There are many things you should consider when you’re looking for a vehicle. You need to decide whether you need a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, even if you already know the type of SUV or car you want. This article will explain the differences between a 4WD and a 2-wheel drive vehicle.
Different Car Drivetrains
The car’s drivetrain can have a major impact on handling wet and snowy conditions or on unpaved roads. Consumer Reports states that 2012 passenger cars have electronic stability control. The electronic stability control works in conjunction with traction control to enhance the car’s road-holding functions. This applies regardless of the vehicle’s drivetrain. If you want to get the best grip on wet roads, all- and 4-wheel drive systems are better than others.
Two-wheel drive systems are standard on most passenger cars, according to Economical notes. Two-wheel drive allows the engine to send power to two wheels while allowing the wheels to spin. Two-wheel drive vehicles are lighter than four-wheel drives and use less energy.
Two-Wheel Drive: The Pros and the Cons
Two-wheel drive cars can be either front-wheel- or rear-wheel-equipped. This means that power is sent to either the rear or front wheels by the engine, depending on the car. Two-wheel drive vehicles make excellent choices in areas like Southern California, Texas, or the Southeast. This is because of mild weather conditions. Two-wheel drive vehicles can be used in areas like the Mid-Atlantic, where there might be snowfall if you are comfortable with it.
Be Forward points out that there are pros and cons to two-wheel drive vehicles. These are the pros:
- Two-wheel-drive vehicles are more affordable than four-wheel-drive models.
- Two-wheel-drive vehicles consume less energy to power their wheels, making them more fuel-efficient.
- Two-wheel drive vehicles tend to be lighter and more agile.
These cons include:
- Two-wheel-drive vehicles have less power than four-wheel-drive models.
- Two-wheel drive vehicles may not be suitable for all terrains.
Esurance points to the fact that most two-wheel-drive vehicles are available in front-wheel drive. Most SUVs, except for a few models that are SUVs, are front-wheel driven and have extra components that can send power back to the rear wheels if necessary. Front-wheel drives are less expensive to build and take up less space compared to rear-wheel-drive systems. Front-wheel drives offer better traction because the engine’s weight is higher than the front wheels. Because front-wheel-drive vehicles don’t have the driveline bump required to accommodate a rear-wheel drive system, there is more space for passengers and cargo.
Configurations of rear-wheel drive
Consumer Reports states that pickup trucks, SUVs mounted on truck bases, sports cars, and high-end sedans have rear-wheel drive systems. Trucks can carry heavy and sturdy components with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. A pickup truck with a rear-wheel-drive configuration also has better traction for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Rear-wheel drive is a standard feature on performance cars. The system balances the vehicle’s weight from its front to its rear, which gives it better handling. It optimizes suspension by distributing driving and steering duties between the front- and rear wheels. Luxury vehicles offer all-wheel drive, as rear-wheel-drive vehicles have less traction.
As Autotrader points out, most drivers don’t know the difference between rear-wheel and front-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive systems have been designed to perform, while front-wheel drives focus more on safety in extreme weather conditions. Family vehicles are more likely to have front-wheel drive systems.
Four-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive
Economical reports that four-wheel-drive systems are often found in pickup trucks and other vehicles for off-road adventures. They are now being added to crossover and SUV vehicles by more manufacturers. The engine transmits power to all four wheels in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. This gives you maximum traction and control, particularly on uneven terrain. This is especially useful when you are driving uphill, on rocky terrain, or in the snow.
Four-wheel drive systems can be set up in any of three modes.
- Full-Time All four wheels are permanently in use.
- Part-Time: The driver can manually switch between four-wheel and two-wheel drive depending on driving conditions.
- Autonomous: The vehicle monitors the road conditions and automatically switches between front-wheel and two-wheel drive if necessary.
Part-time or automated four-wheel-drive vehicles are more efficient because they consume less energy in two-wheel mode.
Although sales texts often use the terms all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive interchangeably in their marketing text, Consumer Reports points to some important differences. Four-wheel drive systems can handle harsh terrain and have high and low gears to increase power. For optimal traction, many four-wheel-drive vehicles have locked differentials.
Economic points point out that while four-wheel-drive vehicles can handle rocky terrain and steep hills, and deep water, all-wheel drive vehicles are more suitable for driving on slippery winter roads, through mud and on loose surfaces like sand. All-wheel-drive systems allow all four wheels of the vehicle to give traction. This means that even if one or more wheels get stuck in snow or mud, the other wheels can still pull the car away. All-wheel-drive systems are always in operation and controlled by a computer determining which wheels require more power.
All-wheel-drive systems may give the vehicle maximum traction while accelerating, depending on how they are designed. The majority of systems are designed to supply primary power to either the front or back wheels. If there is slippage, the system can distribute power. An all-wheel-drive system like the Subaru model distributes 20 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. Others send all of the engine’s power to the front wheels and only power the rear wheels if there is slippage.
Four-Wheel Drive Systems: The Pros and the Cons
There are many advantages and disadvantages of four-wheel-drive vehicles, just like two-wheel-drive vehicles. These are the advantages:
- Off-road driving is possible with four-wheel-drive vehicles
- Many four-wheel-drive systems can be converted to two-wheel drive if you don’t require four-wheel power.
These are the disadvantages:
- Four-wheel-drive vehicles are heavier, as four-wheel-drive systems are heavier.
- Vehicles with four-wheel drive are more expensive than those with two-wheel drive.
- Four-wheel-drive vehicles use more fuel, as four-wheel-drive systems consume more energy.
Sometimes, the tires are more important than the vehicle’s drivetrain in certain situations. Snow tires, for example, can help you stop and turn on winter roads. This is something that the drivetrain cannot do.
When choosing between two-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, consider where you live and what type of driving you do.