The Difference Between AWD vs 4WD
What's the difference between all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive?
4WD is not on all the time, under normal conditions, only the rear wheels drive the vehicle forward, while the front wheels spin freely. To activate a modern four-wheel drive system, the driver has to push a button or pull a lever to engage it. But four-wheel drive isn't meant to be on all the time so you have to know when to turn it on and when to turn it off.
AWD is on all the time, and mostly used in cars, and the computer manages the system. Just going down the highway, the system will send most of the power to the rear wheels, for maximum fuel efficiency, if the road condition changes, such as rain or snow, the system adapts and evenly distributes the power evenly to all 4 wheels, so you have maximum drive grip, with little to no chance of wheel spin.
2WD Cars are less complex than those with AWD or 4WD, and their simpler drivetrains mean improved fuel economy in the long run.
In general, cars equipped with 2-wheel drive get better gas mileage than models that use all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.
► As one viewer commented, here are all 4 drive trains in a nut shell.
FWD = Fuel Economy
RWD = Performance
AWD = All Weather Conditions
4WD = Off Road
Thanks for watching
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★★★ *FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VIDEO / FACT UPDATES* ★★★ *1) Was this a sponsored Ad by Subaru?* - No. I just happen to own a 2006 Subaru Outback at the time of making this video and was curious about how AWD differed from 4WD. So I researched it for myself and afterwards decided to make this video covering what I learned. Just to clarify further I no longer own the Subaru Outback, I now have a 2018 FWD Hyundai SUV as of 1/7/2020. *2) Here are all 4 drive trains in a nut shell.* ► FWD = Fuel Economy & Slippery Roads ► RWD = Performance ► AWD = All Weather Conditions & Minor Off Road ► 4WD = For Serious Off Road *3) You have not covered every kind of drive train and 4 wheel drive system* - Correct, this is more a laymans overviews of the 4 types of drive trains. with the main goal of explaining the main difference between AWD & FWD. *4) In this video I do state how I got poor fuel economy from my Subaru outback* - But after a fuel comprehensive service and some long distance drives, bedding it all in, I averaged 450 klms in suburb driving and 650 klms in country driving. Which was much better than the original 350 klms for Suburb driving i was getting when I bought it second hand.
Want me to hear you advert? Pay me first. Shame on Subaru. !
This is not the official terminology. 1)AWD means All Wheel Drive. It literally means that all wheels are driven. I know, the meaning of a term doesn't necessarily have to match the meaning of the words it consists of but still there's no limitations for the automaker to call any 4x4 system AWD or 4WD and it would still technically be correct. 2)There're different opinions among automotive journalists on whether the center differential setup like in the Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse is considered AWD or 4WD. 3)This 4WD/AWD division doesn't really give you any information about how effective this system is. For example, SUVs like the Nissan Patrol Y62 (if I remember correctly) or some of the specs of modern Mercedes GLE and GLS are excellent off road despite having weird automatic coupling units between the axles. On the lower side of the budget, we have Renault Duster that almost outperforms russian UAZ Patriot - a classic part-time 4WD SUV with ladder frame and solid axles (at least it had been so before they started offering a rear differential lock on the UAZ). 4)Most automakers have their own AWD/4WD systems with cool names like 4X-Motion, Quadra Drive, Super Select, Quattro, etc. We know much more about them than just the type of connection between the axles. Some vehicles even have their signature setups like Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has it's unique part-time 4x4 with both axle lockers and Toyota Land Cruiser has that boring Torsen differential with not even an LSD in the rear. Do you really need to classify them as AWD or 4WD when we already know so much about them? 5)There's much better term to describe what you call 4WD - part-time 4WD or (this will sound confusing) part-time AWD. This is much more accurate, especially considering that one of those two categories (AWD or 4WD) have to include center differential 4x4 which is very different from the part-time setup or the coupling unit 4x4. 6)Finally, there are cases when there's more than 4 wheels (or less), which makes 4WD acronym even more stupid. Of course you can say "6WD" but it doesn't sound right. I know, this is commercial truck territory but why would you use something inconsistent like "4WD", especially if it rarely gives you any useful information?
You also gave a little bit inaccurate description of torque distribution. 1)Let's first look at how differential works. Open diff always splits torque 50:50. It's a little counterintuitive but it's what really happens. If one of the wheels loses traction it becomes incapable of applying torque to the ground. If it's in the air it consumes almost 0 Nm of torque, if it slides it has some small amount of torque as sliding friction coefficient is smaller than the static one. Since the other wheel has exactly the same amount of torque as the spinning one, the car lose performance and in case when the spinning wheel is in the air, the amount of torque on that other wheel is not enough to move the vehicle and it gets stuck. Locked diff always sends torque to the wheel WITH traction. Not 50:50 how many journalists say. To have an easier time to understand it, imagine the solid cylindrical axle with 3 gears in random places on it. One gear is connected to some electric motor, one is connected to the load and one rotates freely. The motor generates 10 Nm of torque, which torque is consumed by the load to make the axle spin at constant speed? Yes, 10 Nm. The same thing is with the wheels. If only one wheel moves the vehicle it means it has 100% of the torque. Not 50% or 25%. 2)Same thing occurs in AWD system. Yes, they are often incapable of sending all 100% of the torque to the rear wheels let alone to the one of the rear wheels. But what system tries to do is not necessarily distribute torque 50:50, it sends the needed amount just to make the ride better. It can be 5%, 20% or even 100% - any number within it's capability is possible. When the coupling unit is completely locked it act like the locked center differential and sends torque in exact same proportion as traction that axles have. 3)That wet spinning wheel problem is only partially dictated by the AWD system type. Yes, of course, having all that torque distributed between two axles makes wheels less prone to slide but what also matters is the open differentials in axles. When the diff is open your total traction equals double the traction on wheel with the least grip and when the diff is locked the total traction equals the sum of left and right wheels. Part of the reason why Subaru is so dang good in rain is that it not only distributes torque to the rear wheels but it also can apply brakes to an individual wheel to add a little bit of load on it so that the other wheel with better traction can consume more torque (I remind you that it can only have the exact same amount as the sliding wheel has which, in this case, is increased by that brake application - it's like we add an artificial load to an unloaded wheel in order for the other one being able to take more torque and put it to the ground).
