You might associate a rugged drivetrain with a large car like a truck or an SUV. However, all-wheel drive is quickly emerging as a dependable drivetrain that can power vehicles of all sizes to provide a sufficient amount of traction and handling. All-wheel drive can drive cars that range in size from sedans and crossovers to larger pickup trucks and SUVs. You may be ready to buy a car with all-wheel drive, which provides some of the same benefits as a four-wheel drive, like superior traction and control, but it's still worthwhile to learn the distinct benefits of four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is the top option to consider if you want a car that can ford rivers, driver through the sand, tackle mud, and much more. Both drivetrains are connected to either an automatic or manual transmission, and you can get either full-time or part-time versions of either one.
What is All-Wheel Drive?
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are both drivetrains that send power individually to all four wheels. However, all-wheel drive powers the wheels on your vehicle simultaneously, while four-wheel drive provides the wheels with power on an individual basis. While all-wheel drive functions as a drivetrain that usually gives all four wheels equal power delivery, it can also provide either the front wheels or rear wheels with extra power as needed since all-wheel drive technically controls the front and back wheels separately. All-wheel drive will prevent your car from slipping and sliding on the road, and it can also make your car more fuel-efficient with a steady and even power distribution to the wheels. All-wheel drive can be either a full-time system or a drivetrain that you engage on demand. All-wheel drive will work with either a manual or an automatic transmission.
What is Four-Wheel Drive?
Four-wheel drive is a drivetrain that drivers get if they are looking for a tough car that can plow through sand, mud, snow, and water. Four-wheel drive is also a drivetrain that is designed to help larger vehicles get through the workday by providing extra power and torque to each wheel, which is a great feature to have if you are towing or pulling heavy loads. Four-wheel drive is typically equipped with two gear ranges, which are low-range and high-range. Standard four-wheel drive comes with high-range gearing but gives the driver the choice of switching to low-range gearing as needed for extra traction.
Contact our friendly dealership to learn more about four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive today.
