What's the Difference Between All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive?

If you are searching for your next vehicle and are consideringt all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, you probably have some questions. For example, what’s the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? Is all-wheel drive better than four-wheel drive? We answer these questions and more to help you decide what’s ideal for you in Raleigh and the neighboring communities. If you want to take a test drive at our dealership in Cary after reading the following guide, simply contact us, and we’ll take care of the rest! 

What is All-Wheel Drive?

All-wheel drive is a drivetrain configuration in which torque is directed from the engine to the front and rear axles to all four wheels via differentials. There are a couple of different kinds of all-wheel drive systems, including full-time all-wheel drive and part-time all-wheel drive. As their names suggest, full-time all-wheel drive systems send torque to the front and rear axles all the time, while part-time all-wheel drive systems can monitor road conditions and driving behavior to decide when it makes sense to send torque only to the front axle. It is most common to see all-wheel drive systems on vehicles with unibody frames.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Four-wheel drive is a traditional 4×4 drivetrain. The main difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is that, while four-wheel drive systems can send power to the front and rear axles, they’re also able to direct a specific amount of power between the left and right wheels. In general, four-wheel drive systems are designed for maximum off-road prowess and are usually built into vehicles with truck-based platforms.

Is All-Wheel Drive Better Than Four-Wheel Drive?

Is all-wheel drive better than four-wheel drive, or is it the other way around? The truth is that it depends on your priorities and Apex driving needs. In general, all-wheel drive vehicles usually prove to be the best option for most suburban drivers looking for extra traction in inclement weather and bad weather conditions, while four-wheel drive vehicles prove a better choice for those seeking the most rugged off-road conditions or onsite truck utility for their Holly Springs jobs. Either way, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive models will give you extra capability!

Find Your Next All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive Model at Hendrick Buick GMC Cary

Now you know the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive! If you are ready to take that test drive, contact us at (919) 342-8196 today. You can also send our team a message online and someone will get back to you quickly. Whether an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle is right for you, you are bound to find what you need at Hendrick Buick GMC Cary! For more helpful reads, review our GMC truck and SUV buyer’s guides.