Should You Get All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive?

Winters in New Hampshire make All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) a useful feature to look for in a car, but which system is right for you? Continue reading to learn more.

AWD vs. 4WD
What Is the Difference?
AWD
While AWD used to be reserved for larger SUVs and trucks, it is quite common to find AWD systems in sedans and crossovers as well. AWD can offer greater traction on slick road conditions while giving you superior handling when conditions are dry.

The greatest benefit to AWD is the peace of mind that your vehicle will automatically adjust the torque needed to help you maintain traction. You won’t have to remember to activate AWD because the system will do that for you. However, in order to provide and monitor traction at all times, most AWD vehicles can be more expensive and have lower fuel efficiency than their counterparts.

4WD
Like AWD, 4WD vehicles direct additional torque to the wheels that need it in order to maintain traction between the tires and the road. The main difference is that the 4WD systems are much more capable of dealing with challenging weather and terrain. While AWD vehicles are becoming better equipped to handle slick road conditions, 4WD typically comes in trucks or SUVs with higher clearance to help you tackle deep snow and off-roading.

Some models offer full-time 4WD while others come equipped with part-time 4WD. Full-time 4WD closely resembles AWD in the fact that all four wheels are engaged all of the time. Part-time 4WD allows you to toggle between sending power to one or both axles giving you more control and maintaining better gas mileage when not in use.

Factors to Consider
Weather
Living in NH means dealing with cold, snowy winters which makes finding a car with AWD or 4WD a necessity if you plan to travel during the colder months. If you live in or around a city and want to make sure you can get to work in the mornings, AWD should be sufficient. If you live somewhere remote where snowplows are scarce, then 4WD may be worth the investment.

Lifestyle
Weather isn’t the only factor to consider. If you enjoy serious off-roading or traveling off the beaten path, you may need to opt for 4WD. AWD can handle off-roading to some extent, but should be limited to well-traveled paths to ensure you don’t find yourself stuck or stranded.

Experience the Difference in Gorham, NH
Explore our impressive inventory of AWD and 4WD cars for sale in Gorham, NH, at Berlin City Auto Group. We’ll help you decide which features would best suit your location and lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more.