They seem like the same thing, right? Unless your vehicle only has three wheels. What is the difference between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive?
What is the Difference?
The main difference between a four-wheel drive system and an all-wheel drive is how torque is delivered. With a four-wheel drive system, all four wheels receive a fixed amount of torque. In an all-wheel drive system, the torque is variable between the wheels.
How does this work?
A four-wheel drive system has a transfer case that locks in the connection when the four-wheel drive is engaged. Under normal driving conditions, four-wheel drive vehicles are two-wheel drive. When drivers from Somerset select four-wheel drive, a mechanical connection engages, causing all the wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is why four-wheel drive vehicles can chirp their tires around corners since all four wheels rotate simultaneously, whereas they typically turn at different speeds in a corner.
An all-wheel drive vehicle uses a center differential, similar to that found on the axles, to distribute power to all four wheels. The differential lets your vehicle's wheels spin at different rates under normal conditions in London, KY. Adding one to the system's middle allows for variable torque between the front and the rear, while the axle-mounted differentials allow for changes from left to right. This keeps the system engaged constantly since the wheels will not be locked in sync.
Which is Right for You?
That depends. Both four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems have their downsides. All four wheels must slip at once to lose traction in a four-wheel system. An all-wheel drive system can send power to the wheel slipping, causing it to spin. Four-wheel drive is the better choice if you know you'll be off-road. For driving in normal weather conditions, the all-wheel drive prevents drivers from becoming stuck, while the four-wheel is good at getting you unstuck. If you have more questions, visit Toyota of Summerset to test drive our inventory of all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles.
