The Differences Between AWD and 4WD

If you, like many people, thought that AWD and 4WD were the same thing, then you might surprised to learn that they are in fact separate entities. Here are the key differences!

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Mantas Kutka
Tom Clark

Audi Quattro S1 / Leo Pavlík test

4WD

Defender offroad action @Fursten Forrest

"Novi Golf Variant 4motion 2.0 R BMT DSG (300 HP)" by Porsche Ljubljana

[NoName-zzls]

-knows the difference
-still watches video

[mark]

It seems like people are more confused than ever. Good job.

[statesidesupercars]

1:06 the Audi S1 Quattro... what a STUNNING car.

[mgcharoudin]

What if you have an AWD Reliant Robin? Is it a 3WD?

[scottverge]

Additionally AWD and 4WD don't make you invincible in the snow and ice. They help you get moving but aren't going to do much to help you stop. And 4WD can be tricky in slippery conditions at higher speeds.

A Subaru with winter tires will likely outperform a lifted dodge truck on big mud tires in slippery winter conditions ;)

[jakejake]

I thought they were the same. All wheels giving power

[patrickkerr]

This one of those things you learn that just makes you feel like you should of known all along but you learn so much out of it and in such a small space of time! Thanks Car Throttle! Always great content!!

[veemacks]

Shame there wasn't a summary of which well known systems are AWD and 4WD. For example Audi's "Quattro", BMW's "X" drive, Mercedes's "4Matic" and so on.

[MyLonewolf]

4wd is selectable
Awd is not

Awd can have a central diff
4wd doesn't and has a transfer case

Awd and 4wd can both have front and rear diffs of any kind

[justmechanicthings]

What about the Mercedes 6x6 G wagon. where does that fit in all this?

[tharimahmed]

Hey Car Throttle

FWD
RWD
AWD

Which do u prefer?

[ARG]

Actually the difference is very small. If you look at the litteral meaning AWD means all wheels are driven and 4WD means four wheels are driven. The terms don't say how and when. The only reason people think there is a major difference is because that is how they were marketed.
Back when they started using AWD systems manufactures didn't want to put 4WD or 4x4 on the back of their cars because these terms were associated with mud-ploughing and rock-crawling offroaders. Clouds of diesel smoke, ladder chassis and leaf springs didn't really fit the image of a sports car.

So no, their is no difference. Apart from the fact that the term AWD could also be used on vehicles with more than four wheels.
Simple fact of the matter is that on cars with an AWD system you often also have the chance to switch in 2WD mode, or in a lock mode which gives you the same effect as locking all the diffs in a drive train.

In short: the term AWD or 4WD doesn't say anything about how the drivetrain works. The only difference is in the marketing of the car, not in how it works. There are more than two ways of delivering drive to all four wheels, and with every system you have multiple ways of controlling what it does. So educate yourself before you make a video which contains false information.

[Frosty]

It's funny that almost everyone who follows this channel knows about cars and then you explain how 4-wheel-drive works.. :D

[Sal]

is it magic that I was just talking with my dad yesterday about 4wd and Awd and you guys post a video? Damn.

[eatpumkin]

Quick, easy to understand and directly to the point. Good job.

[limited]

I edited this comment so the replies make no sense

[GermanPerfectionist]

I always was like: Car has 4 wheels, so 4 wheels are ALL wheels, so 4WD = AWD...

[unoman]

A pleasant little factual video there, cheers CT

[darphbobo]

Been living with my aging AWD xtype for 3+ years now, It's kept me safe from Skye to St Ives, loves snow and wet weather. Alas electrical problems abound in mid summer.

[doctorno]

Nice to see some Slovenian footage in an international video :D