What is the difference between the different drive types?
The table below shows a comparison of front, rear, and all-wheel drive vehicles:
| Positives | Negatives |
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | - Lower kerb weight than RWD
- Improved payload
- Better fuel economy and CO2
- Greater traction if unladen than RWD due to weight distribution
- Lower acquisition price than RWD
- Automatic transmission available
| - Lower Gross Train Mass (GTM) than comparable RWD
- Note: Towing front drive ratio can compensate
|
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) | - Improved driving and towing dynamics under heavy load
- Advantages when towing as the weight of the trailer pushes down on the rear axle, meaning greater traction
| - More expensive than FWD
- Higher kerb weight means a negative effect on fuel and CO2
|
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | - Better traction when in poor road conditions
- Helps with towing in bad weather and rough terrain
| - Added cost
- Lower fuel economy
|
Difference between AWD and 4WD | Both drive trains can send power to all four wheels at one time. AWD vehicles do this automatically, whereas a 4WD gives the driver more control over where the power is sent. |