What is the Difference Between FWD and AWD?

Nov 19, 2020

Driver angle of a white car driving in a city

Front-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel Drive Comparison

As you shop for a vehicle, you’ve likely have come acrossrnthe terms front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD and AWD arerntwo different drivetrains which each being found in many vehicles. What’s therndifference between FWD and AWD? There are different benefits from owning each,rnso let’s see how these drivetrains compare.

[ READ MORE: WhenrnShould You Get Your Tires Rotated? ]

Pros and Cons of FWD

FWD is the most common drivetrain out there. From old vehiclesrnto current models, FWD has been available to drivers for decades. Why dorndrivers continue to buy cars with this drivetrain? It comes down tornaffordability and efficiency. This drivetrain is the cheapest for manufacturersrnto produce, thus making FWD the cheapest for drivers to purchase. In addition, FWDrnis known to be more fuel-efficient than other drivetrain options. This is duernto the fact that only the front two tires are powered by the engine.

Now you’re probably wondering why some drivers would ratherrnpick a different drivetrain. While FWD is good for drivers on a budget, itrnposes a risk during weather conditions like rain. Also, vehicles with FWDrncannot easily travel off-road. Since only the front tires are powered, if onernloses traction, it can be hard for the vehicle to regain the grip it needs.

Rear angle of a car driving in rain

Pros and Cons of AWD

AWD is the opposite of FWD for many reasons. This drivetrainrnpowers all four wheels rather than just two. Since it is newer technology, thisrndrivetrain is a bit more expensive and less efficient. However, handling toughrnroad conditions are made much easier as the vehicle would be able to holdrntraction better.

Many AWD drivetrains combat its flaws by engineering thisrnsystem to adapt to the road. For instance, if you are slipping, the wheels withrnthe best grip will get engine power. While cruising, the front two wheels canrnget power and act like FWD. Of course, this flexibility can depend on the brandrnmaking that AWD drivetrain.

So which drivetrain should you choose? That depends on how yournplan on driving your next vehicle. If rain and travelling off-road isn’t anrnissue for you, you may as well save the extra cash and get a vehicle with FWD.rnHowever, if traction has been a problem or if you plan on travelling off-road,rnwe recommend buying a usedrnvehicle with AWD. For help finding the right car with the right drivetrainrnfor you, contact us here at OkCarz.