Convert your measurements American and UK
@@ldmtag I agree with most of what you said. But my interpretation is that the transfer case is what distinguishes 4WD from AWD. In 4WD, both the front and rear output shafts will ALWAYS turn at the same ratio to one another (almost always an equal 1:1 speed ratio). But AWD allows for speed differences (essentially, a differential within the transfer case)
4WD = Design for serious off road AWD = Design for all weather city drive
In the end the Toyota Land Cruiser is an AWD 🙂
@@amypablo9470 Either works, you don't need high torque to go through water and snow
@@amypablo9470 AWD will give you better handling on wet roads and when making tight turns blah blah. If your going to be seeing 2-3" of snow and you want to 'make' your own road then 4x4 like a real man, in that case F-250 Diesel 4x4 lifted 6" and since your in NY get a couple smoke stacks so you let your neighbors know you miss the 1800s and riding on a coal train.
@@davey3765 LOL. I like your 4x4 reasoning with the neighbors. That's exactly why I have that on my ram 2500hd
Demon Plays wrong, it's a full time 4wd which means it runs like an awd in normal situation but is a true 4wd since it has center diff lock and a low range transfer case. Totally different from awd which is purely electronic
4WD is direct transfer case and AWD is controlled by centre diff. The system you explained for AWD is Subaru’s symmetrical awd system which is only correct for Subaru vehicles with open diffs. Mine has a rear lsd and definitely can get sideways. AWD systems differ with manufacturers such as Mitsubishi’s active yaw system. Some 4wd vehicles have permanent 4wd. Most modern 4wd are complemented by LSD, locked diff and 4WD engagement options.
Thanks, there are just too many incorrect simplifications in this video
thank god other people understand this video sucks
It's also this lack of central Diff that makes using 4wd systems on tarmac bad, because your front axle and back axle are locked together they can't slip when the front wheels take a shorter or longer path than the rear wheels. This causes the central axle to have a big twist in it. while being fine off road because there is enough slip and give in the dirt to allow the central axle not gain too much twist. This video focuses too much on electronic traction control. there is no reason why AWD can't be 100% mechanical, or a reason why 4wd's cant introduce theses management systems and no have a locked central diff. center
@@aaronsymes7000 what? A 4wd system has a front and rear diff, plus a transfer box from the gearbox. Its fine on tarmac as both diffs work independently and quite offen have an open diff on the front. I own 4 4wd vehicles, 2 rally cars, a hilux (with selectable 4wd) and a new landrover defender. Ive also owned awd vehicles with independent clutch packs for power transfer to each individual wheel.
😢😅😊
you posted a better video and explanation then major car manufacturers selling their product. Good job!
My mom bought one of the first Foresters from Japan (98 or 99) and still has it. The car was made when Subaru was starting to make everything all wheel drive, though hers might be a mechanical viscous linkage than computer controlled. I'm not sure. What I do know is that the car remains a delight to drive and has held up very well. People in Maine love that car.
the system in those early Subarus was very much mechanical. not 100% sure about that specific forester but more than likely it's a set 50/50 split or a variable 60/40 split, reacting mechanically to loss of grip. pretty cool.
Lived in Maine my whole life and I agree some people love Subaru because they have that tanky build. My gram has one in mid 90s one my uncle's still has it to this day just wicked rusty.
My Land Rover has something similar in the form of a haldex unit.
@@MistaTofMaine My mom's Forester is white and primer now. It looks like a damn Dalmatian, and that's because my father decided to clean it with a pressure washer...
Lol so true... Maine and Massachusetts love foresters.
I thought I was watching an ad before the video, then realized that WAS the video when it ended.
Bed time story Subaru edition
Lmfao
@Leroy Brown thanks
Lol.
😴😴😴😴
Subaru AWD sucks. Lmfao. Jeep AWD is superior.
AWD may be less slightly gas mileage, but believe me in rain, snow or icy weather (even in flat terrain) the driving stability & reliability of getting to your destination is worth it. Also, I haven't been stuck in the mud or snow once since using either a AWD or 4WD vehicle.
Maybe youre talking about off roading but in 20 years of driving purely FWD cars ive never lost control of the vehicle. For most weather related accidents AWD or 4WD wont really have an impact. In fact what has been a minor issue is the fact that in snowy or icy conditions these drive Systems are capable of accelerating your car better and give false sense of security because braking performance is the same no matter how many wheels are powered.
@@TheDude50447 you are almost right, but for people who live in somewhere has heavy snow weather condition. I still will suggest get a AWD car. Even we are not talking about off road. But AWD can help you get out from some snow dilemma
@@alanying5823 yeah of course. If i would live 100km further south in the alps here in germany i would consider awd as well and many people there actually buy awd or 4wd cars. But the Video makes it Sound like its worth it just for when it rains
@@TheDude50447 true, if there are no special weather condition and some driving requirements, AWD might only have very small different which you barely can feel the difference compare FWD. And AWD will cost more gas that is for sure.
Thank you for taking the time on this subject, 👍I have get my hands on a Suzuki sx4 2018 AWD 🤗 a month ago and like the way it works 🧐I live in a Island 100 x 35 miles ( Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 ) roads here are good and we have nice Beach's whit nice yellow and white Sand ⛱️ ( there some black sand to in some areas ) and nice off road places to test that AWD...in the hills ⛰️ ( 2,450 ft to 4,300 ft ) will see how this little car ( Suzuki sx4 AWD 2018 ) work them next weekend..😎🏝️🇵🇷
This video is a perfect example of "when a little knowledge is dangerous". Lots of misunderstood "facts" about 4WD/AWD here.
