Choosing 4x4 or 4x2 cars in Missouri: which is a better option for you?

When searching for a truck or SUV as your next vehicle, you may find it difficult to choose between a 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrain. Each of these options has a set of pros and cons. At Clement Pre-Owned, we have a vast selection of top-notch used SUVs and trucks, offering 4WD and 2WD options. To help you make a well-informed decision, our auto experts have compiled the features of both types in this simple guide. 

4x2 vehicles, or two-wheel drives (2WD), transfer engine power to two car wheels — either the front or the rear. They boast a more straightforward setup and cost-effective production, making them a prevalent option across various vehicle types that offer both 4x2 and 4x4. 

Advantages of 4x2:

• Cost-effective: 4x2 vehicles are cheaper to purchase and maintain than 4x4;
• Better towing capacity due to lower weight and simpler design;
• Fuel efficiency;
• Improved handling: better weight distribution across the vehicle.

Disadvantages of 4x2: 

• Limited off-road capability;
• Lower resale value compared to 4x4 vehicles;
• Lower towing and payload capacities.

In a nutshell, 4x2 vehicles are budget-friendly, efficient, and easy-to-drive options, mainly for city dwellers. They may not be the best choice for off-road adventures or situations with challenging traction conditions.

Until the 1980s, most cars on the road were rear-wheel drive, providing a balanced weight distribution close to the ideal 50/50. This design allowed the front wheels to steer the car while the rear wheels received power from the engine, propelling the vehicle forward. RWD offers power and control, especially when navigating fast corners, without sacrificing traction. However, real-wheel drive cars are limited to paved roads, as all four wheels are needed to travel over rough terrain. The move to front-wheel drive in the 1980s aimed to reduce the vehicle's size.

Shop for RWD cars

Pros:

• Even weight distribution from front to rear, enhancing balance;
• Sturdy and durable: RWD is robust and can withstand significant wear and tear without costly repairs;
• High-speed performance;
• Improved braking due to better weight distribution.

Cons:

• Limited traction on slick roads: RWD is best for dry conditions, as it may lack traction control on slippery roads;
• Driving RWD takes some practice; improper handling can be risky.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine and transmission power the front wheels instead of the rear ones. Front-wheel drive cars appeared in the 1920s, but initially did not fulfill the notion of rugged automobiles. The fuel crises of 1973 and 1978 forced a shift to more compact cars, which led to a front-mounted engine and transmission in FWD vehicles. This design eliminated the driveshaft connecting the engine to the rear wheels. Front-wheel drive became popular, especially in compact crossovers.

Shop for FWD cars

Pros:

• More space: FWD vehicles, compared to similarly sized ones, have more interior space for people and cargo due to the absence of a driveshaft, resulting in a more compact drivetrain;
• Increased engine power: reduce power loss in the drivetrain and improve fuel efficiency;
• Enhanced traction: the vehicle's weight on the front wheels improves traction, especially in low acceleration conditions.

Cons:

• Slower acceleration;
• Less power and speed capabilities;
• Risk of understeer due to front-wheel drive design.

A 4x4, or four-wheel-drive (4WD), sends power to all four wheels. Typically, a 4x4 vehicle has a sturdy frame, larger tires, and more ground clearance than a 4x2 car. Many SUVs and trucks are 4WD. Despite popular belief, all four wheels do not turn at the same speed. When 4x4 turns, the outside tires move faster than the inside ones, and the inter-axle differential adjusts the difference in the distance traveled by each wheel. 

The key feature of this type of drivetrain is the transfer case's capability to shift into a lower gear range. This enables the vehicle to more effortlessly navigate challenging terrains such as rocky deserts, deep snow, and rugged trails. Previously, the choices for 4WD in SUVs were limited to shift-on-the-fly or part-time systems. 

Advantages of 4x4 system:

• High resale value;
• Powerful off-road capabilities to handle challenging terrains;
• Enhanced safety;
• Improved traction, maneuverability, and stability for a secure driving experience.

Disadvantages of 4x4:

• Elevated selling price;
• Reduced fuel efficiency;
• Decreased towing capacity;
• Taller bed, posing challenges for loading.

The 4x4 vehicle will be perfect for those seeking powerful assistance with enhanced control and maneuverability to overcome difficult road conditions. 

Check out the 4x4 vehicles

To be classified as AWD, a vehicle must have a drivetrain that continuously transfers power to all four wheels through a transfer case with a single gear and no low-range capability. While a few AWD vehicles are truck-based, most of them are passenger cars and intended to handle wet, icy, snowy, and regular driving conditions.

Used AWD cars

While AWD has its applications, those seeking off-road adventures beyond city limits require a 4WD with a low-range transfer case. There are two standard configurations for four-wheel drive systems: full-time and part-time (more prevalent). Read more about AWD and 4WD differences for better navigation.

Choosing between a two-wheel drive (4x2) and a four-wheel drive (4x4) for your next vehicle depends on your lifestyle and needs. If enhanced traction isn't a priority, a 4x2 is often the more cost-effective choice, both in terms of initial purchase and ownership expenses. But for the adventurers and explorers of the off-road terrains, 4x4 is the best car.

Visit Clement Pre-Owned dealership in St.Louis, Florissant, or St. Charles, MO to evaluate each option and make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences.