How to Know if a Two, Four, or All-Wheel Drive Vehicle is Best for You

Last updated 3 months ago

There are many different options to consider when you choose a new car. One of the most significant choices will be whether to choose a two, four, or all-wheel drive vehicle. The following guide will help find out which system will be best for you:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Cars that are equipped with FWD “pull” the car forward by sending power only to the front wheels. Since cars usually hold more weight in the front rather than the rear, FWD cars are generally better for handling slippery road conditions than rear-wheel drive cars—but they pale in comparison to 4WD or AWD for handling snow or ice.

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

In a RWD car, the engine sends power only to the rear wheels in order to “push” the car. Rear-wheel drive cars usually have better handling characteristics due to the fact that weight is distributed more evenly in most RWD systems. As long as road conditions are relatively normal and dry, RWD is a good system to go with if you prefer engaging driving dynamics.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

There are two different types of 4WD: part-time and full-time. With part-time, the driver is able to select the 4WD setting whenever he or she wants to use it, using rear-wheel drive most of the time. Full-time 4WD engages all four wheels, and doesn’t usually have a 2WD setting.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

AWD systems don’t have quite the capabilities of a 4WD system, but they weigh less. These systems are able to strike a good balance between fuel economy and traction, making them one of the most popular systems to use for everyday driving, as well as driving through slippery road conditions.

Suzuki and Volvo are proud to offer many different driving systems for you to choose from. To test out Suzuki and Volvo’s 2012 models, come to Brown Daub Volvo Suzuki today. If you have any questions, call us at (484) 298-0000.