
Before you buy that brand new car, you may have some questions. Between FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD, which drivetrain system is right for your needs? To put it simply: Front- and rear-wheel drive derive their power from one set of wheels, while all-wheel drive uses all four. This results in completely different driving experiences from one car to the next. So, which is right for you? The experts at Chicago Northside Toyota will compare and contrast the lineup, so you can find that perfect vehicle!
Front-Wheel Drive
Front-wheel drive vehicles are the most popular on the road today. These vehicles hold the most mass over the front wheels, which has several advantages. Front-wheel drive vehicles may not have the traction of all-wheel drive models, but they tend to perform well in wet and slick road conditions that may cause issue for a rear-wheel drive car. As an added bonus, these models are lighter and more fuel-efficient!
Rear-Wheel Drive
Rear-wheel drive is the least common configuration. Rather than concentrating power on the front wheels, this drivetrain system sends all the strength to the rear wheels. This leads to more robust power, which is why so many performance vehicles of the past were equipped with such a configuration. Front-wheel drive vehicles simply lacked the engineering to crank out 400 horsepower or more, while rear-wheel drive vehicles could easily handle the load.
All-Wheel Drive
The all-wheel drive segment is rapidly growing. From rugged pickup trucks to performance vehicles to luxury sedans, all-wheel drive is a versatile system that can produce incredible handling in any road condition. That's because this system sends out engine power to each of the wheels, which allows for optimal traction through nearly anything. Whether driving through snowy Chicago or trekking down gravel roads, your all-wheel drive vehicle will never miss a beat.
Which Will It Be?
So between FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD, which vehicle is right for you? The best way to find out is during a test drive. Stop by Chicago Northside Toyota to take a spin in a few models, and our experts can help you find just the right match. Contact us for more information!