I was thinking that it was a really good example of the "Almost right" phenomena.
4WD BLEAUS!! HAULING 150& 250'S AND 2500'S CANT HANDLE AWD: THE TECH WILL BE DEVELOPED. IV BEEN DRIVING AWD FOR 22YEARS, 600K+, IN 6 MONTHS OF ICE AND SNOW ON WINDING, NARROW, HILLY N CNTRL PENNSYLVANIA ROADS ON FOUR STUDDED SNOW TIRES IN WINTER TO BE INDOMITABLE FOR COMMUTING, ALPINE AND X-COUNTY SKIING, BUT ESP SNOW FAT BIKING ON ST FOREST AND ST GAME LAND ROADS, I.E., BACKCOUNTRY.
@@tonylang7526 your post would be easier to read if you didn't use all capital letters
@@davgpol Even then, it doesn't make much sense. Seems like it's more about boasting about driving experience than making any point
4wd while in 2wd... has the same milage as a 2wd.. the front diff is completely disengaged! So its false when they say its less fuel efficient
“4 wheel drive is not on all the time” 80 series land cruiser - “hold my beer”
01 defender. My 4wd is on all the time.
'99 series 1 Discovery...my 4wd is on all the time!
Hummer h3..but its like 4x4,but how I understand 4wd and 4x4 it’s the same
chris K ;))
@@johnlatsch9720 HOW ? MY RIBICON WONT TURN CORNERS WHEN ENGAGED !!
“Since owning my subaru I have never slipped a tire” … proceeds to show all tires slipping in his driveway at 1 mph
Thank for delivering with top class quality. Communication is clear and unpretentious by focusing on clarity rather than attempting to impress with jargons 👍
omg the animations of all the drive options helped me understand sOO much thank you!!
Some 4wd vehicles (Defender, Hummer, some Landcruisers and others) are permanent 4wd not part time. They have a centre differential so the front and rear axles are always driven. This gives much better on road stability than a part time system. The centre diff can be manually locked for off roading so they don't get stuck if one wheel starts spinning.
Thanks for saving me the trouble of writing this
for instance, Mitsubishi Pajero with super select transmission allows driving 4x4 all the time
4Runner limited for the win!
👍🤙
IOW AWD
I would add a more "it depends" caveat to the fuel efficiency aspect. Having driven Subarus (and other cars over the years) I can attest to the fact that your gas mileage varies considerably on how you drive it. Having owned both an STI and an Outback, I can say the mileage on both varied significantly. Both cars could get really good MPG's if you drove them without stomping on the gas and with a light foot, and both cars could get really ratty mileage if you "lead-footed" your way through the tank. So it just depended. Having also owned a Jeep while living in Colorado I can also attest that AWD is pretty hard to beat for everyday driving, if you live in snow country. The video is correct there. The trade offs are worth it, compared to 4WD in the Jeep - unless you are really off-roading in the high country. The other caveat I would add is that it's not impossible to spin an AWD Subaru - Colorado winters are proof of that.
Utah also
But a 2WD will always win in fuel efficiency over an AWD, given same driving style. The AWD system inherently costs some efficiency. This was the point being made in the video.
All you have to do is look at EPA estimates for a car model that is available in both FWD only and also AWD. The AWD nearly always have worse MPG. It takes more energy to move 4 wheels than 2, especially with the drivetrain drag and power loss delivering it to the wheels.
A few years ago I drove in convoy with a friend from Adelaide to Melbourne in Australia. By the not-most-direct route we took, it was a trip of about 850km. We were in almost identical 1999-2003 series Subaru Outbacks, both manual transmission, although mine is an early-series models with fully mechanical A/4WD, while my friend's car is the mid-series updated version, which I think was one of the first models to get the electonically-tweaked "Symmetrical" system. We knew we'd have to stop for fuel somewhere on the way, but it was my friend who called the stop, and that's simply because of the way he drives. On a separate note, I've had some - thankfully rare - hairy moments in both of my Outbacks on wet roads; heavy understeer in the earlier model, and full four-wheel drift in the subsequent model, with not a lot of throttle applied. Footnote: the guy who made this video must have an incredibly heavy foot to only get 450km and 350km from a 60-litre tank in urban driving in FWD & AWD respectively. From the same tank capacity in my '98 Outback, I could easily achieve 550km or more in the same situation, and more than 700km on the highway. The slightly later model I currently have, with a 64-litre tank, adds about 50km to the range.
I've watched at least 3 or 4 of these AWD vs 4WD videos this week and your video is the only one that kept my interest long enough and or was simple enough for me to understand. Good video!
here for me a 01 forester costs as much as a 2011
This video is sponsored by Subaru.
well only from the point of view that I drive one and i wanted to use footage of the car i know, if I drove another all wheel drive brand I would have talked about that
DJQ 15. Couldn't be because the explination is not applicable becayse Subaru is and allways has been front wheel drive that adds the rear axle when needed or selected. This guy is clueless. Haha
Dandahermit Seals let's see some proof, I know for a fact my sti it's 80%rear and 20% front unless otherwise, and other Subarus use a similar center diff system. Mazda however does have what you are talking about and so does honda
The idea that the car has a FWD bias is laughable, as is the idea that a viscous coupling can "sense which axle has the most grip and distribute torque accordingly". As, indeed is that the transmission changes its behaviour between "normal and dry road conditions" or "wet, muddy or icy conditions". As above the centre diff on non-DCCD Imprezas is a conventional planet and bevel gear unit. It cannot split its torque anything other than 50/50. Find a knackered one and take it apart - it's easy enough to see how they work that way.
There are plenty of videos on the net demonstrating that power does indeed get diverted away from the wheels without traction, for example one wheel lifted off the ground. I have a 03 WRX which uses the older purely viscous differentials and even on that car going up hill on a sheet of ice never leaves one or two wheels spinning.
