What is the difference between 4WD and AWD?
Since two decades ago, many cars with AWD and 4WD systems have entered the world market. At the same time, the all-wheel drive system has become more advanced, and on the other hand, the 4WD system has become more complicated. The progress and increase in the level of complexity of the two systems has made it difficult for customers to identify the difference between 4WD and AWD. Ykings4x44x4ykings4x4 store as a shopping center for 4×4 accessories in Australia will mention more details about this.
In this article, we will examine the difference between 4WD and AWD and examine both power transmission systems.
All wheel drive system
As the name of the all-wheel drive system or AWD indicates, we are dealing with the movement of all wheels in this system. This system drives the front and rear wheels at the same time, so all four wheels are moving at all times. Of course, the ratio of power distribution in this type of system varies.
In general, there are two types of all-wheel drive or AWD systems. The first type is called full-time AWD system. In this system, all four wheels are constantly moving. When you’re driving a full-time AWD car on dry roads, you’ll get all the engine’s power on the go. In conditions where the road is slippery due to ice and snow, the AWD system provides more traction for stable movement of the vehicle on the slippery surface. Therefore, driving a full-time AWD system is safer than a single differential system.
The second type is called part-time AWD or automatic all-wheel drive system. This system drives the four wheels of the car only when necessary. The reason for the development of the second type of AWD is to save energy. The automatic AWD system operates the car in front-wheel drive mode most of the time and will only engage the rear wheels when more traction is needed.
Modern part-time AWD systems use multiple electronic sensors. These sensors are located on each wheel and send the information of each wheel to the ECU. The car’s computer examines the amount of power sent to each of the wheels, and if there is a need to change the combination of sending power, it will do this. Part-time AWD systems are used in hybrid cars and according to weather conditions and road surface, they review the amount of power sent to each part of the car.
How does the AWD system work?
Full-time or part-time all-wheel drive systems operate independently of the driver. Deciding how much power is sent to which wheel is the responsibility of the car’s computer, and the driver has no involvement in adjusting the power sent to the wheels. However, some systems provide the driver with limited electronic settings that enable him to control some of the power sent to the wheels.
An all-wheel drive system, or AWD, uses a series of differentials, viscous couplings, or multi-plate clutches to transmit torque. This assembly takes the torque from the engine and then sends it to the wheels. The use of this system makes the vehicle receive the energy it needs from the engine without traction.
What is the four-wheel drive system?
Four-wheel drive system or 4WD is the traditional type of power transmission system to all four wheels that is used in large SUVs or pickups. If you need a car that can slide over rocks, run through the desert, or cross rivers, you should buy a car equipped with a four-wheel drive system, or 4WD.
Four-wheel drive or 4WD systems use mechanical linkages to transmit power. A set of front, central and rear differentials along with transmission and coupling boxes in 4WD systems are responsible for sending engine torque to all four wheels.
Four wheel drive systems have made significant progress over the decades. Now users can disconnect or connect a part of this system using buttons. On the other hand, traditional four-wheel drive systems are controlled through a second gear lever. If you have the experience of being in the cabin of the famous Nissan Patrol, you must have been surprised to see two gears in this car! The second gear in this car is used to control the four-wheel drive system when necessary.
How does the four-wheel drive system work?
Like all-wheel drive systems, 4WD systems are also designed to send torque to the four wheels of the vehicle. But 4WD systems do this with more power and are therefore more suitable for controlling the car on rough terrain. As with the AWD system, there are two types of 4WD systems known as full-time and part-time.
4WD systems usually offer two modes: low range or L and high range or H. These two modes can be selected through a mechanical lever or an electronic switch. The low range mode, also known as the heavy differential, provides the driver with maximum traction power to cross off-road tracks. High range mode or light differential is also useful when you are driving on slippery, icy or sandy roads.
Full-time and part-time 4WD system
A full-time 4WD system works like a full-time AWD system, in the sense that all four wheels will receive engine torque at all times. In the full-time 4WD system, the driver will be able to control the power distribution between the front and rear axles.
Part-time four-wheel drive is the traditional type of system found in large and heavy pickups. In this type of 4WD system, the car is usually driven in rear differential mode and only when significant power is needed, the four wheel drive system will be activated. The part-time 4WD system is suitable for heavy-duty vehicles, such as special off-road vehicles or pickups built for farm work. By selecting a button or pressing a lever in this system, the driver will be able to activate the four-wheel drive system. Some cars equipped with a part-time 4WD system allow the driver to lock the car’s differential when necessary.
The difference between 4WD and AWD in everyday and professional use
Today, four-wheel drive systems have been improved compared to the past, however, high fuel consumption and dry ride are still problems of this type of power transmission system. On the other hand, intelligent AWD systems are quickly used in various cars and are liked by users.
In fact, the all-wheel drive system has been trusted by customers for daily use because it does not involve the user in choosing the type of power transmission. Under normal conditions, car owners tend to let the AWD system choose the type of power transmission and the amount of torque sent to each wheel, and they don’t want to mess with the differential settings. For example, most cars equipped with AWD system have a snow driving mode that allows the car to move on slippery surfaces like normal. It is obvious that in critical situations such as driving on a snowy road, the car’s computer makes decisions better and faster than the human operator and considers the ideal conditions for sending power to each wheel.
On the other hand, the all-wheel drive system with its many complications is suitable for people who use the car to cross off-road routes. Drivers who want to have all the settings of the car under their control are used to using the 4WD system because they like to determine the amount of power sent to each wheel by themselves. When the car passes through difficult and uneven roads, it is the driver who must decide how much power to send to which wheel according to the conditions.
Today, various types of passenger cars, SUVs and pickups are available with all-wheel drive or AWD. So if you are looking for an AWD car in the global market, you will see more options in front of you. Cars equipped with AWD system are efficient for everyday use and provide the driver with good control in rough conditions. Also, the AWD system performs well during light off-road operations.
What is the main difference between 4WD and AWD?
The 4WD system is older and is mostly placed on off-road vehicles, while the AWD system is newer and more complex and is installed on crossovers, SUVs, and some new sedans.
When do we use 4WD systems?
Drivers who want to have all the settings of the car under their control are used to using the 4WD system. When the car passes through difficult and uneven roads, it is the driver who must decide how much power to send to which wheel according to the conditions.
When do we use AWD systems?
The AWD system is trusted by customers for daily use because it does not involve the user in choosing the type of power transmission. The AWD system selects the type of power transmission and the amount of torque sent to each wheel, and the owner of the car equipped with this system does not want to get involved with the differential settings.