Drive Types: FWD vs 4WD vs AWD vs RWD
Drive types actually have four different layouts such as front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. The wheels stated here receive the power from the engine.
When you are searching for a new car, you may hear about front wheel drive or all wheel drive. We are here for you to help what they exactly mean or know the difference between them.
Usual Drive Types
Rear wheel drive types dominated many decades, in 1980s front wheel drive began to take over. American manufacturer Ford at one point became the only manufacturer yet producing rear wheel drive sedan.
Now a days you can find more options but its still uncommon. Modern muscle car such as powerful V8 engine is exception in rear wheel drive while traditional rear wheel drive is a glamour. Almost every car is either front wheel drive (FWD) or all wheel drive (AWD). Very few have four wheel drive (4WD) for good count. Each category has its own advantage and disadvantage.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a setup of engine and transmission arrangement provided in motor vehicles, in which the engine power drives the front wheels only.
Advantages
- Better Fuel Economy: only the front wheels are used to power the car so these are affordable and efficient for daily driven
- No Center Hump: center seated passengers are more comfortable as there is no center “hump” running down the middle of the cabin’s floor, providing more room
- Comparatively Less Weight: due to fewer moving parts, less weight and better fuel economy
- Low Maintenance Cost: due to fewer moving parts there are fewer things to fix resulting lower maintenance costs
- Effective on Slippery Slopes: improved downforce and traction as weight of the engine is on the driving wheels
- Tire Replacement: fewer concerns as compared to all wheel drive (AWD), front tires require early replacement, but we should interchange front and rear pair of tires after every 10,000 kilometers to avoid oversteer and understeer https://steerclick.com/vehicle-oversteer-and-understeer-what-you-need-to-know/
Disadvantages
- Understeer in Snowy Conditions: only two wheels that drive the car, if one front wheel loses grip in snowy conditions, the car only rely on the other wheel to provide the remaining grip, you may face understeer
- Same Wheels to Steer and Drive: cars with anti-slip feature may reduce power to one wheel to retrieve traction, this results “torque steer” in which vehicle pulls forward but may face some lateral movement in search of grip
- Deprived of Tangible Feelings: rear wheel drive types are enjoyable in dry conditions as steering feels instinctive, FWD cars typically lose that touchable feeling when carving a corner
- Less Towing Capacity: front wheel drive types have to move forward the car and hold the weight of the tow load
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
All the four wheels rotate full time, when there is an instant loss of traction, it convey power at once where it is required.
Advantages
- Urban and Challenging Terrains: superior traction control, enhanced vehicle stability, low risk of skid and rollover, beneficial investment
- Off Road + Every Day Drive Types: you can enjoy each and every ride by attaining maximum forward traction during acceleration, keep moving through mud, sand, and other loose surfaces
- Smoother Acceleration and Better Handling: engine power splits evenly in all wheels
- Better Towning Capacity: stronger towing capacity due to better traction and evenly distributed power in all wheels
Disadvantages
- Cost of Vehicle: more complex system raises cost of vehicle
- Less Tire Life: engine may send power to all four wheels at the same time based on road conditions, wear of tires increases
- Low Fuel Efficiency: AWD drive types adds extra mechanical resistance and weight to the frame of car
- Limited Off Road Competence: all wheel drive types have limited off road differentials compared to four wheel drive
Four Wheel Drive Types (4WD)
The engine attached to differentials by a drive shaft, which provides the power to the wheels using the drive axles. Differentials is a gearing arrangement through which engine transfers power to all four wheels.
Advantages
- Improved Traction in Dangerous Driving Conditions: engages both sets of wheels, extra weight grants better grip on the road
- Flexibility of All Terrains: you are free to drive on any type of terrain whether off road or urban
- Improved Traction and Safety: in lots of winter snowfall able yourself navigating on icy roads, four-wheel drives can be a great way to stay safe round the year for you and your beloved ones
- Confident Driving Position: 4WD drive types are taller than their 2WD correlatives which gives an elevated driving position, this enhances visibility on the road and provides you confidence, make safer and more comfortable behind the wheels
Disadvantages
- Expensive: 4WD are very expensive due to complex system and components
- Heavy Fuel Consumption: four wheel drive types have more weight and use more energy
Domestic sales volume of four-wheel drive vehicles in Thailand from 2016 to 2023 (in 1,000s)
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1116561/thailand-sales-volume-of-four-wheel-drive-vehicles
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Engine power supplied to rear wheels which push the car in forward direction. The front wheels do not sustain any power.
Advantages
- Impressive Acceleration: rear wheels are connected to the axle, which receive the power, it delivers the force needed for manoeuvring
- Enhanced Stability and Control: the weight of the car transfer to the rear wheels, provides improved stability and control
- High Performance: more even weight distribution between the front and rear results in better handling, exceptionally in high-performance situations
- Higher Speed: excellent traction increases the acceleration
- Marvelous Cornering Abilities: better weight distribution enables remarkable cornering specially at higher speed
Disadvantages
- Less Grip in Slippery Conditions: rear-wheel-drive cars are more liable to oversteer, as engine weight is not directly above the driving wheels to stabilize and enhance traction
- Cost and Complexity: rear wheel drive types are more complex which increase their cost and make them more expensive to maintain
- Limited Interior Space: transmission tunnel reduces inside cabin space which effects its practicality in certain cases
Drive Types: Selection / Preference
We tried our best to compare these drive types, ultimate choice is of our respected visitors / readers.
Drive Types selection may be based on your personal needs and finances. You can do analysis by keeping all the points in front of you. Our best wishes for you. May you get your dream car as soon as possible.