The Videography and production in this is AMAZING dude, very well done
Yeah but they have so much missinformation
The definitive answer. Strap yourself in. This gets weird. I looked into terminology and 4WD means torque can go to 4 wheels. And AWD means ALL wheels can get torque. Nothing to do with difs, however in the US there has been a trend to advertise active centre diff management as AWD. So there may be a regional difference here. The world AWD and 4WD same for 4wheel cars. US -> active torque splitting is AWD, open centre diff or locked centre diff or LSD with no active torque splitting is 4WD. So probably by the regular/old/world definition all 4X4s are 4WD and AWD. But in the US a 4x4 is a 4WD but may or may not be AWD depending on of it has active centre diff management (active torque splitting). Hope this helps clear up all the disagreements.
Great video! Nice voice and tone and collage. Most obvious and understandable explanation of the terms. Thanks for your work!
Great video! Just picked up a ‘23 Crosstrek with a 6-speed manual. Really enjoying the vehicle. Can really tell the difference with the AWD system. Don’t even have the engine broken in yet, so I’ll have to get back to you on observes gas mileage, but it’s rated at 22/29 mpg city/highway. We’ll see how well it does.
I have an AWD Chevy Trax premier and it's the first AWD I've ever owned it is awesome in the winter snow. Actually fun to play around in. You have to turn off the traction control and stable control to get all 4 wheels spinning.
I learned so much in 5 minutes. Thanks.
Great video with good visual explanations.
The driving in the snow looks so soothing and calming!
I was watching a long Subaru add!
ad
This feels like a Subaru commercial lol I love your video btw!!
Exactly the education i need for my decision on my next car.. thank you for spending time to make this!
Great video! Short and to-the-point. Very easy to understand. Thank you!
1:16 It really depends on what type of AWD setup you have, some are FWD biased while others are RWD biased. Some will send 70% to the front axles while others will send 70% to the rear axles. This can vary depending on where traction is needed.
Do you happen to know the bias in a 2004 subaru inpreza
@@HMASbogan I think it's near 50/50. It only changes when it detects slippage.
The definitive answer. Strap yourself in. This gets weird. I looked into terminology and 4WD means torque can go to 4 wheels. And AWD means ALL wheels can get torque. Nothing to do with difs, however in the US there has been a trend to advertise active centre diff management as AWD. So there may be a regional difference here. The world AWD and 4WD same for 4wheel cars. US -> active torque splitting is AWD, open centre diff or locked centre diff or LSD with no active torque splitting is 4WD. So probably by the regular/old/world definition all 4X4s are 4WD and AWD. But in the US a 4x4 is a 4WD but may or may not be AWD depending on of it has active centre diff management (active torque splitting). Hope this helps clear up all the disagreements.
Yeah. There's more to it. A car doesn't just slip Bec it's a 4wd or Awd like in this video. It can still slip if it's any of those as when one of the tyres enters a slippery surface the car's engine tend to power that wheels with lesser traction , which is what differentials are for while cornering. It can happen in any wheel drive. Its prevented when the differential are advanced LSD or electric ones as they sense these high changes in traction and accordingly sent power to wheels inorder to not slip. Thus this video is not accurate
Exactly this. I have an RD1 / first generation CR-V (97-01) and it's in FWD mode until the front wheels detect slippage, then you'll feel the rear pick up and push. The pros to this is reliability and significantly less wear and tear on these non-electronic system so long as you routinely replace the differential fluid. The cons to this is that when I need that additional power from the rear on those snowy, icy roads, I have no choice but to wait for it to engage. At least with this Honda AWD system, that's the only downside to a FWD-based AWD system.
2:17 I know exactly where that's at! I-70 and Wadsworth in Arvada Colorado. I drive past that exact intersection quite often, because i get my gasoline from the Costco, just up the street from there. Great video. Because i live in Colorado, the winters can get quite bad, and there's so much opportunity for off road driving, that AWD was #1 priority for my car. I ended up with a 2011 Subaru Outback, already drove it during snowy weather, and it is so nice to have AWD.
I know this is a year old but I get my gas there as well. Lived off of 75th and Wadsworth for about 5 years
That was a very well explained video. Thank you very much for taking the time to post it. Much appreciated.
Very useful. Thanks. I now grasp why I love my 2014 Crosstrek and why it hardly ever gets more than 23-25 mpg. By the way. I am on my third Subaru. Number one, 2000 Forester, made 185,000 miles and was by far the safest-feeling snow car, and I was commuting several hundred miles every two weeks over the Appalachian Mountains for almost four years. Two was a 2006 Impreza, which was the most fun to drive but the worst snow car.It also made 185,000 miles. It's snow advantage was I could practice my drift skills on country roads with good sight lines more or less safely. My third is a 2015 Crosstrek which is better on snow than the Impreza but still not up to the Forester. The Subaru Crosstrek is a good car: basically an Impreza with bigger tires and more road clearance. All in all, I rate Subaru very high.
I drove my '23 Crosstrek 6-speed from Manchester, TN to Atlanta, including the climb over Monteagle and averaged 42 mpg (US gallons) for the trip. It's closer to 30 around town, but fuel consumption is one of the Crosstrek's strong suits.
He said "I've never spun my tires taking off or going around corners!" I say " Your doing it wrong, man!!!" :)
HE,S NOT TRYING HARD ENOUGH !!LOL
Haha... He was in neutral all along
If he never spun his tires during takeoff or going around corners, how would he move?
I was wondering how you made this into a 5 minute video oh and btw a lot of newer awd cars are front wheel bias and send traction to back wheels if needed
Reid Heine Tell him again!
those animtions are just so dope and make so easy to understand!!
Thank you for this video!! My AWD Cadillac turned off the AWD via a service light and I see the difference!! The Dealer must not have reset the computer when I had the fluid changed last year.
Gas mileage aside, my Subaru is exactly what you described. Reliable and sure footed. Will I buy another? More than likely. Gas mileage isn’t an issue. Safety and reliability are.
Mate, what are you on about?.There are full time 4wd vehicles. Look at Toyota range. The difference is that 4WD have low range while AWD only have high range. MOST of AWD are predominantly run on front wheels only. Rear wheels are engaged when certain conditions are met. Wheel spin has nothing to do with 4WD or AWD. This depends on what type differentials are used and traction control if equipped. Shitty AWD will spin one tyre. Good 4WD will not spin one wheel. Subaru cars have fancy diff and traction control settings which prevents single wheel spin. There are AWD cars that are over 2,5 tonnes in weight and have far more complex drive train then a conventional 4WD. Delete this video and dont confuse people.
Andruhevich i agree, theres to much bullshit in this video
Absolutely correct!
Agree! In hanggliding community, we go off road to climb mountain tops. Most of pilots own 4WD. Few have AWD. I have chance to drive both AWD and 4WD(lots times in 4L mode). 4WD cars climb off-road hills far more better than AWD cars. I currently own a base model of Outback 2011 model (2.4L?). It got wheel spins sometimes when climbing steep off road hills where I never had problems when I used to drive a Nissan Pathfinder 2001 4WD (3.5L).
Well Ike Fun, then you have a 4WD system. Technically any AWD vehicle is an 4WD when the drive is engaged to all four wheels. Daaah. 4WD is just a more complex version of AWD. And no need to be angry. Just because someone may have a diability or injury does not make their knowege less relevant.
PS: Ike Fun was reported for harrassment and bullying. LOL
Amazing videography here! Love those drone shots in the snow, amazing quality that could be on TV!
omg thats the best way to explain it, for the longes of time i didnt know the difference between 4wd and awd
Great Video & Content with full of details. Respect!
Much appreciated!
Very beautifully explained without the need to get into technical jargon.
What a video. Excellently explained with Examples. Loved it, thank you.
I can see why this guy got 7 million views. This voice is so relaxing that it put me to sleep.
ahmm
It’s awesome video, Clearly to know . Wellllllll done.
Amazing review, thanks! I learned something today!
This was very informative and really helped me understand the difference better because of the images and! Thank you for doing this
*The actual answer:* 4WD (4x4): The front and rear axles rotate locked at the same speed. Great for off-road, can be turned off when on road. AWD: There is a centre differential or computer that varies power between front and rear. For general-purpose use
skyeyemx t
“4WD is not on all the time” Full-Time 4WD in My 2020 LX570 : am I joke you?
Or 4Runner 4th generation V8
Your car is all wheel drive not 4 wheel drive.
Wouldn't your transfer case be destroyed?
Great video. Makes me feel better about my Rav4 Prime PHEV. All the benefits of AWD and almost no need for gas.
Your video has revealed to me some answers, regarding my 2013 Ford Escape. My previous car was a 98 Chev Malibu with 3.3 liter V6, normally aspired. It served us well for several years, until it began to have problems with the emissions and kept showing a check engine light. Up until that time, it was a very good car. with plenty of power and good mileage; around 30 MPG on the highway. We decided to get the new Ford escape, as we wanted a SUV, and it came with awd and the 1.6 liter turbo. I tend to be a careful driver, seldom push the car, and try to get good mileage and minimum brake wear. We really like our Escape, but we have not been happy with the fuel economy, and it seems to have a little less go than the old 3.3 engine in the Malibu, especially as regards torque. Your article reveals why this happens, so I feel better about the mileage now that I know it is something to be expected. What little I have been in snow with it, there is no problem handling it. It actually takes some effort to make the wheels spin. On balance, a good car overall that serves our needs well.
I had an Outback, used the spare to get to town, the rear diferential seized and blew a 1 inch hole in the side of the case. Replaced the diff, and in about a year was driving very remote with wife and 2 little kids when the new diff caught fire. I was worried that the car would burn up before we could get the kids out. After 3 more miles the diff broke internally, and we were able to go fast enough to snuff the flames. Next day I cut the axles off just inside rear tires unbolted all the rest of rear drive elements and the car drove great and more efficiently for years.
wow now that's a story.
Thought I was going to learn something here lol
any iq i gained by watching this video i have lost reading this comment
@@raamoo_ if you think this video boosted your IQ then you need to look up 4WD/AWD systems.
@@raamoo_ IQ doesn´t work like that. You might gain little iq by eating better, exercising and doing active problem solving but getting half-baked info with pretty pictures doesn´t have that effect.
@@teppo9585 I heard rock climbing really jumps up your IQ... especially when you fall off the cliff, that's usually the faster way to get smarter!
Word im still lost 😭
Thank you so much for a great video explanation!
Great explanation. A lot of people don`t realise that 4WD and AWD are actually different! Also I would like to add that 4WD is actually the older system and is slowly being phased out for the more technically advanced AWD. I am now in my 40s and I have driven FWD and RWD most of my life. Since switching recently to AWD I have felt a lot more confident with my driving and more relaxed behind the wheel, considering I live in a country where most of the year round the roads are wet! AWD rules every time and I would never go back to FWD or RWD!
I recently switched from my factory tires to Toyo Open County A/T 3 all terrain tires on my 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R and that makes a huge difference ! Phenomenal performance !
AWD also makes for great track acceleration, assuming you can get around the downside characteristics of FWD and RWD combined together (I.E understeer under heavy cornering)
That’s what the parking break is for.
@@BimmerWon brake, and I think you wouldn't use a parking brake instead of E brake, parking brake would... do bad ting
@@Anvarynn not a bad thing, a good thing. If understeer is a problem you need to make a parking break turn. Not only does the parking break help you do this but it also looks really cool while you do it. E-brakes are for betas while the lever-pull parking break is for true DKs.
@@BimmerWon You mean drifting. Most cars now are an electronic parking brake, it's not a handle you can jiggle up and down, so it wouldn't even help. Nor would you ever want to have a controlled loss of grip during an actual race. Yes it looks cool, but you will absolutely get passed casually.
