4 WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) VS ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD), HOW THEY DIFFER.

 Trying to differentiate the features of a 4WD and an AWD could be so confusing, so many times I used to interchange the features of these two drive system. Until recently when I started making some researches to know how the two drive systems actually differ I really can't differentiate them accurately, sometimes I used to be correct and other times wrong but unsure of my explanation. From the result and knowledge gained from my  research, I've decided to publish an article to explain the relationship between a 4WD and an AWD system for others who still finds it difficult to properly differentiate the features of a 4WD and an AWD systems and for those planning to purchase a new vehicle but don't know which drive system to choose.

 Basically,we can say that there is no difference between a 4WD and an AWD, why? Because both drive system drives all the four wheels. But the major difference is that an AWD vehicle drives all 4 wheels at all time while a 4WD uses a driver selectable lever that mechanically engage  to all 4 wheels or disengage to 2 wheels.
Let's get to know these drive systems better.

The Four Wheel Drive (4WD)

  This drive system which is also referred to as four by four (4x4) is commonly found on large SUVs and trucks that are designed for more off-road duties.

  As it is widely known that most cars and some light SUVs are made with a 2 wheel drive (2WD) system which could either be a front wheel drive or a rear wheel drive. But these type of car are not appropriate for off conditions whereby the road could be slippery or in some situation when you need more traction on the terrain you find yourself.

 Only the 4WD runs in complement with a 2WD i.e the vehicle could be set on a 2WD mode but when the need arise for more traction on the terrain the driver activates the 4WD mode with the help of a manual lever or an electronic switch depending on the vehicle's model and manufacturer.
 In the 4WD mode the transmission box transmits power evenly to the front and rear axles, then the axles also shares the power to the two wheels on each axle, thereby ensuring that all four wheels gets equal power capable of propelling the vehicle out of any off-road condition that could have gotten any of the wheels stucked.

The pros and cons

• • best for extreme off-road conditions
  • Better fuel economy, as driver can switch between 2WD and 4WD modes.
  
  

   Cons

  • Not suitable for all driving conditions.

The All Wheel Drive (AWD)

 All wheels at all time, that's what the AWD is all about. A drive system that is usually found on some light and medium size SUVs or trucks designed to take part in some medium off-road duties. An AWD system can get you going in slippery terrain like mud and icy roads.

 The unique feature of an AWD that differentiates it from a 4WD is the all wheel at all time feature, another feature is that, unlike the 4WD system which shares the power evenly to all four wheels, the AWD system automatically detects the wheel with the least traction and most traction, the system then sends more power to the wheel with high traction, with the aim of helping the vehicle get out of a slippery road. This feature has given the AWD system more safety rating and smooth handling in sporty conditions.

The pros and cons

Pros

• It provides more grip in normal driving condition.
• Smooth handling in sporty driving.

• Higher safety rating.

Cons

• poorer fuel economy.
   

   Choosing between a 4WD or an AWD vehicle depends what you want to use the vehicle for. If you are going in more off-road conditions you will need a 4WD to help out.

If you are going on a medium unpaved terrain or you want more traction when you're driving on the normal road, you should choose the AWD.