The Lexus GXOR concept vehicle from the front.

Four-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel Drive: Which Fits You Best at Autos of Dallas?

What Are the Differences Between 4WD and AWD?

Are you looking for a luxury car, truck or crossover that will upgrade performance when you are faced with inclement weather or rough roads? When traction is at a premium, four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are the answer you are looking for and Autos of Dallas will deliver. Luxury-infused models like the BMW 5 Series deliver premium performance with BMW xDrive AWD and rugged Land Rover models feature trail-rated 4WD. If you aren’t sure which platform fits you best, you may want to know – what are the differences between 4WD and AWD? Find out more at Autos of Dallas!


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How Does Four-Wheel Drive Work?

Tailor-made for family adventures that take you on the road less traveled, four-wheel drive systems are perfect for mud-slingin’ thrills. Most four-wheel drive systems are available in part-time variants that employ a transfer case and dual locking differentials to create a 50:50 torque split and divert power from the engine to the front and rear wheel axles when needed. A 4WD system distributes an equal amount of power to all four wheels to create traction in extreme off-road conditions and supply more power to the wheels when faced with obstacles or inclines. In regular driving conditions, 4WD can make handling sluggish and clumsy.

A Land Rover in the snow.

How Does All-Wheel Drive Work?

All-wheel drive is perfect for your day-to-day drive or more strenuous adventures. Innovative all-wheel drive systems like Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® AWD employ intelligent technology that allows a vehicle to operate in front- or rear-wheel drive in standard conditions and use an array of sensors to detect loss of traction. When a loss of traction is detected, additional power is distributed to the wheels and axles that are slipping to improve traction. Basic AWD systems employ a center differential to divert engine power to the front and rear axles at different ratios at all times. All-wheel drive will upgrade performance on the track or trail but will sacrifice fuel economy with a full-time system.


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Do you want to understand what is under the hood of your car? Are you curious about what the differences are between 4WD and AWD? Learn more with this guide provided by Autos of Dallas that highlights a few favorite luxury brands. Visit the Autos of Dallas inventory today to find a pre-owned luxury car, truck or crossover that will fit your lifestyle and budget!