More specifically, what are the pros/cons of each? Why do some cars use one system over the others and which is “better”?
EDIT: Thanks everyone for the explanations. It’s been very useful.
In: 10
**RWD:** The engine powers the rear wheels, and the front wheels are free-spinning, like the wheels on a matchbox car. RWD is popular on sports cars because in the right hands, it offers better control than FWD in spirited driving, since the duties of steering and power are completely split between the front and real wheels.
**FWD:** The engine powers the front wheels, and the rear wheels are free-spinning. FWD is popular on ordinary passenger cars because it’s easy to keep under control under normal driving for an unskilled driver – if you encounter conditions where the back end of the car might slide out a little, the front end has a chance to just pull it back in line. Whereas an RWD in novice hands can be prone to spinning around 180° if you give it too much throttle.
**4WD:** The engine powers all 4 wheels equally. This is popular for off-roading because it means you can still make the car move even if 1 or 2 wheels are lifted off of the ground entirely. It’s bad for driving on a clean road though, because the wheels aren’t allowed to turn at slightly different speeds from one another as they would, say, when you’re taking a turn, so it puts strain on the tires and drivetrain.
**AWD:** Power is given to all 4 wheels with allowances for slightly different wheel speeds, and nowadays, sometimes some intelligent control over how much power is sent where and when. It’s kinda a compromise between the other 3 types: Safe for everyday driving, decent for spirited driving, and competent in poor driving conditions like rain, mud and snow/slush.
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