There are four types of powertrain in cars including Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), All Wheel Drive (AWD), and Four Wheel Drive (4×4). These all are different types of powertrain configurations in cars, indicating which wheels receive power from the engine.
Do not confuse between AWD and 4×4, they both are different powertrains and we explained in this article.
Front Wheel Drive
In FWD cars, the power generated by the engine is utilized exclusively to drive the front wheels. This means only the front wheels receive power, leaving the rear wheels free. These cars are typically lightweight and cost-effective. Examples include the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Nexon.
Four Wheel Drive
In 4×4 cars, the engine’s power is also utilized to drive all four wheels, but these vehicles come equipped with a transfer case. This allows the driver to selectively determine which wheels receive power. A separate lever, often alongside the main gear lever, provides options such as 2 High, 4 High, and 4 Low for power distribution. 4×4 vehicles, like the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny, offer enhanced off-road capability, allowing users to tailor power distribution to specific driving conditions.
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Rear Wheel Drive
In RWD cars, the power from the engine is utilized exclusively to drive the rear wheels. In this setup, only the rear wheels receive power while the front wheels remain free. These cars generally offer higher performance compared to FWD cars. Examples of RWD cars include the Toyota Innova Crysta, Mahindra Bolero, and Scorpio.
All Wheel Drive
In AWD cars, the power from the engine is distributed to all four wheels for driving. If any wheel loses traction, the system can redirect power to the wheels with traction, enhancing control and traction. AWD is beneficial for mild to moderate off-roading. Examples of AWD cars include the Mahindra XUV700, Kia EV6, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
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