The difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is very minimal. Both are meant for driving in severe winter weather, wet roads, rough terrains, and highways.

If you are going to purchase one or the other, it is vital to know the differences between both drive systems.

The AWD is a relatively new system, but it is now the favorite of most drivers. Those who are interested in driving on rough surfaces need a 4WD system. Yet the shortcomings can affect if you are a novice to 4WD.

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1 Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

2 Four-Wheel Drive: Part-Time vs Full-Time

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Four-wheel drive, or 4×4, is a vehicle drivetrain popularly used in rough SUVs and trucks. It is designed for wild, unpaved. Some of these are hard trucks, such as the Honda Ridgeline.

Simply put, a four-wheel drive is a system that directs the same amount of power to all the wheels without favoring any particular wheel. Receiving power from the drive shaft and engine implies that each wheel will rotate at the same velocity.

While this equal power distribution is ideal for rugged and uneven surfaces as it helps maintain optimal levels of traction, it can be a problem when you are driving on the road. It will make turning through tight roads inconvenient for you as these tires are no longer in sync. Since most 4WD systems are part-time – a type of drivetrain system in which you can switch actively between 4WD and 2WD, driving on well-paved highways and roads is not a problem.

Four-Wheel Drive: Part-Time vs Full-Time

Four-wheel drivetrain systems come in two variants, part-time 4WD and full-time 4WD.

Full-time 4WD is easy to understand. These cars don’t come with a two-wheel drive system. You only have to rely on a 4WD. This drivetrain system is mostly found in old trucks and SUVs. It is becoming obsolete, the reason being that no driver wants a car that is only limited to off-road driving conditions.

As it was said previously, part-time 4WD allows you to switch from full 4WD and 2WD. The 4WD mode is only turned on as you negotiate rough terrains like gravel, rock or mud, and as you hit the highway, you switch to 2WD.

Some parts of the vehicles have a four-wheel drive system with a transfer case. This consists of 4-low or 4-high. 4-High mode vectorizes and limits powers at the wheels. It allows you to travel quickly on soft ground.

4-low is used when you want maximum power. It is used when your vehicle is at low speed and your wheels need all the power to pass over something. For instance, if your car is stuck or you are going through rocks slowly, you can turn the 4-low mode on so your wheel receives maximum power.

Pros of 4WD

Helps attain optimal traction on rugged and uneven terrains
You can turn it on and off to control the fuel consumption

Cons of 4WD

It is not flexible enough to be used in any type of condition
Adds more weight to the vehicle and increases fuel consumption
4WD cars are expensive as most of the cost is associated with the production of these cars

All-Wheel Drive

Today, more and more cars are coming with an all-wheel drive system, from supercars to compact SUVs. It is the latest drivetrain system. This automated drivetrain system is considered more user-friendly as it does all the work for the driver.

Unlike 4WD, all-wheel drive systems send power to the wheels which need it the most. You can find AWD systems in nearly all body types from sedans and SUVs to minivans and coupes.

SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Pilot Honda have AWD standards in their upper-level trims. You can also get AWD in other variants by paying some additional amount. Many new drivers prefer this drivetrain system as it is totally automated and does not require any human input. AWD can sense which tire is losing traction and divert the power away from this wheel so it can regain traction with the surface.

AWD Pros

Better grip and traction in all road conditions, whether it is off-road or on-road
Offers better handling capabilities to cars
No hassle of switching it on and off