Which Is Better: AWD, FWD, Or RWD?

Car Wheels

When you’re shopping for a new vehicle there are a lot of things to consider. One is which drive train option you should choose. You may be wondering which option is better — all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive. Unfortunately, a straightforward answer isn’t possible. Each drivetrain has a different set of advantages and disadvantages. Which is best for you depends completely on your situation and driving habits. So, to help you decide, here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each drivetrain.

Front-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a vehicle where the engine routes power through the front wheels.  This means that the front wheels are what move your car forward and the rear wheels don’t receive any power.  FWD is a great option for drivers who spend most of their time in the city or on the highway.  People who aren’t driving enthusiasts and think more practically about their car will also enjoy the FWD drivetrain. FWD is more fuel-efficient and is usually the standard drivetrain in sedans.  Because most vehicles in America are designed with the engine is at the front of the vehicle, FWD uses less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide.

Rear-Wheel Drive

Rear-wheel Drive (RWD) is the opposite of FWD. The engine powers the rear wheels instead of the front wheels. If the engine is in the front of the car this means power has to travel further, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency. The weight in an RWD vehicle is more evenly distributed making the benefit of RWD the handling experience. This is why most performance vehicles are RWD. The drawback of RWD is that these vehicles don’t perform well in certain weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow.

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All Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) is the least fuel-efficient of the three drive train options because the engine supplies power to all four wheels. But AWD and 4WD models have the best traction of the three drive trains and may be an appealing option for car-buyers who live in areas that get a lot of snow. AWD vehicles are also the best option for off-roading and rock-crawling. So, people who spend a great deal of time outdoors will find these vehicles to be more appealing.

Still not sure which drivetrain is a good match for you? Come to Barbour Hendrick Honda and let our knowledgeable representatives walk you through the benefits and how they line up with your lifestyle.

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