@@Anvarynn not when it comes to rally racing and you gotta do a 180 degree U-turn.
I live in Michigan where it snows in the Winter. I own a full-time 4WD Jeep, an AWD Lincoln SUV and a 4WD pickup. I always tell people don't buy anything with those systems unless you absolutely need them, (which the vast majority of people don't), because from day one you never stop paying for them.
Something to consider: Your little 4cylinder engine has to work hard to carry that heavier drive train than the V6 did. There are situations where less power can mean slightly less efficiency.
Uhj
Yeah no i cant afford that. Not everyone can
I think the Galant V6 and the Outback 4cyl are the same capacity - 2.5 litres. Galant weights 1300 kg, the Subie 1550 kg.
Engine CAPACITY determines its load, not number of cylinders. A 3L V8 will work harder than a 4L straight 6.
@@michaelkeayes1914 A 2.5L engine of any kind should have ample performance and torque for a car below 1600kg. I know some want a 300hp engine for a 4-person car they then drive to Walmart and back but for decent normal driving a 2.5L engine should be more than enough - from where I see it a 2L should do too, unless you live in a very hilly area.
Literally driving home from work and I'm at 2:17 I'm like this looks familiar and realized after seeing the exit sign I just took the same path colorado 121
lol small world
so you drive an watch youtube vids...yikes
Looch 1ner I was gonna say the same thing. Jesus Christ, just drive and put your goddamn phone down!! ( that is pretty crazy you were at the same intersection though ).
@@matthews852 why lie. you said exit sign. how many exit signs are at intersections...lol try again..or just making comments up...
@@looch1ner500 you goofball that's a different guy that replied to you lmao
I live along the coast of Northern Norway. With unpredictable weather and mountainous terrain, we have to drive up and down steep, curvy hills on wet, slushy or icy roads (for around 5 months of the year) whenever we have errands to run. Pretty much every time I park at the grocery store, there is a Subaru Forester parked next to my own Subaru Forester. That makes sense now, after having watched this video.
Nice explanations, thanks. And great drone work!
I'm not sure if the information here is completely accurate. 4WD system mentioned here is a part time 4x4 where the user has to manually engage 4wd or 2wd. But there is also. Full time 4wd which stays on all the time that dynamically switches between 2wd and 4wd using a clutch pack. 4wd also uses a transfer case and usually has High or Low gear in 4wd mode.
The "full time 4wd you refer to like some landcruiser etc is actually awd. And there are subarus with hi and low range.
2:45 That's why you (usually) have two modes of 4WD, one with locked and another with unlocked differential.
locking differentials are actually pretty rare. the 2 modes are 4 high and 4 low. 4 high is high geared and 4 low is low gear. If you had a locking diff, it can be engage in 2wd and 4hi and 4lo
@@unstoppabull1428 every REAL 4WD has locking diffs so nothing rare about it
@@bjorn1583 percentage of 4wd vehicles with locking center and front difs is very low
@@adamedunn if you exclude all the fake city only 4wds you will see the percentage with lockable diffs is very high, if it dont have locking diffs it is not designed to go off road
Nice presentation 👍🏽
Thank you for the explanation
my 2017 4runner limited full time 4 wheel drive has all of them :)
Which is why it gets 14-18 mpg
Subaru owner here, everything good they say about the AWD is true, it’s amazing. Had it in snow, mud and sand and always gets me through. The only downside is if you puncture a tire after they’re worn a little you have to replace all 4 tires. I had that happen once in 5 years, so it’s a trade off but for me it’s worth it.
Subaru allows a 2mm differance between tire wear, just so you know
@@jukeboxhd865 depending on the tires you have that’s probably about 8 to 12,000 miles of wear. So any more miles than that and you need 4 new tires.
@@ratkicker007 what about the process of "shaving" some tread off the new?
You don't have to replace all 4 tires when 1 tire needs replacement, that's complete bs. You just have to replace the 2 tires that share the same axel.
@@AcidRain1981 No you can't, or you can damage the center diff between front and rear axel.
Thanks for the explanation!
Simple, short and very informative video. Nice video. Congrats.
"AWD gives your car a sporty feel." Yeah, only if you've never driven RWD.
U launch quicjer of the line and its gotta be good bc audi uses it in all tjere cars
Its debatable, b/c certain cars are fwd bias awd and rwd bias awd, also some cars will even go full rwd or fwd when cruising and only turn on awd if it detects slips or when pulling off a line. A good example is the focus RS, it will do a 70/30 split and at launch its 70/30 but after its off the line 100% will go to the fromt wheels, and at turns it’ll send some power to the rear, vs audis or bmw’s where its usually a 30/70 split and can send 100% to the rear for fuel economy etc
@@overknight5278 my mind has been expanded, thank you fair Internet traveler.
I think he’s comparing it to 4WD
ah yes, my dads ford f-150, very sporty
I have a Chevrolet truck that is AWD and I love it, the safety the truck gives me is well worth any loss of money at the pump.
My 15 Silverado had a mode select for RWD, AWD, 4HI and 4LO. Excellent combination of choices, I do use AWD a decent amount in the winter when it has just started to snow and I dont want to have to be laser focused as I go along, but I'm always grateful I can just switch to RWD to hoon around, and I dont need to explain the use of 4WD in upstate New York, I'm never worried about even 2 feet of snow, just stick it an 4WD and go wherever I damn well please, even when the plows aren't out, and someones in a ditch
@@RedDeadSpearhead AWD, is in 4 wheel drive all the time, there is no switching in and out of it.
