At Bedford Nissan, helping our customers make informed buying decisions is one of our top priorities and making the choice among drivetrains is something we help people out with frequently. When it comes to FWD, RWD, AWD, and 4WD, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Front-wheel drive (FWD), popular among cars like the 2017 Nissan Altima, is a form of engine and transmission layout where the engine drives only the front wheels. This creates enhanced traction, especially on slippery roads, which makes it an ideal choice for those that drive in winter weather. A big pro is that FWD vehicles are typically more affordable and get better gas mileage.
In a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle, the front wheels don’t drive the car at all; their only job is to steer. Because of this, you get tighter U-turns and better heavy-duty towing and hauling. A few disadvantages are less traction on slippery roads, increased buying cost, and less fuel efficiency.
AWD automatically engages when necessary and uses sensors to determine which wheel gets power, which provides increased grip and control under all road conditions. Some cons are a reduced fuel economy, increased vehicle weight, and lesser performance on off-road terrain.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a form of drivetrain capable of providing power to all wheel ends of a two-axled vehicle simultaneously. This drivetrain provides best traction in off-road conditions and can be turned off to save fuel. A couple negatives are added vehicle weight and increased cost when compared to other models.
Use this information to help make your next vehicle purchase a little easier. And remember, when you’re looking for cars like the 2017 Nissan Altima at a Nissan dealership near Cleveland, you can’t go wrong when you choose Bedford Nissan!
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