YACT: Why is AWD more expensive than 4WD?

[Syringer]

On a Ford Explorer for instance..AWD costs more than 4WD does. What would prompt someone to get one or the other?

 

[Excelsior]

Check it.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

AWD has to allow slippage between the front and rear driveshafts. 4WD is not allowed to have slippage between the front and rear drive shafts. AWD is geared towards "always on" type of 4WD where they reduce wear and tear by allowing some slip, which is okay on snow and ice. 4WD does NOT allow slip, but usually has to be manually engaged (note: I said usually, I've driven one that was full time 4WD, and you knew it), 4WD is better on surfaces where you're crawling up it at a slow speed and don't want anything to slip at all, just all grip.

 

[Crappopotamus]

4wd is just 4 wheels with power. awd has computers and stuff involved that distribute power between wheels.

 

[xEDIT409]

I would go for 4WD any day over AWD

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Crappopotamus
4wd is just 4 wheels with power. awd has computers and stuff involved that distribute power between wheels.

a torsion differential has no computers.

 

[Turkish]

Originally posted by: xEDIT409
I would go for 4WD any day over AWD

unless you are offroading, you wont notice much difference.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Xiety

Originally posted by: xEDIT409
I would go for 4WD any day over AWD

unless you are offroading, you wont notice much difference.

You'll definitely notice a difference for performance onroad driving. AWD absolutely rocks over 4WD for onroad performance.

 

[Turkish]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Xiety

Originally posted by: xEDIT409
I would go for 4WD any day over AWD

unless you are offroading, you wont notice much difference.

You'll definitely notice a difference for performance onroad driving. AWD absolutely rocks over 4WD for onroad performance.

the performance-needing mind will, but not the soccer mom