MichaelofSC AWD runs on 2 wheels until there is slippage. The Subaru for example puts power to 2 wheels symmetrically, if the front left wheel is getting power the right rear wheel is as well. They are constantly bouncing power around to different wheels, not all 4 are getting power all at once, only 3 wheels will while the other will spin freely. Locking a vehicle into 4WD means all wheels are getting 25% of the power which is the absolute best for traction in rough conditions. So, AWD is never all 4 wheels getting equal power simultaneously, whereas as 4WD is. AWD is better for driving on tarmac and get better fuel efficiency and also corners a little better then locked 4WD
i cant thank you enough your video its full of knowledge thank you very much and many more to come
Interesting I have the exact same question for the exact same reason. On my Terrain I can choose dedicated front wheel drive, dedicated all wheel drive and limited slip all wheel drive. Nice vid thanks for sharing.
Interesting. I kind of always thought something like this was the case, but never knew for sure. I have a GMC Acadia. What I like about the AWD system is that it _is_ designed to be left on all the time. However, it gives you the option to put it in FWD to save fuel. The real world result ends up being a 2-4 MPG boost, especially on long trips in warm, dry weather. We once drove an hour and a half out of town, and the car ended up getting about 31 miles per gallon. Not bad at all for a car as big as it is, weighing 4,100 pounds with a chunky V6 engine.
The only car makers with true AWD are Volvo, Audi and Subaru. The rest are 4 wheel assist and traction does not work like AWD. I took a Honda CIVIC out on a snowy day for a test drive and was spinning is many scenarios. Same day same conditions the Outback was stable and on track, no spins. So Acadia cannot be a true AWD as GM does not possess this technology.
@@hike2fish Honda Civic is front wheel drive only.
@hike2fish civic has always been front wheel drive einstein.
@@Kromsmitesyou meant CRV. Don’t have to be rude on a public forum. No harm meant.
@@hike2fishif you know enough about cars to be talking about these specifics then how do you not know enough about cars to remember which one you even drove?
Excellent video. Thanks for making and posting it. Before watching this I had no idea the difference - AWD seems the safest bet over 4x4 for mainstream day to day driving and your video has greatly helped my buying decision. However, I wonder what the difference would be between a front wheel drive car running a full set of winter tyres would be over an AWD car? I suppose the best result would be AWD and winter tyres. Greetings from Cumbria in the U.K. stay safe and well. I’ve just subscribed.
im pretty sure ive seen videos of tests with each combination and having a winter tire on 2wd beats awd with all season tire. & of course winter tire awd being best.
I can tell you the exact difference between FWD and AWD, because the original Subaru I owned in the mid-late 1970’s (don’t remember what it was called, but it was ugly 😂) was a FWD until you pulled a lever back to engage the rear wheels. If I remember correctly, you could engage the rear wheels from 0 up to around 50-55 mph (going on memory). No, it did not turn it into 4WD; it became an AWD. I was young and would purposely get it stuck in snow using only FWD, then engage the rear wheels and it always amazed me how it effortlessly chugged from “stuck” to “moving.” Even if I’d had snow tires on the front, it would have still been stuck…I was good at getting it that way (oh to be 25 again 😉). I currently own a 2016 Outback 3.6 L 6-cylinder. I LOVE it. When working Disabled Vet Events in east Texas forest with weekend long torrential-rain, I park where everyone else gets stuck. It never fails to move like I’m on dry concrete. I have Perilli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires and they are AWESOME. Gave my grandson my Ford F150 FX2 and never looked back. I haul 30-35 8 ft. fence boards with the seats folded down and the tailgate closes. I keep a Thule cargo carrier permanently mounted with fishing gear, coats, emergency supplies, etc, so the inside stays clean. I average 22.5 mpg and I drive it like I stole it 😜…old don’t mean dead. Rock-on my friend. No I’m not associated with Subaru. 89,000+ miles and nothing but oil changes and routine maintenance. Brakes lasted 73k miles, and that’s a LOT for me. Drive through Boulder/Denver Colorado and count Subaru vehicles…they know.
I live in Northwestern Ontario. It’s essential to have either awd or 4x4. Especially in the winter time.
My VW T6 4motion is outstanding in bad WETHER...I love it.
This video is misinformation! You effectively explain Electronic Traction Control. Not All-Wheel Drive. Four-Wheel Drive uses a direct transfer case. All-Wheel Drive uses a center differential. Seriously, do the research before posting this amateur shill video....
FourDollaRacing yea the ETC bit threw me off for a second. My 92 Eclipse had awd but didn't do all that fancy shit in the rain and snow.
Youre 100% correct
Just a change to the title would be enough. This doesn’t explain the mechanical difference between 4w and AW.
Also the fuel economy its not always direct with the size of the engine, since a heavier car with a smaller engine will require a bit more revs to move and it uses more fuel
FourDollaRacing "Four-Wheel Drive uses a direct transfer case. All-Wheel Drive uses a center differential." And we could have saved watching the video ; )
I have a Ford Fusion 2016 AWD, I really love it. The power is just awesome ❤
Thanks for the information, Korg.
Short, sweet and to the point. Good video.
It's not that complicated. 4WD has a transfer case that drives the front and rear axles at the same speed when the 4WD system is engaged, which is mechanically simpler, but is only suitable for use on low-traction surfaces like snow or dirt. AWD has a transfer case with a center differential to allow the front and rear axles to rotate at different speeds, which improves cornering and prevents excessive tire wear, but requires extra hardware to distribute torque effectively in low-traction conditions. 4WD has a shifter to disengage the front wheels when it isn't needed, whereas AWD doesn't need this feature. BOTH systems can use the brakes on each wheel, or clutches inside the differentials, to restrain spinning wheels and redirect power to wheels that have traction. However, vehicles with 4WD _usually_ don't offer this automated torque-distribution feature, and instead offer optional manually-lockable differentials. This is because people who buy vehicles with 4WD generally prefer that extra level of driver involvement, whereas people who buy vehicles with AWD generally want the vehicle to control its own systems without bothering them with the details.
i those early days many decades ago of 4 wheel drive you had to manually get out of the vehicle and lock the diff things are so simple these days you have torque vectoring and at a push of a button the fancy electronics kick in ....
