With Greenboro’s winter weather changing by the day, safety and performance becomes top of mind and the question of drivetrains is more common, so today we thought we’d provide a breakdown for you. Let’s take a look at the four main types, their standard pros and cons, along with their general behavior in adverse weather conditions.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
How it works: The engine's power is sent to the front wheels, essentially pulling the car forward. This is the most common type of drivetrain found in passenger cars today.
Pros:
- Generally more fuel-efficient than other drivetrains.
- Less expensive to produce, which can translate to lower prices for used cars.
- Good traction in most normal driving conditions, as the weight of the engine keeps the tires planted to the road.
Cons:
- Can experience "torque steer" during hard acceleration, especially in wet/slick conditions.
- Front-heavy weight distribution can sometimes make handling less precise.
- Prone to “under steer” in corners, as the front tires must handle both pressures of drive torque as well as cornering.
In Inclement Weather: FWD performs reasonably well in light snow and rain, however, in heavier snow or icy conditions, the front wheels can lose traction, impacting steering and braking control. Though differing per manufacturer, engineers have done wonders with traction control in recent years, balancing the tall task of making FWD better juggle its responsibilities.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
How it works: The engine's power is sent to the rear wheels, pushing the car forward. Common in trucks, sports cars, and some luxury sedans.
Pros:
- Often provides a more balanced handling feel, with more room for suspension and steering components, as well as more even weight distribution throughout the vehicle.
- Can offer better acceleration in dry conditions.
- Towing ability is further improved, putting the weight over the rear wheels.
Cons:
- Less traction in slippery conditions with less weight over the drive wheels.
- Though it can sometimes be fun, “fishtailing” when your rear wheels lose traction can also result in a complete spin-out or even broadside to traffic.
In Inclement Weather: Well, we’ve already given it away, but RWD vehicles can be particularly tricky in Greensboro's recent winter mix. The drive wheels are more prone to losing grip, so extra caution and the right tires are highly recommended in this climate.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
How it works: Power is sent to all four wheels, providing maximum traction. AWD systems vary by manufacturer, but generally speaking:
Pros:
- Superior traction in almost all conditions, including snow, rain, and even light off-road situations.
- Enhanced stability and control.
Cons:
- With the added weight and resistance of moving parts, AWD is generally less fuel-efficient than FWD or RWD.
- The added complexity can also mean added expense, both in sticker price and maintenance.
In Inclement Weather: AWD is an excellent choice for Greensboro's unpredictable winters, as well as drivers who frequent dirt/gravel roads and light off-roading adventures.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
How it works: Typically found in trucks and SUVs. 4WD systems are generally more robust and designed for serious off-road use. They also often have low-range gearing for tackling tough terrain.
Pros:
- Unmatched traction in challenging conditions.
- Ideal for off-roading and heavy snow.
Cons:
- Least fuel-efficient of the drivetrains.
- As with AWD, the added complexity often means higher maintenance costs.
- This can vary, but their “road manners” aren’t necessarily as good on paved roads.
In Inclement Weather: While 4WD offers the best traction in severe winter weather, it might be overkill for most Greensboro drivers. If you’re looking specifically for 4WD, it’s likely for a utility beyond fording through crummy weather.
So, What’s Best for You?
Realistically, a vehicle’s drivetrain is but one of many considerations, though for the sake of this subject, all-wheel drive gets the edge for those with a priority of overcoming less than ideal driving conditions. As always, the call is yours, we simply hope we’ve helped get you closer to finding the right fit for you. Should you have any further questions, our team of pro’s are here to help, just give us a shout!