Difference in all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive.....?

Question

Hi all! I have read some of the previous questions regarding this topic but I still don't feel too sure so I thought I would ask for myself.
I am looking for a new vehicle, mainly because right now I drive a Olds Alero which is horrible (no matter what people say about fwd) in the snow. I am new to Michigan and last winter was the first winter I have ever driven in the snow. I am terrified of driving in the snow. So.....
My husband and I want to trade my car for something with 4WD. However, I have been seeing so many newer models with AWD. Which is better for the snowy conditions I am speaking of? Such as normal driving in snow, going up hills (and down) in snow, ect. Please keep in mind I am not an experienced driver in the snow either so I need something that I feel safe in and I don't want to spend TONS of money either. Any suggestions would be great!!

I appreciate everyone's help! Best answer gets the points!!

I also would like to add that I would like a SUV not a car. Something roomy because I just got married and we are trying to have children. Thanks again!

Answer 1

some vehicles have more than 4 wheels that drive!and some have auto selection when conditions demand

Answer 2

well with all wheel drive power is being sent to all 4 wheels all the time. 4WD usually has a switching mechanism so it can go between 4 high for normal driving 4 low for really high torque VERY low speeds and a normal 2 wheel drive setting. The thing to note about four wheel drive is that it will develop friction on one of the 4 wheels and the others will follow suit this'll get you moving from a slippery stop and it will help to get you out of a ditch but for normal driving in snow/ice you'll be sliding all over the place and with an suv odds are the two wheel drive setting will be on the rear axel. Most front wheel drives are preferable for city/pavement driving because the only wheels with power have a heavy motor on top of them. Up and downhill or on gravel you would be better off w/ all wheel or 4WD.

Answer 3

If your not experienced with the way 4wd works, you are best to get AWD. All wheel drive means the system is engaged all the time, but allows the wheels to glide free on turns.

If you get a 4wd system, this system you must shift into 4 wheel drive, but you cannot use a 4wd system all the time. It is meant for slippery conditions, like snow/ice covered roads, gravel or dirt, etc. If you have a 4WD engaged on dry or just wet ground, you can damage the driveline on turns cause your inside wheel always turns slower then the outside wheel and cause torque bind.

Soooo, if your not experienced with the do's and don'ts of 4wd, then you are best with AWD where the system is designed to run on any type of surface.

Answer 4

I don't know anything, about Mich law. I will tell you this Check with your Insurance Compamy before buying your new vehicle
4WD vehicles tend to bring your Insurance rates up if it was me I would look into a AWD there price is high Remember just because you have 4WD doesn't mean it will not slip it will help no doubt!! Good Luck
Move to sunny Arizona this way when you get tired of heat you can drive 140 miles to play in the snow All kidding aside

look into a GM product such as the Chevy Envoy GM products come with the ONSTAR system now the onstar if you are driving alone on snow packed road and your vehicle get's stuck and you don't have any cell service onstar will get you help check out www.onstar.com it's avail on all GM vehicles

4 WD there Diff: types one will automatcal lock in when I wheel slips other you need to put it in lets say your driving on the interstate at high speeds and you want to switch into 4wd because it's starting to snow slow to 30MPH switch in 4WD High if you get off that road and go to a state road change it into 4WD low the wheels will spin as fast at least mine works that way

Answer 5

Audis has the best AWD system in the world, but may be a little out of your price range. AWD in a subaru is almost as good for about a third to a quarter of the price. AWD is designed for traction on both dry and wet/snowy conditions, while 4WD was designed only for wet and snow. AWD trannys also last longer, since the constant switching from 4WD and 2WD over the years can shorten the life of the tranny. Good luck on picking ure next car!

Answer 6

4WD vehicles are regular wheels until you put them in 4WD while AWD are constantly in 4WD.

I myself am a Subaru fan as I've had 2 vehicles from them and I love the handling. You could go for a Forrester (SUV) which has the same handling, safety features (less on insurance), and roomy enough for a family. They also have the Tribeca which is larger and more of an upscale SUV (still with all the feature plus more). Just bear in mind, all vehicles are equal on ICE, just not everything else.

Answer 7

The best AWD is the volvo 70 serie, they are made for "snow"
try also milan AWD they were tried in italy first "THe ALPs" there so they may be a good choice

as far as Alero by olds good vechicla made by "Opel" for olds(GM) as they have in past... FWD has it's limits...

Answer 8

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive.htm

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/difference_4WD_awd.html