Thanks for the clarification and coherent explanation (without bashing the other commenters!)
This comment is spot on! I would also like to add... Where AWD has a major advantage over 4WD is on slick (ice and or snow) roads. A 4WD like mentioned before, the front and rear axles are locked together and prohibits the front and rear wheels from turn at different speeds witch can cause a spin out by a wheel being forced to loose traction. An AWD has a center differential that allows the front and rear to turn independently which keeps all tires turning at the desired speeds for the turn. But.... where an AWD falls short is in off road situations where all tires are needed for traction. An AWD will wait till there is wheel spin to redirect torque to the other wheels. Once that tire spins though, most of the time it is useless. A 4WD will once again lock the front and rear together and pull simultaneously and does not wait for wheel slip to engage. Both systems have pros and cons, but primarily an AWD will perform better in everyday road driving, but when the pavement ends a 4WD with low range is king. I'm not saying AWDs cannot go off road, and I'm not throwing shade at any brand, IJS that each systems has its strong points and weak points. I drive a 4WD myself.
Shawn Elliott, U nailed it man! U put it in a simple way.. without abusing half the people around here ;) And Tim Pope too.
You need to be a lot more specific than that
I love how my jeep has awd and 4wd, (named part time and full time) i got a choice of three worlds, 4 if you count 4wd low
Yes, my F150 has 4x4 auto, standard 4x4 high and 4x4 low. It also has different transmission modes with one of them for ice/snow/rain which acts as traction control in all drive configurations.
In some cars now such as the Toyota Rav4 Adventure rear wheel drive disengages when not needed for increased fuel efficiency. It also has a drive setting which can be selected called "sport mode"which makes it a full time all wheel drive.
excellent video, clear, to the point and objective
Wrong There's also a full-time 4wd, which is awd all the time until you lock the center diff
Mine is like this, AWC.. 4WD is always on, just different modes. eco, auto and lock.
It is almost like you shouted “WRONG!!!”
Like my 2012 Honda Pilot?
Theres a reason it usually has a way to be turned on and off. Your performance goes out the window when u have 4wd on. It sacrifices performance for that 4wd. Ive done enough farm work to figure out the differences.
I think you will find without the centre diff locked all wheels are still driven..
I thought the thumb nail was 2 vacuume cleaner fighting each other🤣
LMFAO
Thanku very very much sir. I have seen many videos in this topic and yours is the only one in which the matter became clear to me. I knew the concept. And everyone explains the concept. I needed to know how it matters to me as a end user. God Bless you
Very informative, thank you.
They are worth it. Even though we don't have all that many snow days we have a lot of rainy and wet days. All wheel drive is perfect for these conditions. You realize this if you are out and about in a 2 wheel drive car or truck especially if the vehicle has a little bit of power. You are spinning wheels at every takeoff and they don't feel as "surefooted" on turns and other maneuvers.
“a sporty feel”
I never lived in a place where it snowed before. Until I moved to Alaska. I was uncomfortable with the Idea of driving on Icy roads and I felt safety was more important over fuel efficiency. So, I bought myself a Subaru, and I love it! feels like I'm driving on regular pavement with the AWD.
Tip: Don’t drive a Camaro in Alaska.
Great explanation. My 2000 Honda CR-V with AWD stands up to any adverse weather Florida throws at me while giving me confidence to maneuver it however I want without fear that it will slide or roll over or lose traction. Love that little SUV! But yeah, hate that low gas mileage it delivers. lol
2000 CR-V is not AWD. It directs all torque to front wheels and uses automatic system based on two hydraulic pumps to engage rear wheels in case of traction loss on front axle.
Over generalization of AWD and 4WD systems and not all are correct. Some AWD systems like Mercedes ones put most the power to the front wheels and not the rear wheels (and adjust as needed), while others put 1/3 to the front and 2/3 to the rear all the time. Also you can't compare an old car's fuel mileage/efficiency to a new one based on only how many cylinders it has and if its AWD or not. When it's that many years difference the technology difference in the engines makes a difference too. Plus some manufacturers just make engines that aren't as fuel economical as others.
Unfortunately there are multiple inaccurate/misleading descriptions in this video. A few examples are older AWD systems that utilize a viscous clutch and no electronics, full time 4WD, and front wheel drive based AWD systems. It’s not always that easy to label a vehicle AWD or 4WD.
+torsen etc
_"It’s not always that easy to label a vehicle AWD or 4WD."_ Really easy! Transfer case --> 4WD Center diff -->AWD.
bcubed72 Be sure to tell that to the pick-up truck manufacturers that install single speed transfer cases in their trucks and call it AWD. Or any BMW X-Drive. All have transfer cases and utilize front and rear driveshafts to deliver torque to the front and rear axles... just like other 4WD’s, but EVERYONE calls the BMW AWD, not 4WD. Also, “full-time 4WD” vehicles utilize a “center diff” in the transfer case that will allow for varying speeds of the front and rear axles, which is necessary when turning. For example, the Land Rover Discovery, which in some years, has a center diff lock. Like I said, it’s not always that easy to label a vehicle AWD or 4WD.
@@bcubed72 And be sure to tell that to Land Rover. My Discovery 2 and LR3 both have center diff lock and lo/hi transfer case.
Yes it is. If you can control if it engaged, its 4x4, if T case has a shifter, it's a 4x4. See how simple that is?
Thank you. I am now in the market for a new car and the car of choice for me is the Outlander. I have an older model and have been very happy with it. This has given me food for thought. Older outlander is a 4WD or 2WD and have only used the 4WD once in the 10 years I've had it.
Good video! We know what dufference between 4wd and awd is, but its always good to learn more.
My new Impreza does excellent on fuel, as good as my previous 2wheel drive mazda 3
Cvt that’s why because Mazda doesn’t believe in CVTS.
Subaru loosen the tolerance on their motors. They are not that tight anymore so you get better mpg but they are burning oil at low miles now like 80k-100k