robbyk

My RX330 is AWD and I have always wondered which one is better or what are the advantages.
I know what AWD and what 4WD is, but I do not know if AWD has disadvantages over 4WD.

hypervish

If you know what the AWD is and what 4WD is, then you know what the disadvantages of AWD are. lol

But, anyways the primary disadvantage is no "Low" mode control for the transfer case in AWD, such as with 4WD where you can put it into "4LOW". Also reduced fuel economy, and isn't as capable.

lexus997

Not all AWD systems are equal either, and some vehicles have a better implementation than others.

neelnaik

AWD and 4wd are both very different. Also, AWD systems themselves can be very different.

The AWD on the 04-06 RX330s is actually pretty simple. The RX330 AWD torque distribution is actually 50/50 front/rear, unlike the 07+ RX350s. On the 330s, the rear diff is an open diff (wish it was an LSD). There is no center diff, unlike a lot of other AWD systems. The 330 uses traction control (ABS wheel speed sensors, actually) to determine what wheel is slipping, and applies the brakes according, which is why there isn't really an easy way to disable traction control. That's basically all there is to the AWD on the 330. No fancy Torsen diffs or viscous couplings or anything like that.

The AWD systems (and their advantages and disadvantages) have been discussed pretty in depth on this forum before. Just search or Google. Feel free to resurrect old threads if you have questions.

For a quick run down on AWD/4WD.
Most 4wd systems are part time. AWD are full time, but you do lose some fuel economy because of it. AWD doesn't have a 4 lo or 4 hi mode. 4 lo and 4 hi are used for low speed and high torque output (getting you out of the sticky stuff). This is why most true SUVs have 4wd systems, and not AWD. Search the forums for most in depth details. Feel free to ask away if you still have questions.

tomit

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...the-rx330.html

robbyk

After reading your responses there is little to no value to AWD vehicles.

sderman

I guess you don't have one...or snow to deal with.

robbyk

I have one,that's the reason I am asking....

LazarusLng

I wouldn't be without AWD or 4WD here in Michigan. My wife drives a Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4wd. It has both part time and full time options. Assuming that there is not incredibly deep snow, the RX handles the snowy, slippery roads better than the Jeep. If the snow was deep enough, and there was a chance of getting stuck, I would certainly choose the Jeep with 4wd, over just about anything with AWD.

lexus997

AWD should be fine for on-road travels while 4WD would be better suited for off-road travels.


Not all AWD or 4WD drive systems are created equal though. Each manufacture and model does their AWD and 4WD systems a little differently.

jamieZ

AWD is good. 4WD is better. The big setback with 4WD is poor gas mileage because of the front shalf is always turning regardless if you have it in four wheel or not. In resent years manufacturers are getting more mileage out of there 4WD lineup which is a good thing...

RuninRoach

Quattro....one of the best.

Broc

Not always the case. My Big Bronco has 4x4 and manual front locking hubs (OEM was auto lock). As long as the hubs are unlocked, the front diff is dead still going down the road. It will only turn when the transfer case is engaged (4Hi or 4Lo), and the hubs have been turned in to Lock.

Same on my F150 4x4. Ditto on say an I-H Scout, most older Jeeps, etc.

I'd say AWD is superior for daily driving. It's a "not think" system. Even for mild off-road scenarios it works fine. I've seen plenty AWD vehicles in the desert and at Oceano Dunes or Oregon Dunes out parked at the camp sites. Can they go dune exploring - not really. Can they navigate fairly flat sand beaches - you bet

And they are everywhere around Lake Tahoe and the ski resorts in winter. AWD drive has many uses

Felix

X2^^^^^^ AWD does the job for a cuv.......