Considering the type of transmission for your next vehicle? Are you undecided between choosing a front-wheel drive or a rear-wheel drive? Or do you think you need an all-wheel drive more? Today, the automotive market offers many transmission options that can be quite confusing for buyers.
A vehicle’s drivetrain is the system that connects the motors to the wheels. Its configuration is designed according to various types of driving conditions and the choice of wheels to be motor-driven or driven. Choosing which transmission to use is an essential decision when you are in the process of selecting another vehicle.
There are six different types of streaming technologies and they all work differently. By knowing and understanding them initially, you could have a more guided decision about which transmission you want for your next car.
Front-Wheel Drive or FWD: A vehicle with a front-wheel drive system means that it sends all of the engine’s power to both front wheels. This gives the effect of FWD pushing the car towards the road. The transmission, engine, and drivetrain are located in the front of the vehicle and therefore there is more room for passengers in the cabin. This type of transmission has a reduced complexity since all its components are close to each other. It can also mean that you won’t worry about excessive maintenance costs.
In general, when driving an FWD vehicle, you can reasonably expect stability, predictability, and reliability during the winter season. Since the main weight of the vehicle is concentrated on the front drive wheels, traction is increased. Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima are prime examples of FWD vehicles.
Rear Wheel Drive or RWD – This was once the standard driveline for cars. Having a vehicle with rear-wheel drive systems means that the power of the engine is concentrated in the two rear wheels. This gives the effect that the vehicle is being pushed down the road by its two rear wheels. Having a vehicle with RWD configuration is not recommended for winter traction, although most of them have some type of stability or traction control that helps overcome this disadvantage.
Despite this fact, RWD vehicles are usually well balanced and offer superior braking and handling for driving enthusiasts. The Lexus IS series, the BMW 3 series and the Infiniti G35 are among the best examples of RWD vehicles.
All Wheel Drive or AWD – This is one of the most sophisticated and modern drivelines available today. All four wheels of the vehicle are driven by the engine. It has fluid-filled gears or differentials and advanced electronics that allow it to send power equally to all four wheels or transfer torque to the wheels/wheel with the most traction. The AWD system is very advanced by modern engineering and they are almost perfect for a driver.
Vehicles with AWD configuration can also be designed with a preference for the front or rear wheels. As such, the driving dynamics have been greatly improved. Unlike 4WD vehicles, AWD vehicles offer vastly improved capability for winter driving on slippery and wet roads. Subaru Legacy, Acura RL and BMW X5 are among the best examples of AWD.
Full Time Four Wheel Drive or 4WD – This system has a similarity to AWD, but is generally more robust due to being designed for serious off-road driving. The Lexus LX series, Land Rover Range Rover and Hummer H2 are excellent examples of this type of transmission.
Part Time Four Wheel Drive or Part Time AWD – This vehicle is essentially a two wheel drive vehicle. Its transmission configuration sends power only to either of the two front or rear wheels until additional traction is needed. You can become an AWD for a limited time only. It is effective in preventing total loss of traction, but is not generally recommended for heavy off-road travel. The Toyota RAV4 AWD and Honda CR-V AWD are examples of part-time AWD.
Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive or Part-Time 4WD: These types of transmission systems generally send the engine’s power to the rear wheels, always. Once there is a loss of traction, power is sent to all four wheels via a hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical switching system. It cannot be used frequently on dry pavements as the mechanics could be damaged. The Chevrolet Avalanche 4WD, the Nissan Titan 4WD, and the Jeep Wrangler are among examples of part-time 4WD.
