AWD vs. FWD?
AWD vs. FWD?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 2
From: Lancaster, MA
AWD is when all four wheels are the drive wheels. FWD is when just the front wheel (or wheels) are the drive wheel (or wheels). RWD is when just the rear wheel (or wheels) are the drive wheel (or wheels). 4WD is when you can select bewtween all four wheels (or in some cases three of the four wheels) being the drive wheels or just the rear wheel (or wheels) being the drive wheel (or wheels).
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
AWD is usually done with a viscous (fluid) coupling between the front and rear so that the driveline doesn't get torn up when you go around corners--the front and rear wheels travel 4 different distances around a turn. It's also normally full-time, but sometimes selectable.
Like the other guy said:
FWD = Front Wheel Drive
RWD = Rear Wheel Drive
4WD = 4 Wheel Drive, usually selectable and not full-time, and should not be used on dry surfaces as there is not often a provision for slip between the front and rear driveaxles.
Jason
Like the other guy said:
FWD = Front Wheel Drive
RWD = Rear Wheel Drive
4WD = 4 Wheel Drive, usually selectable and not full-time, and should not be used on dry surfaces as there is not often a provision for slip between the front and rear driveaxles.
Jason
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Many AWD units now use a computer and magnetic clutch, combined with traction control. These are probably best for on-highway use up here in snow country for average drivers who are not willing to learn anything except put it in OD an push the go pedal. I did consider getting a Suzuki SX4, because it has selectable FWD, AWD and 4x4, is available with a manual transmission and is cheap.
Jim
Jim
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
We have an Audi TT, Quatro. Which means all wheel drive. In slow, sharp, driveway turning manuvers it is like my Ford 4wd with the front hubs locked. Let it loose on the road and OMFG, it is a rocket that hugs the pavement. 
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
Yep, my Denali is like that...well the front grabbing part, not so much the handling part...lol. In parking lots and such, the front tires squeal due to the constant power to them. But it is nice...all weather traction without having to shift in and out of 4WD. It's the wife's daily driver and she loves it. It is phenominal in snow and rain.
Trending Topics
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
Yep, my Denali is like that...well the front grabbing part, not so much the handling part...lol. In parking lots and such, the front tires squeal due to the constant power to them. But it is nice...all weather traction without having to shift in and out of 4WD. It's the wife's daily driver and she loves it. It is phenominal in snow and rain.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
. It was my dad-in-law's. I was looking at a new one when he told me he wanted to trade his. It's an '07 and had 17,000 on it at the time and was in pristine condition (he's really **** about his vehicles) and he sold it to me for $20k! I couldn't pass it up...no way, no how.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Many AWD units now use a computer and magnetic clutch, combined with traction control. These are probably best for on-highway use up here in snow country for average drivers who are not willing to learn anything except put it in OD an push the go pedal. I did consider getting a Suzuki SX4, because it has selectable FWD, AWD and 4x4, is available with a manual transmission and is cheap.
Jim
Jim
Tim
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: East Tennessee
My AWD TT Stealth and AWD 3000GT VR4 both could cut the wheels all the way at any slow roll and not act like my truck with the hubs locked in. The Stealth was highly modded (everything, really) and would spin all 4 tires up to 50 mph, though :-)
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
Huh, what year was your TT? My '02 backs out of the driveway like my F250 with the axle locked.