All-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) have often been confused, or even considered the same thing when they in fact are very different! We'll explain here what the main differentiator points are to help you understand.
Let's start with 4WD, a feature available on many SUVs and trucks on the market today that has many benefits for rough roads and tough off-roading capability around Cockeysville. 4WD is a system that temporarily locks movement of the axels together. It splits torque between the two axels to evenly distribute power to all four wheels, hence the 4-wheel drive name. While this option is great for off-roading, it can be dangerous on flat ground with high-traction, even causing dangerous understeer and mechanical damage if used improperly.
This means that even if you lose traction in one or more wheels, they'll keep spinning, which can dig you deeper into mud, snow or loose dirt.
To compare, AWD is different in the way it distributes power between the wheels. The all-wheel drive system on your Subaru provides power to all four wheels individually, continuously. In the center of the system, there is a usually either a limited-slip differential or an electronic clutch which handles smooth power distribution to each of the wheels. Another benefit is that there is no need for driver intervention, unlike 4WD systems.
Unlike other AWD systems, the Symmetrical all-wheel drive system on Subaru vehicles is designed to run continually, where many use a front-wheel drive base, that requires a loss of traction before power will be moved to the rear wheels. Your Subaru can detect a loss of traction in less than one rotation of a tire, meaning you'll be safer on the roads of Baltimore, Glen Burnie and beyond. Another unexpected benefit of AWD, is impressive acceleration and braking, which makes your performance oriented Subaru WRX even more fun to drive.
Come see for yourself why a Subaru with Symmetrical all-wheel drive is the smart choice for life in Bel Air. You'll feel safer and more able to tackle it all with the advanced AWD technology available from your Subaru Forester, Outback or any other model.
