Types of Automotive Drivetrains
Choosing a car for your everyday use is influenced by a number of factors and drivetrain is one of those factors, that actually dominates the car buying process to a greater extent. Drivetrain of a vehicle is the system that connects the engine of the vehicle to its wheels. Drivetrain configurations are designed according to various kinds of driving conditions and the choices of wheels to be driven. The automotive market offers a lot of drivetrain choices to choose from. Choosing the right type of drivetrain for your vehicle is utmost essential. There are six different types of drivetrain technologies available and each of them works differently. Having a fair knowledge of each of them how they work, you can definitely make the best choice for your next car.
- Front-wheel drive or FWD: Front-wheel drive system sends engine power into the two front wheels of the vehicle. This means the two front wheels of the vehicle pulls it down into the road. In a vehicle equipped with FWD, transmission, engine and the powertrain are all located in front and therefore there is more passenger space in the cabin. FWD drivetrain system has a reduced complexity, because all of its components are close to each other. You can expect stability, predictability and dependability during the winter season from a FWD vehicle. This is because the vehicle's major weight is concentrated in the front wheels and this ensures increased traction. Some very popular examples of FWD vehicles include Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
- Rear-wheel drive or RWD: A rear-wheel drive system makes sure the engine power is concentrated on the two rear wheels of the vehicle. RWD configuration is not usually best for winter season. But, this is also true that RWD vehicles are well-balanced and they offer superior braking and handling. The Lexus IS Series, BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35 are a few best examples of RWD vehicles.
- All-wheel Drive or AWD: A vehicle with all-wheel drive means the engine power is concentrated on all of the vehicles four wheels. Such a system has fluid-filled differentials or gears and advanced electronics which enable it to send power equally to the four wheels or transfer torque into the wheels or wheel with most traction. AWD systems are one of the most advanced and modern drivelines available today. It offers improved capability for winter driving, as well as on slippery and wet roads. Subaru Legacy, Acura RL and BMW X5 are among the best examples of AWD vehicles.
- Full-time Four-wheel drive or 4WD: 4WD system is almost similar to AWD, however the former is more powerful and it is basically designed for off-road driving. Lexus LX Series, Land Rover Range Rover and the Hummer H2 are a few vehicles equipped with this type of drivetrain.
- Part-time All-wheel drive or Part time AWD: Such a drivetrain system sends power only to either of the two front or rear wheels of a vehicle, but it can become an AWD for a limited time when there is a need for additional traction. Part time AWD is effective to prevent complete loss of traction, however it is not the ideal system for heavy off-road drives. Toyota RAV4 AWD and Honda CR-V AWD are the best examples of part-time AWD vehicles.
- Part-time four-wheel drive or Part-time 4WD: Part time 4WD always sends engine power into the rear wheels. However, under certain circumstances when there is a loss of traction, it sends power to all the four wheels by a hydraulic, mechanical or electrical switching system. Chevrolet Avalanche 4WD, Nissan Titan 4WD and Jeep Wrangler are some of the best examples of the Part-time 4WD vehicles.
