When you start looking for a new car to buy, you will probably be asked a difficult question: do you want a car or truck with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four wheel drive (4WD)? Here at Gillman Chrysler Dodge Jeep® RAM, we are happy to answer that question so you can be informed make your next car buying decision.
In a vehicle that comes equipped with AWD, the transmission is linked to a transfer case (essentially a set of gears) that connects to the axels of the vehicle. The transfer case of an AWD vehicle allows it to distribute power individually to the two front wheels and to the two back wheels as unit. In other words, the two front wheels operate under separate energy streams from the engine, while the rear wheels operate from one stream that comes from the axel. A vehicle that has 4WD is similar to one that is AWD, but different because (as the name suggests) all four wheels receive power from the engine individually.
That all sounds pretty complicated, and a lot of it is. But the basic thing to remember when you are car hunting is that each wheel on a 4WD vehicle receives power individually, while wheels in an AWD vehicle don’t. This makes a difference. Because the wheels of a 4WD vehicle receive engine power individually, they receive more torque, which translates to better towing capacity and better grip on the road in difficult conditions.
AWD vehicles have their own advantages, like making sure no wheel gets too much torque and throws everything off. 4WD works best in trucks, especially those that will be taken off road or driven in difficult conditions like a dirt road. AWD works better in SUVs and crossovers, and in more urban or suburban environments with minimal off-roading.
Trying to decide between a 4WD truck or an AWD SUV can be difficult, but we are happy to help. We welcome you to our Houston, TX Chrysler dealership where our friendly associates can answer all your questions and arrange a test drive of the car or truck of your choice. See you soon!