FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD: MSJ sort through the acronyms
Karthik Sivakumar, MBA2, with contributions from Ray Wacek, MBA2
Issue date: 9/11/06 Section: Automotive
Pros: RWD cars spread the weight of the engine, transmissions and the axles more evenly from front to rear than FWD cars. RWD design results in superior handling than the FWD design and hence is preferred by driving enthusiasts.
Cons: Poor performance in snowy conditions. This system has more rotating parts that contribute to greater wear and tear and is heavier. This can cause a bigger dent in the wallet.
Our Take: A RWD car or a truck is fine, if you already have one. Just remember, they are no fun in snowy conditions.
3. Four Wheel Drive (4 x 4)
In four wheel drive vehicles, the engine power is passed on to all the wheels. This system is typically found in pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Tahoe, etc. This system is typically activated as required and can be turned off by the driver.
Pros: 4x4 systems are great for off-road driving and on uneven terrain. They are great for people who use rural roads or who must deal with heavy snow in unplowed country roads.
Cons: This system can experience excessive wear and tear if the 4x4 option is used at all times. When the 4x4 system is switched off, the vehicle behaves as a RWD and has less grip than a FWD car. The 4x4 systems adds considerable weight to the vehicle and results in lowered fuel economy. While the 4x4 system is needed only for a few days a year, you pay for it every day by lugging around a couple hundred pounds of additional dead weight.
Our Take: Buy a 4x4 only if you need a vehicle with serious off-road capability or you need to travel on dirt or unpaved roads. If you are planning to drive in and around AA or any other urban location, you are just wasting your money by buying a 4x4 vehicle.
4. All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Many passenger cars, wagons, minivans, and crossover vehicles employ this system. AWD is basically a modified version of the FWD system. The majority of the engine power is transmitted to the front wheels. When the vehicle detects wheel slippage (during a sharp turn or in slippery conditions), a portion of the engine power is diverted to the rear wheels.
Cons: Poor performance in snowy conditions. This system has more rotating parts that contribute to greater wear and tear and is heavier. This can cause a bigger dent in the wallet.
Our Take: A RWD car or a truck is fine, if you already have one. Just remember, they are no fun in snowy conditions.
3. Four Wheel Drive (4 x 4)
In four wheel drive vehicles, the engine power is passed on to all the wheels. This system is typically found in pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Tahoe, etc. This system is typically activated as required and can be turned off by the driver.
Pros: 4x4 systems are great for off-road driving and on uneven terrain. They are great for people who use rural roads or who must deal with heavy snow in unplowed country roads.
Cons: This system can experience excessive wear and tear if the 4x4 option is used at all times. When the 4x4 system is switched off, the vehicle behaves as a RWD and has less grip than a FWD car. The 4x4 systems adds considerable weight to the vehicle and results in lowered fuel economy. While the 4x4 system is needed only for a few days a year, you pay for it every day by lugging around a couple hundred pounds of additional dead weight.
Our Take: Buy a 4x4 only if you need a vehicle with serious off-road capability or you need to travel on dirt or unpaved roads. If you are planning to drive in and around AA or any other urban location, you are just wasting your money by buying a 4x4 vehicle.
4. All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Many passenger cars, wagons, minivans, and crossover vehicles employ this system. AWD is basically a modified version of the FWD system. The majority of the engine power is transmitted to the front wheels. When the vehicle detects wheel slippage (during a sharp turn or in slippery conditions), a portion of the engine power is diverted to the rear wheels.
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brebdonera
posted 3/22/10 @ 3:50 PM EST
Nice review! Thanks!
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