Four different types of drive systems are available. Here's how each works, plus a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses:
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Although it provides power to all four wheels, AWD is different than a traditional four-wheel drive (4WD) system. AWD systems are designed for on-road use and are used in a wide range of passenger cars and SUVs. The capabilities of the systems offered by different manufacturers vary widely. The best systems can redirect power from a wheel that's slipping to one that has traction. This is known as torque vectoring and it makes a dramatic improvement in a vehicle's ability to claw through snow. It also improves handling in low-speed corners in slippery conditions. AWD is ideal for drivers who regularly deal with snow and slippery conditions. AWD improves traction, but adds cost and reduces fuel economy.
Four-wheel drive
True 4WD systems are designed for off-road use, where traction trumps all other needs. Some systems include locking axles, which keep all four wheels turning whether they have traction or not. Although this works well in extreme situations, it produces a rough, balky ride and can lead to tire and axle damage if you use it on dry pavement. 4WD adds significant weight, which hurts ride quality and fuel economy.
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
This is the most common type of drive train. Because the weight of the engine is over the driving wheels, traction on ice and snow is superior to systems that use rear-wheel drive (RWD). FWD cars have benign handling characteristics – if you go into a corner too fast, they plow straight ahead instead of kicking their tails out. This is known as understeer. FWD is a good choice for most drivers, offering benign handling and good traction in slippery conditions.
Rear-wheel drive
Although it offers spirited handling, RWD is not ideal for snow and ice. Because the power is delivered to the rear wheels, RWD offers superior steering feel and optimum handling on dry roads, which makes it ideal for sports cars. In slippery conditions, RWD vehicles suffer from a lack of traction, because there is little weight over the driving wheels. Although some drivers try to overcome this by loading sandbags in the trunk, this creates handling problems, cuts luggage space and hurts fuel economy.
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