Front-wheel Drive (FWD)

A vehicle with front-wheel drive sends all of the engine’s power to the two front wheels. This means the drivetrain is essentially pulling the car down the road to give the car more traction. You can expect more stability, predictability and dependability during the winter season when the roads get a little icy. Examples of vehicles with front-wheel drivetrains would be a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

Rear-wheel Drive (RWD)

The opposite of the FWD drivetrain, rear-wheel drivetrains concentrate all the engine’s power on the back two wheels. Rather than being pulled, your car is pushed down the road. This kind of drivetrain configuration is not recommended for those who live in areas with icy winters due to the low level of traction. Despite this, rear-wheel drive vehicles are usually well balanced and offer superior braking and handling. Examples of RWD would be the Lexus IS Series and the BMW 3 Series.

Four-wheel Drive (4WD)

While four-wheel drive is similar to AWD in how the engine’s power is being sent to all four wheels, 4WD is typically more robust because it’s designed to handle off-road driving. While this type of drivetrain is ideal for rough terrain, it does not perform well on wet roads. Some examples of 4WD vehicles include the Range Rover or the Ford F150.

All-wheel Drive (AWD)

The all-wheel drive drivetrain system is a little more complex because the engine is powering all four wheels. It has fluid-filled differentials or gears and advanced electronics, enabling the engine to send power to all four wheels at once. Unlike four-wheel drive, AWD vehicles offer vast and highly improved capability for winter driving on slippery and wet roads. Examples of vehicles with AWD include the Subaru Legacy and the Acura RL.

Each type of drivetrain has unique benefits and unique drawbacks. Fortunately, the ASE-certified technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Eagle’s Landing in Stockbridge, Georgia are fully equipped to handle any vehicle type – even luxury and foreign cars! Call our auto repair shop in Stockbridge today to schedule drivetrain service, and see the nice difference!