What Is the Difference Between the Different Drive Types?

The below table shows a comparison of front, rear and all wheel drive vehicles:

 

Positives

Negatives

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

  • Lower kerb weight than RWD

  • Improved payload

  • Better fuel economy and CO2

  • Greater traction if unladen than RWD due to weight distribution

  • Lower acquisition price than RWD

  • Automatic transmission available

  • Lower GTM than comparable RWD

    • Note: towing Front Drive Ratio can compensate

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

  • Improved driving and towing dynamics under heavy load

  • Advantages when towing as weight of trailer pushes down on rear axle meaning greater traction

  • More expensive than FWD – acquisitions

  • Higher kerb weight means negative effect on fuel and CO2

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

  • Better traction when in poor road conditions

  • Helps with towing in bad weather and rough terrain

  • Added cost

  • Lower fuel economy

What is the difference between AWD and 4WD?

AWD vs. 4WD - both drive trains can send power to all four wheels at the one time. AWD vehicles do this automatically, whereas a 4WD gives the driver more control over where the power is sent.