Do you need an AWD?

In the 80s, the introduction of the Audi Quattro in the World Rally Championship changed the people’s perception of the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Cars. It dominated the motorsport of rallying in 1982 to 1984 that soon enough, top teams in the WRC made their cars AWD.

The AWD system was seen as a means of performance. It provided the much-needed traction for cars of superior power output to translate into sheer acceleration without the drama of taming a high powered rally car running on loose gravel or snow. Not long after Audi’s introduction, the AWD system was part of the recipe to win in the WRC. Without it, winning was impossible.

As with any breakthrough innovation in motorsports, the AWD system soon trickled done to its road- going cousins – our everyday commuters. Unlike Four Wheel Drive (4WD) systems found in pick-up trucks and off-road rigs, AWD is deployed on a full-time basis, rather than needing to be engaged. These days, AWD systems is used by almost all car makers. Audi’s AWD System of the 80s has gone a long way in its development if you compare it to Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive System.

If you’re in the market for a new car and you get an offer for an AWD, you often wonder if it’s really needed. Here we enumerate the PROS and CONS of the AWD System installed in roadcars.

PROS

Superior Traction

The most obvious advantage of having a vehicle with AWD is its unrivalled traction, both in dry or wet driving conditions. This is because rather than transmitting power to just two wheels, whether front or back, it’s applied evenly across all-four wheels much like those in the Subaru’s for example.  This allows the vehicle to be more “planted” even under slippery driving conditions, and thus significantly improving grip when driving in sloppy or moderate off-road terrains.

Better Acceleration and Handling

The advantage of better traction simply allows the vehicle to get off the line quicker with all four tires driving the car, optimizing all the power the vehicle’s engine has to offer. 

While the system ensures the vehicle to be more “planted” to the road, it wouldn’t be entirely accurate to assume that it improves handling unless it’s equipped with the modern electronic perks that the modern AWD System has. 

With this, I would say the AWD Car is safer as it can prevent accidents during bad weather.

Better Resale Value

Based on our local market, a used AWD Car sells better than a 2WD over a period of 5-8 years.

CONS

More Maintenance

My Dad always said, “The more complicated, the more parts to be replaced”. AWD System has more parts as it drives all four wheels. Drive shaft, axle joint and differentials will need to be maintained at scheduled periods.

Weight

Having an AWD system means that your drivetrain would consist of more components. This includes extra differentials and drive axles to drive the wheels at the back. For example, a 2WD and AWD Toyota Fortuner has almost a 100 kilo difference.

Fuel Economy Affected

As the overall weight of the vehicle increases, not only does it hinder its acceleration, fuel efficiency may also be affected. But based on experience, the fuel savings afforded by the 4x2 as compared to an AWD will not be that significant especially if you plan to own the car for only 8-10 years.

The rise in cost will most likely also contribute the long-term maintenance of the AWD vehicle and not so much on fuel cost.

At the end of the day, function rules over form. If you feel the extra cost of owning an AWD Car is worth it, then go for it.