Many times we come across terms like 4×4, 4WD, AWD, etc in different variants of cars which sound quite similar in function but is very different from each other in practicality. People tend to get confused in these terms as to which is better 4×4 or AWD? Whats is the difference between AWD and 4WD/ AWD VS 4WD. Whether to go for AWD or 4WD? etc. Lets us explore what is actually meant by these terminologies.
AWD or All Wheel Drive
In an All-Wheel Drive system (AWD), power is continuously sent to all the wheels at all the time. The amount of power sent on the wheels is controlled electronically which varies according to the driving condition to provide more traction to the wheels. Usually, AWD vehicles employ three differentials in the car, one in front, one at the rear, and one in the middle to distribute power between the front and rear wheels. When a car is turning around a steep corner, then each wheel has to cover a different distance at the same time hence speed at the outer wheel is more as it has to travel more distance. In this scenario, AWD transfers more power to the outer wheel hence enabling it to turn faster with ease. In simple words an AWD allows the wheels to rotate at their own pace by distributing power to all of them.
4WD (4×4) or 4 Wheel Drive
4WD, 4×4, or Four-wheel drive is a method in which power is sent to all the wheels uniformly. Essentially in a 4WD system, the power is sent on the rear wheels only during normal operation of the vehicle unless the driver engages the 4WD system if and so when required. Engaging a 4WD system is only useful in extreme conditions like mud, loose stones, snow, or water. But as soon as the condition changes to normal tarmac road 4WD system should be turned off as the axles of the car are not designed to rotate at the same speed in normal cornering which could ultimately lead to the breaking of axles. In other words, Four-Wheel Drive locks both the differential at the same speed.
(4 Wheel Drive) 4WD vs AWD (All Wheel Drive)
By now you must have understood what is All-Wheel Drive and 4 Wheel Drive, let’s try to understand which one is better between the two.A 4WD vehicle is not powering all the wheels all the time, rather it is powering the rear wheels only. The driver has to activate 4 Wheel drive system in order to tackle difficult terrains, whereas, in the AWD system, the engine is powering all the wheels at all the time making it more suitable for tarmac roads, taking those twisting turns, etc.
4WD HIGH (4H)VS 4WD LOW (4L)
4 Wheel Drive High or 4H setting is normally used in any situation with high speed but low traction like dirt, snow, etc whereas 4 Wheel Drive Low or 4L setting is used only in a situation which requires very high torque in low speed like deep sand, off-roading scenarios, etc.
These are the most common terms used by different car maker companies, which is sometimes confusing for the buyer to understand. Understanding each of these functionalities can help one use these features more efficiently.