AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

If you have ever held a conversation with a gear-head friend or a mechanic, you will understand that automotive terms can be challenging to understand. To ordinary people, words such as locking differentials, torque vectoring, half-shafts, and pinon gears can be meaningless. Nevertheless, some terms are always challenging to understand: such as 4WD and AWD.

Many off-road and performance-oriented cars come with one of these two systems. This is mainly because the two systems deliver power to all wheels, but differently.

What is All-Wheel-Drive System?

An AWD system typically delivers power to all four wheels at the same time but not equally. Most AWD systems have anti-slip tech features that provide power from back to front or side to side. Therefore, if any wheel starts to spin, a mechanical or computerized device will send power to the other three wheels, enabling the vehicle to keep moving.

Unlike the 4WD system, most AWD cars don't come with user-controlled settings that force the truck, SUV, or car to low or high reduction gear settings or into two-wheel-drive mode. Vehicles with this setup outshine on loose surfaces like sand, snow, and gravel.

What is Four-Wheel-drive SYSTEM?

The four-wheel drive system delivers power to all wheels through the help of a transfer case. In this system, drivers use a button, knob, or lever, to disengage or engage the 4WD system. Most cars, trucks, and SUVs that use a 4WD system come with a part-time and full-time setup. The part-time setup features a two-wheel-drive setting that helps in conserving fuel. When tackling sleepy slopes or muddy trails, the driver pushes a button, switching the car to a 4WD system. However, investing in a full-time 4WD setup allows you to enjoy the comfort of driving with all four wheels at the same time continuously.

Four-wheel drive systems also come with low-range and high-range settings that give the car owner more control and power at low speeds. Vehicles that come with a four-wheel drive system are always a great option for off-road use, like tackling muddy trails, crawling over rocks, and tackling steep hills.

At Fiat of Scottsdale dealership, we have a team of friendly technicians who can help you identify the differences between the two-drivetrain system. Visit or contact us today to learn more about the differences and to arrange for a test drive.