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.