is 4wd not a better alternative to 2wd in the front or back. 4wd has more traction so it would make acceleration faster would it not? if so why do nascars, drag cars, etc not use it as opposed to rear/front wheel drive?
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Depends upon the circumstances. It’s far more expensive in terms of cost of equipment and fuel economy. It also doesn’t make much sense on paved roads in good weather.
Your average vehicle doesn’t need neck breaking acceleration and cornering. As a matter of fact nearly all “4WD” or “AWD” systems are hardly used at all or maintained appropriately.
All-Wheel Drive is different than 4WD and mostly used in the Cars or Midsize SUVs that could use some sort of 4 wheel power. (Like a Subaru on a snowy mountain road) while going at a normal speed on pavement.
4WD is more for low speed off-road use.
Most importantly these systems increase the weight of the vehicle and therefore reduce the performance of the rest of the powertrain.
TLDR: in most applications they reduce performance for little gain. Sometimes they help in specific temporary circumstances.
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