We describe how all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD)—also known as 4x4—work, explain their similarities and differences, and how these two systems can be confused for one another.

Therefore to answer the question of whether transfer cases really matter in 4WD or AWD vehicles, it’s important to consider the vehicle’s use case. Electric all-wheel-drive systems.

The difference between all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) is a topic of confusion for many car, truck, and SUV buyers. A car buyer should understand the operational differences between ...

AWD has snuck into 4WD vehicles as a setting, too. Some 4WD Fords, such as the F-150 , include 4A (for “4WD Auto”) alongside the 4WD’s traditional 4L and 4H (4-High) modes.

4WD. Four-wheel-drive systems are typically designed for moderate to severe off-road driving, with a low range set of gears as well as a manual or automatic 2WD-to-4WD transfer case.

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). Some say they are the exact same thing; others argue that they are completely different, and one is a ...

Another misconception is that AWD and 4WD vehicles produce more traction. They don’t. They can only supply torque to more of the wheels. Only tires provide traction.

What's the difference between AWD and 4WD? I was handed the keys to the brand new BMW M5, which can actually switch between 4WD and 2WD! Nothing all that impressive for any truck drivers out there ...

Whereas AWD can be used constantly (though many cars switch to 2WD at times to help save on gas), this is not the case for 4WD cars. For the most part, these types of cars are reserved for off ...

Basically, 4WD is of very little use on-road, so if you never plan to venture well off the pavement and into the rough stuff, you'll likely be better off with AWD.