FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD: MSJ sort through the acronyms

For the past few weeks, I have received inquiries from several Ross students about the type of vehicle they should buy. Can I recommend a gas-sipping SUV that can handle the Michigan snow? Is there an affordable sports car that can be a potential babe magnet and yet be driven in winter? Are Japanese cars the right choice? As I responded to these questions, I felt the need to dispel some myths about vehicles and help the Ross community make better decisions on their mobility choices. My fellow editor, Ray Wacek, and I were planning an article on a sports car we had road-tested earlier in spring, but we felt that a little vehicle education would be more timely and useful as we kickoff this academic year. This article covers the various drive systems found in today's vehicles. 1. Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

As the name suggests, the power from the engine is transmitted to both the front wheels. Most passenger cars and minivans in the market today are front wheel drive.

Pros: FWD cars are adequate to handle most icy and snowy conditions as the weight of the engine and transmission is directly on the front wheels that push the car. However, a caveat is that it should have good tires. A FWD car is, in general, better that a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) car in snow. FWD is a compact system that allows for the vehicle to be smaller (with superior fuel economy) and reasonably priced.

Cons: Because of the weight bias towards the front, FWD cars are limited in the handling and performance departments. This is why a typical Honda, Chevy, or Toyota sedan will not match the handling prowess of a BMW, Lexus, or even your grandpa's old Buick from the seventies. Many true driving enthusiasts shun FWD cars for this reason.

Our Take: FWD is a great choice for the average Ross driver who needs to go from point A to point B and who needs good road traction on those snowy days.


2. Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

Though the engine is in the front, RWD vehicles only send power to the rear wheels. This used to be the main system found in the domestic brand cars until the 1980's. BMW also uses this system on their cars.

Pros: RWD cars spread the weight of the engine, transmissions and the axles more evenly from front to rear than FWD cars. RWD design results in superior handling than the FWD design and hence is preferred by driving enthusiasts.

Cons: Poor performance in snowy conditions. This system has more rotating parts that contribute to greater wear and tear and is heavier. This can cause a bigger dent in the wallet.

Our Take: A RWD car or a truck is fine, if you already have one. Just remember, they are no fun in snowy conditions.


3. Four Wheel Drive (4 x 4)

In four wheel drive vehicles, the engine power is passed on to all the wheels. This system is typically found in pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Tahoe, etc. This system is typically activated as required and can be turned off by the driver.

Pros: 4x4 systems are great for off-road driving and on uneven terrain. They are great for people who use rural roads or who must deal with heavy snow in unplowed country roads.

Cons: This system can experience excessive wear and tear if the 4x4 option is used at all times. When the 4x4 system is switched off, the vehicle behaves as a RWD and has less grip than a FWD car. The 4x4 systems adds considerable weight to the vehicle and results in lowered fuel economy. While the 4x4 system is needed only for a few days a year, you pay for it every day by lugging around a couple hundred pounds of additional dead weight.

Our Take: Buy a 4x4 only if you need a vehicle with serious off-road capability or you need to travel on dirt or unpaved roads. If you are planning to drive in and around AA or any other urban location, you are just wasting your money by buying a 4x4 vehicle.


4. All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Many passenger cars, wagons, minivans, and crossover vehicles employ this system. AWD is basically a modified version of the FWD system. The majority of the engine power is transmitted to the front wheels. When the vehicle detects wheel slippage (during a sharp turn or in slippery conditions), a portion of the engine power is diverted to the rear wheels.

Pros: AWD provides excellent grip on snowy roads. AWD is optimized for continuous use on smooth paved surfaces as well as on unpaved surfaces. Some high performance sports cars and sedans offer this system, which offers excellent dry-weather, on-road handling as well as superior winter weather control. The fuel economy is worse than that of a FWD system, but better than that of a RWD system.

Cons: This system can add substantial cost to the price of the vehicle. This system has physical limitations compared to the 4x4 systems. Drivers often pilot their AWD vehicles aggressively in snowy conditions incorrectly assuming that the vehicle can plow though. Beyond the break point, these vehicles lose traction and control.

Our Take: AWD is a good choice for a buyer for whom safety is paramount. It also meets the enthusiast drivers' requirements of superior dry weather handling and as well as adequate winter traction.


Summary

Several people think a four-wheel-drive truck or SUV is the best way to get around in the snow, but this is not necessarily true. A front-drive car with good winter tires or one equipped with all-wheel-drive would be more than adequate for most driving conditions. Just remember, no system is foolproof - if you drive like you're playing Gran Turismo 4 on Playstation 2 (like we do!), all the road grip in the world won't save you. Happy motoring!