on video FWD vs RWD vs 4WD vs AWD What's The Difference? Which is Better?

 What is a Drivetrain & Powertrain?

Simply put, a drivetrain is a series of parts in your car that work together to make your wheels turn. A powertrain, on the other hand, is basically a drivetrain plus the engine and some other parts,

1) Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):

Front-wheel drive refers to a car where the transmission sends the engine’s power to the front wheels. Rear-wheel drive is the transmission that sends the engine’s power to the rear wheels. Four-and all-wheel drive cars have power at all four corners. 

If a vehicle features front-wheel drive, the transmission transfers power from the engine to the front wheels. The majority of cars today have a front-wheel-drive layout. This setup transfers power to the front wheels, allowing them to move and steer the vehicle.

2) Rear Wheel Drive (RWD):

Rear-wheel drive is basically the opposite of FRONT-wheel drive. This drive is most commonly found on sports cars and performance sedans. Vehicles that feature rear-wheel drive are a bit more complicated. Vehicles handle much better than front-wheel drive vehicles, and you will notice the difference in curves, turns, and when navigating through traffic situations.  

3) 4-Wheel Drive (4WD):

Four-wheel drive, often abbreviated as 4WD, 4WD means the power from the engine is delivered to all 4 wheels all of the time when Four-by-Fours(4x4) is engaged. The 4WD vehicles are usually equipped with a transfer case which allows the car to change to RWD transmission to save fuel and get back to 4WD mode if and when required. 

4) All Wheel Drive (AWD):

An all-wheel-drive arrangement works on the same principle as 4WD, but in most front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive is the primary drive mode. The general misconception is that AWD and 4×4 are the same things. While both have all 4 wheels running and run on the same principles, some key differences set the two apart. 

This video is just for educational purposes only. We are not in the auto repair business nor publish automotive service manuals. This video is not reviewed or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer. This video is intended only as general guidance. Every system is slightly different, so refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle for any specific information about your model. Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure your car's safe and reliable operation.

Copyright Disclaimer:

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.  Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance favor of fair use. 

 What is a Drivetrain & Powertrain?

Simply put, a drivetrain is a series of parts in your car that work together to make your wheels turn. A powertrain, on the other hand, is basically a drivetrain plus the engine and some other parts,

1) Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):

Front-wheel drive refers to a car where the transmission sends the engine’s power to the front wheels. Rear-wheel drive is the transmission that sends the engine’s power to the rear wheels. Four-and all-wheel drive cars have power at all four corners. 

If a vehicle features front-wheel drive, the transmission transfers power from the engine to the front wheels. The majority of cars today have a front-wheel-drive layout. This setup transfers power to the front wheels, allowing them to move and steer the vehicle.

2) Rear Wheel Drive (RWD):

Rear-wheel drive is basically the opposite of FRONT-wheel drive. This drive is most commonly found on sports cars and performance sedans. Vehicles that feature rear-wheel drive are a bit more complicated. Vehicles handle much better than front-wheel drive vehicles, and you will notice the difference in curves, turns, and when navigating through traffic situations.  

3) 4-Wheel Drive (4WD):

Four-wheel drive, often abbreviated as 4WD, 4WD means the power from the engine is delivered to all 4 wheels all of the time when Four-by-Fours(4x4) is engaged. The 4WD vehicles are usually equipped with a transfer case which allows the car to change to RWD transmission to save fuel and get back to 4WD mode if and when required. 

4) All Wheel Drive (AWD):

An all-wheel-drive arrangement works on the same principle as 4WD, but in most front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive is the primary drive mode. The general misconception is that AWD and 4×4 are the same things. While both have all 4 wheels running and run on the same principles, some key differences set the two apart. 

This video is just for educational purposes only. We are not in the auto repair business nor publish automotive service manuals. This video is not reviewed or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer. This video is intended only as general guidance. Every system is slightly different, so refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle for any specific information about your model. Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure your car's safe and reliable operation.

Copyright Disclaimer:

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.  Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance favor of fair use.