Types of car drives: all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive – what to choose?

The modern automobile market offers cars with three types of drives - front, rear and all-wheel drive (4x4). The type of drive affects the vehicle's cross-country ability, maneuverability, and cost. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be examined in more detail.

Features of cars with front-wheel drive

Cars with front-wheel drive (FWD) are the most common. The engine, gearbox, transmission components and clutch are located in the front of the car, so the front wheels provide movement, and the rear wheels move by inertia.

Front-wheel drive cars are relevant due to their easy-to-assemble design and reduced weight, which reduces fuel consumption. The car has the following advantages:

• fewer transmission parts, which means - lower cost of the car and reduced maintenance costs;
• longer mileage on one tank of gas compared to rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models;
• good traction and excellent handling.

Front-wheel drive cars are becoming the optimal choice for driving on paved city roads. The Avis catalog presents long-term car rental with FWD in a wide range.

Characteristics of cars with rear-wheel drive

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) provides good traction under increased loads. Often, a system with an emphasis on the rear wheels is installed on trucks and powerful cars (muscle cars). At the same time, controllability on slippery surfaces is impaired, so driving a rear-wheel drive car on a snowy or icy road is not the best solution.

A striking example of a car with rear-wheel drive is the Volkswagen ID.4 crossover. You can rent this and other electric cars if you want to get more pleasure from dynamic driving and good acceleration.

Full-wheel drive type of car

Four-wheel drive vehicles (4WD) are equipped with two cardan shafts at once, the torque is distributed simultaneously to all four wheels. In a full-fledged 4x4 all-wheel drive, automatic switching between two and four wheels is performed depending on the load and the situation on the road.

Off-road vehicles are equipped with an all-wheel drive system. This is a great option for driving on snowy roads, dirt roads. Cars with 4WD technology provide the following advantages:

• ability to tow cars;
• overcoming mud, small bodies of water;
• excellent movement on ice and deep snow;
• sufficient traction for driving on steep slopes.

To determine which types of drives are the best, you should study the driving style, climate conditions, road surfaces for movement. Car leasing with front-wheel drive is better suited for warm weather and careful driving, with rear - for good performance and controllability, and with all-wheel drive - for off-road. It should be noted that front-wheel drive cars are more versatile and affordable on the market.