Shopping for a car? If you’re into performance, you’ve probably done some research about drive types. After all, they can make or break your drive time. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with a quick reference guide to the four main types to make your car shopping experience that much easier. What are the four drive types?
Type #1: Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is the most typical type of drive; a lot of cars including the N Charlotte Toyota Camry, Corolla, RAV4 and Prius utilize it. Front-wheel drive is when the front wheels of the car do all of the acceleration. This drive type also keeps the engine and transmission toward the front of the car to improve traction and fuel efficiency!
Type #2: Rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive cars aren’t quite as common, but they do exist (typically in sporty rides like the Toyota 86 or large SUVs or trucks like the Toyota Tundra). Rear-wheel drive assigns the acceleration and power to the back wheels of the vehicle. Basically, this means more get-up-and-go! You’ll have better acceleration and traction with this drive type. Also, this means the engine and transmission are better balanced with the drive train, so you’ll have better handling. Type #3: Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive is best for off-roading; it helps your N Charlotte Toyota tackle tricky terrains by sending power and acceleration to ALL four-wheels rather than just the front or just the back. Four-wheel drive also uses low and high ranges. Low range driving is best suited for climbing hills and steep surfaces, while high range is best used when driving in snow, mud, or any other slippery situation. You'll find this drive type on Toyotas designed for off-roading, like the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Tacoma.
Type #4: All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive may sound like it's the same as four-wheel drive, but it's actually not. All-wheel drive vehicles is used in part- and full-time. When used in the part-time configuration, power is sent to all four wheels when you deem it necessary. When in full-time configuration, power is sent to all four wheels continuously. It offers a good level of control, especially when you're driving in slick conditions like snow or ice. You'll find this drive type on new Toyotas like the Toyota Sienna and Toyota Highlander!
Not sure which type you need? Make a list of performance qualities that you want in your ride and think about where you’ll take it. Rear-wheel drive is perfect for racing enthusiasts or drivers who want to tow and haul heavy loads. Four-wheel drive is perfect for off-road aficionados, and all-wheel drive is great for drivers who want a higher level of safety and control in their drive time.
Take them all for a spin at Toyota of N Charlotte!
See all of them in action in person! Come down to Toyota of N Charlotte today – we’re open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23.
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