{"id":7935,"date":"2021-05-25T12:43:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T12:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/?p=7935"},"modified":"2022-03-03T08:29:09","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T08:29:09","slug":"awd-vs-4wd-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/awd-vs-4wd-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Difference between AWD and 4WD"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There were times when four-wheel drive was limited to trucks and SUVs meant for off-road adventures. Today, this functionality is available in regular street cars as well. However, many people still confuse it with all-wheel drive. This guide on 4WD vs AWD cars will explain the differences along with benefits of each option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the purpose of 4WD and AWD is the same, the key difference is in the functionality and how the power is transferred to the wheels. It is what makes each of them efficient in different scenarios and for different purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding 4 Wheel Drive (4WD)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we look at four-wheel drive<\/a> cars, they are often advertised in the market as 4×4 whereas a 2WD car is referred to as 4×2. The first digit accounts for the number of wheels and the second defines the functionality of the drivetrain to transfer power to the number of wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a 4WD model, the vehicle consists of a transfer case linked to the upper and lower differential (axles). This means all four wheels can get same amount of power from the engine. However, such a situation becomes dangerous when you are driving on a dry road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a vehicle is cornering, its outer wheels turn faster than the inner wheel. If the 4WD is engaged at the moment, it will lead to a binding effect. If the transfer case does not make up for the difference of wheel rotation speed, you will feel your car steering jolting and even slipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can potentially damage your transfer case, transmission and differential as well. Hence, 4WD vehicles have different types of systems to turn on the 2WD when on road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These modes can come in form of secondary shift sticks, knobs or buttons to activate the desired function. The most commonly found modes 2H, 4H and 4L allow easy traversing of vehicles on all types of terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, 2 wheel drive high (2H) is basically for regular on road situations as usually rear wheels are powered by the engine for performance.  The 4 wheel drive high (4H) is ideal for wet roads to avoid your car slipping or drifting out. The 4 wheel drive low (4L) is for low-speed situations for most amount of traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This allows for maximum grip to get your car out of difficult situations whether it’s dirt or snow. Just make sure, once you are out of it, shift 4L back to 4H or two-wheel drive high (2H) depending on the road conditions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out some used 4WD vehicles for sale in the UAE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n