All-wheel drive vs. 4-wheel drive
September 16 2022
All-wheel drive vs. 4-wheel drive are both popular types of drivetrains because they are very capable and reliable on the road. However, there are differences between these two, and they do not meet the exact same needs.
Your Blainville dealer tells you the differences between AWD and 4WD to help you decide which is best for you.
Qu’est-ce que les transmissions ?
Transmission is simply a term that refers to the way in which power from the engine is sent to the wheels of the vehicle. Torque generated by the engine can be transferred to two or four wheels.
Front-wheel drive is the most popular system in cars and entry-level models of many SUVs and crossovers. This system only sends torque to the front wheels. At Volkswagen, the list of front-wheel-drive vehicles includes:
- La Jetta
- La Passat
- Le Taos (version Trendline seulement)
- L’ID.4 (version de base)
- La Golf (sauf la Golf R)
To learn more about the sports car, discover the specs of the 2023 Golf GTI.
Rear-wheel drive does the opposite of front-wheel drive: it transmits torque to the rear wheels. Sports cars and muscle cars are usually rear-wheel drive vehicles.
In general, FWD vs. AWD (front wheel drive vs. all-wheel drive) have their own advantages. The former saves fuel while the latter delivers greater stability on the road.
Unlike two-wheel drive, the engines of both four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles transmit power to all four wheels. However, there are still some distinctions to be made between all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive, as we will see.
4x4 vs all-wheel drive: the differences
If they both send power to all four wheels, what is the difference between 4x4 and AWD? The difference lies primarily in the way the systems work.
For their part, 4x4 vehicles often operate as two-wheel drive by default, and it is up to the driver to activate a 4x4 mode when needed. When activated, this mode sends half of the power to the front and half to the rear, resulting in an even distribution of power between the four wheels.
By definition, all-wheel drive also engages all four wheels. All-wheel drive or AWD, however, is active at all times or, in the case of intelligent AWD, it is activated automatically. This is the technology used by Volkswagen's 4MOTION AWD, which uses sensors to adjust the distribution of power according to various parameters, ensuring optimal traction at all times.
Another key difference between 4x4 and AWD is that the torque is distributed to each wheel individually rather than 50/50 between the front and rear axles.
Advantages of 4x4
You are more likely to find 4x4 drivetrains in more adventurous vehicles such as off-road trucks. The main advantage of 4x4 versus AWD systems is their ability to explore off-road trails, since they can deliver more controlled handling at lower speeds.
What's more, these vehicles often have a higher ground clearance, making it much easier to drive over any obstacles you encounter along the way.
It is the perfect system for off-roading
The primary purpose of the 4x4 vehicle is to be used for off-road driving. If you are planning on venturing into muddy and rocky terrain, this type of drivetrain will provide excellent driving stability. This is the biggest advantage of 4WD over AWD.
As you would expect, it's also perfect for winter driving since it can handle snow banks without any problems. However, since this is not a predictive system, it cannot react to unexpected road surfaces, such as water or ice, like an AWD would.
Advantages of all-wheel drive
The most important advantage of all-wheel drive over 4-wheel drive is its responsiveness. There is a reason why this type of drivetrain is gaining popularity with consumers, even those who live in the city!
Because they are always active, AWD systems are always ready to send torque to the wheel that has the most grip. As a result, it is the ideal system for handling any unexpected situations on the road.
What's more, because Volkswagen's 4MOTION is an intelligent system, the entire drivetrain can maximize fuel efficiency and, above all, deliver unbeatable stability on every trip. 4MOTION makes it easy to take corners safely, especially at speed. This is particularly true aboard the sporty Golf R.
It is therefore perfect for facing any surprises on the road.
When it comes to driving on icy surfaces, getting out of a snowy parking lot or driving with safely on ice and flooded streets, there's no better choice than all-wheel drive.
Whether it's winter or summer, AWD systems such as Volkswagen's 4MOTION let you drive with peace of mind, even if you are out venturing on rugged trails.
In fact, every SUV in the Volkswagen lineup comes standard with an AWD system, except for the base versions of the Taos and the ID.4 electric vehicle, both of which offer it as an option.
So whether you are looking for a vehicle with front or all-wheel drive, there is no better place to find it than at VW Lauzon Blainville, near Mirabel!
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