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What is the difference between AWD and 4WD?

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Choosing between all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) can significantly affect your driving experience, particularly in varying weather and terrain conditions.

In this blog, we explain the critical differences between AWD and 4WD, their suitability for different conditions, and guide you through selecting the optimal drive type for your needs.

What is AWD?

An AWD car has a system designed to automatically distribute power to all four wheels, enhancing grip and handling on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Unlike traditional two-wheel drive vehicles, AWD systems typically operate without driver intervention, seamlessly adjusting to provide optimal traction. An AWD car is beneficial in typical British weather, offering superior handling in rain, ice, and snow.

What is 4WD?

Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, typically found in larger vehicles and SUVs, offer robust traction by allowing power delivery to all four wheels.

This feature makes 4WD vehicles particularly effective for off-road conditions and challenging terrains, common in rural or rugged areas of the UK.

Differing from AWD, 4WD is generally engaged or disengaged manually by the driver. This is typically done via a dial, which lets you select one of the available options.

The Different Versions of 4WD

Four-wheel drive systems are available in multiple variations:

Automatic: Intelligently switches between two-wheel and four-wheel drive as required, providing ease of use and versatility.

Part-time: Requires manual switching between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, suitable for occasional off-roading.

Full-time: Operates consistently across all four wheels, ideal for continuous off-road use.

In addition, 4WD vehicles can sometimes be available with two distinct drive modes: 4L and 4H.

4L (Low Range) engages a low gear ratio through the transfer case, making it ideal for soft or slippery terrain like sand, mud, or snow. This mode provides better control by reducing torque spikes and enhancing traction at low speeds.

4H (High Range), on the other hand, is suited for firmer surfaces such as gravel or packed sand, and is intended for driving at higher speeds while still benefiting from four-wheel traction.

Is 4×4 and 4WD the same?

The term “4×4” generally refers to a vehicle with a four-wheel drive system, indicating power delivered to all four wheels simultaneously. Therefore, 4×4 does typically mean 4WD, although the term is used informally across various vehicle types.

Which is better, AWD or 4WD?

The decision between AWD and 4WD depends greatly on your driving needs.

AWD is better for typical urban driving, daily commuting, and navigating British roads, including during adverse weather conditions.

However, 4WD is preferable for rigorous off-roading, crossing rugged landscapes, and tackling challenging terrain commonly found in the UK’s countryside.

Is 4WD or AWD better in snow?

Both AWD and 4WD provide significant benefits in snowy conditions. AWD systems are typically more user-friendly, automatically adapting to snow-covered roads, ice, or wet surfaces.

However, 4WD systems offer enhanced traction and strength for deeper snow and extremely slippery or challenging terrains, making them ideal for severe winter conditions in rural or mountainous areas of the UK.

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