The powertrain is responsible for transferring engine torque to the drive wheels. But depending on the vehicle, two or four wheels from the front or rear can receive power. These powertrain configurations have their pros and cons, and the perception of their advantages and disadvantages can vary, depending on the driver’s preferences. Let’s find out the differences among front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems.
In a front-wheel drive system, the drive axle shafts transfer torque to the front drive wheels. This means that the front wheels are responsible for power delivery as well as steering. An FWD powertrain uses a transaxle, which combines the transmission and differential in one assembly.
In the case of most FWD vehicles, they use transverse engines while others use longitudinal ones.
Vehicles with FWD systems are pretty common, mainly because manufacturers find it easier to produce them compared to other drivetrains. Producing this type lets carmakers create an efficient engine, body, and drivetrain combination while cutting expenses in terms of tooling and development.
One of the setbacks for an FWD system, however, is that it has the tendency to “torque steer,” which refers to the torque’s influence on a vehicle’s steering. Upon acceleration, torque steer can cause the vehicle to tug or veer to one side. Repairing transaxle issues for an FWD powertrain can also be costly because it involves pulling the engine. The process also requires removing the subframe and not the engine.
Some of the most popular FWD vehicles in the market include:
The engine drives the rear wheels in an RWD drivetrain. Most of the time, this setup has a longitudinal engine and transmission instead of a transverse one. Torque from the transmission passes through the driveshaft before it reaches the differential. The differential also increases the torque delivered to the rear drive wheels by reducing speed and changing torque direction through the axle shafts.
Most race cars have an RWD system because it offers better handling, braking, and acceleration capabilities than an FWD system due to the weight distribution. This is also one of the reasons why RWD vehicles can drift better than most FWD systems. Some of its drawbacks, however, include limited interior and trunk space because of the transmission and driveshaft placement.
Some of the most popular RWD vehicles in the market include:
Aside from the engine’s position, FWD and RWD systems have several differences.
First, vehicles with an FWD system have fewer components than an RWD system, making it lighter and often more fuel efficient. And because the engine is directly above the front wheels in an FWD setup, a vehicle with this system provides better traction when climbing hills and driving on slippery roads.
Another difference between an FWD and RWD setup is that the latter has a more even weight distribution and better acceleration than the former because of the load transfer. Having an RWD setup can also make towing heavy objects or vehicles easier compared to an FWD system because the separated transmission and differential are bigger and stronger.
In a four-wheel drive (4WD) system, torque is sent to all four wheels, giving it twice the ability to transmit driving forces. Depending on the vehicle, it can have a part-time, full-time, or variable 4WD drivetrain.
Most trucks have a 4WD setup because it offers increased traction when off-roading or driving under extreme weather conditions. One downside to this setup is that it consumes more fuel, which is why a lot of 4WD vehicles come with a transfer case that lets the driver choose between 2 or 4WD modes. Many 4WD trucks also have front wheel locking hubs that can be switched on or remain in a free-wheeling position to improve fuel efficiency by reducing rotating mass.
Transfer cases can be automatic as well. In most cases, RWD vehicles have a transfer case that lets the driver switch between 4WD and AWD.
Some of the most popular 4WD vehicles in the market include:
There is some confusion when it comes to the difference between an all-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive system, which can be attributed to the fact that both drivetrains transfer torque to all four wheels. But what sets a 4WD setup apart from an AWD system is that the driver has the choice to activate 2WD mode. Meanwhile, an AWD system is almost always turned on. Most all-wheel-drive setups are full-time systems designed for year-round driving. You might also notice that 4WD setups can usually be found in trucks while many sedans and SUVs sport an AWD drivetrain.
There’s also been a long-standing debate on which is better between the two systems. But like many vehicle setups, the best one will depend on the driver’s preferences. Those looking to get extra traction when driving under harsh weather conditions or on rough road surfaces can opt for a vehicle with an AWD drivetrain. Meanwhile, those who are planning to use their vehicles for heavy hauling can take the 4WD route.
Some of the most popular AWD vehicles in the market include:
There’s really no definitive answer as to what the best drivetrain is. Each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages over the others, and your preferences will be the ultimate force in determining which setup is best suited for the environment and condition you’ll be driving in.
FWD vehicles are mainly used for everyday driving and are recognized to be the most common configuration, and RWD systems are typically used in performance cars. Meanwhile, 4WD vehicles are ideal for towing heavy cargo or off-roading, while AWD systems are best suited for driving under harsh weather conditions.
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