The differences between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

BC's changing weather conditions always require motorists to adapt. You've undoubtedly heard about the different types of drivetrains available on the market and how they can impact your vehicle's handling in different weather conditions. There are rear-wheel drive vehicles, front-wheel drive vehicles and all-wheel drive vehicles in the new Jeep, Ram or Dodge lineup, for example, and each has different properties and will perform differently in winter. Here we briefly explain how each system works.

FWD: fuel efficient and good in winter

With a vehicle equipped with front-wheel drive, power is sent to the front wheels exclusively. Because there are fewer moving parts to channel power from the engine to the wheels, this drivetrain is more fuel efficient than other drivetrains. It is found in the Jeep Renegade, Jeep, Chrysler Pacifica and Grand Caravan, and entry-level Jeep Compass, among others. Having front-wheel drive is also more beneficial in winter than a rear-wheel drive, for example.

Rear-wheel drive: for sports cars and trucks

Rear-wheel drive means that the rear wheels are driven. This has performance advantages and creates a much more engaging drive overall. The legendary Dodge Challenger, one of the most powerful and dynamic cars ever built, is a RWD vehicle. Rear-wheel drive vehicles also offer better towing capability. A RWD Ram 1500 or Ram HD, for example, will deliver significantly better towing performance than 4x4 models.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

All-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds. It offers the frugality of a front-wheel drive car when you're on the highway, with the ability to adapt as traction is needed. This is as beneficial on snowy roads as it is when you're making tight turns on dry roads.

You will find multiple all-wheel drive systems across the Jeep, Dodge and Ram lineups. Each system works to give you the best performance in any situation while also ensuring optimal efficiency and providing exceptional off-road capability in the most difficult situations as well. Jeep, Ram or Dodge's AWD system provides superior traction and vehicle control in adverse driving environments, such as wet or snowy conditions, by reducing torque to a wheel where slippage is detected and diverting it to a wheel with greater traction. Depending on the model, you can also lock the centre differential or engage 4LO mode to get through the toughest terrain.

The system is also able to improve handling and cornering on dry roads, providing additional control in turns by sending torque to the outside wheel that experiences traction-enhancing downforce, instead of the inside wheel.

Whether you're looking for front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, Jeep, Ram or Dodge models have plenty of choices for you. You can purchase your vehicle online with us. Our representatives are waiting for your call and can answer all your questions.