What is the difference between AWD and 4WD cars?

If you are searching for a car to buy, you may have heard terms like 2WD (two-wheel drive), 4WD (four-wheel drive, also called 4X4) and AWD (all-wheel drive). All these terms refer to the configuration of the drivetrain in a car, which helps determine a vehicle's suitability for different road conditions and weather.

The drivetrain is the machinery that connects your car's engine to the wheels. As the engine runs, the drivetrain transmits the power to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move. In a 2WD, the power is either transmitted to the front two wheels or the rear two wheels - hence the name, two-wheel drive. Similarly, as suggested by the configuration name, power is transmitted to all the wheels in an AWD or a 4WD. But that doesn't mean AWD and 4WD refer to the same drivetrain configuration. Even though the drivetrain can power all the wheels in both formats, the main difference between AWD and 4WD is the level of manual intervention needed to engage all the wheels.

What is a 4WD?

4WD or 4X4 is short for four-wheel drive, which refers to the drivetrain configuration in a vehicle. A 4WD car is generally suitable for off-roading or navigating low traction scenarios, like driving through heavy snow or ice. You'll typically see this system on trucks and SUVs built to work in harsh conditions.

An easy way to understand a 4WD car is by imagining a standard 2WD vehicle with an option for the driver to send power to all wheels by engaging the 4WD mode. You'll generally find a button or a lever to mechanically engage the four-wheel drive in such vehicles.

When 4WD is activated, the drivetrain provides power to all four wheels simultaneously, making it possible to accelerate on a dirt track. Most 4WD vehicles also have high and low settings to navigate different terrains. You'll need to engage the low setting in places you are not looking for speed but need maximum torque, such as slow off-roading or driving on deep sand.

You can also find vehicles with an all-time 4WD configuration, where power is transmitted to all four tyres at all times, just like an AWD vehicle. However, the high and low modes are still available to adapt the drive to various tricky road conditions.

What is an AWD?

AWD is an acronym for all-wheel drive, a drivetrain configuration. Just like a 4WD vehicle, you can use an AWD in wet, snowy, or icy road conditions. However, AWDs are not designed to be used on deep snow or situations where you need to go completely off-road, say on a highly rugged dirt track or even on deep sand.

In an AWD vehicle, the power is provided to all the wheels at all times, without any human intervention to engage the four wheels. Such cars generally employ sophisticated sensors to gauge the changing road conditions. Accordingly, the drivetrain shifts power to the wheels that need it the most, providing adequate traction to help the vehicle get rolling on slippery or wet roads and even correct wheel slip to prevent mishaps.

As the system is computerised, an AWD vehicle will automatically stabilise the car if you unexpectedly hit a slippery road. On the other hand, you'll need to judge the changing road conditions on your own and manually engage all the wheels in a 4WD whenever you need more traction. While this is a plus for an AWD vehicle, remember that it will only hold good in mild off-roading conditions. If you regularly drive through deep snow, mud, rocky or rugged terrains, a 4WD car might be more suitable for you.

4x4 vs AWD comparison

Do you really need a 4WD or AWD car?

Whether you need to purchase a 4WD or an AWD vehicle depends on where you live and how you intend to use the car. An AWD car will mostly work fine in normal conditions. You can also use an AWD car for light off-roading on dirt roads or slippery surfaces. However, if you'll be driving in true off-roading conditions, such as in deep snow or through the rugged outback, you may want to consider a 4WD car.

Now coming to the question of whether you really need a vehicle that engages all four tyres is debatable. The right car configuration for you largely depends on how you want to use the car and the weather conditions in the area you live. If you need to drive off the highway or live in an area that experiences strong rainfall, you may consider an AWD or 4WD vehicle.

Between the two, a 4WD car will be more helpful in off-road conditions. However, if you live in mild weather and all you need is a city car, a 2WD vehicle is generally good enough to zip around in the city with little or no off-roading.

In a 2WD car, power is transmitted to only one wheel axle, making it more fuel efficient than vehicles that send power to both axles. Interestingly, many small SUVs in the market are 2WDs that work well on city roads and can manage a bit of light off-roading. Some of these cars allow you to upgrade to an AWD or 4WD configuration, but you need to pay extra for the upgrade. Overall, it might be safe to say that a 2WD car is generally cheaper to buy and maintain than an AWD or 4WD car. Between AWD and 4WD vehicles, you may find some affordable options in both, but maintaining a 4WD car could be more expensive due to extra wear and tear because of regular off-roading.

Regarding safety, it may be said that vehicles engaging all tyres naturally have twice the traction compared to cars that only power two tyres. This might make it easier for an AWD or a 4WD car to navigate tricky situations, like slippery or unsealed roads. However, that doesn't mean a 2WD vehicle is necessarily unsafe. In fact, one cannot say whether AWD or 4WD vehicles are safer than 2WD cars with certainty, as the level of safety needed in a vehicle depends on the road condition and how the car is driven.

All passenger vehicles in Australia must be fitted with electronic stability control that helps the driver maintain control in case the car skids, swerves, or there's a change in road conditions. Therefore, using a 2WD car in normal weather conditions should be safe if your car is properly maintained and in good shape. You can visit Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) to check and compare the safety ratings of different car models to pick a safe vehicle for you and your family.

Besides purchasing a car that matches your needs, it's also important to buy adequate insurance cover to protect yourself from paying the cost of any damage caused to the vehicle or a third party due to a mishap. While it's mandatory for a car to have compulsory third-party insurance, you may want to consider a comprehensive insurance policy for the highest coverage level.

If you use your car for off-roading, you should also check whether it's insured for off-road driving. It's a good idea to speak to your insurer to understand any exclusions to your insurance cover and read the Product Disclosure Statement for details.

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