?

Whether you need an AWD SUV or not depends on where you intend on driving the vehicle. If the vehicle will be driven exclusively on-road in all weather conditions, there is no need for an AWD system. However, if off-road traction is necessary, it will pay out to invest in an AWD SUV.