October 9, 2007—DENVER, COLORADO — Cooler weather means harsher driving conditions and many consumers looking to buy used cars, trucks and SUV's are considering all wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles to handle those conditions.
Colorado Auto Finders prepares for the occasion this time of year by stocking up on 4WD sport utility vehicles and popular AWD options, such as those manufactured by Audi, BMW, Dodge, Ford, Lexus, Mercedes, Range Rover and Subaru, said Ali Awada, president of Colorado Auto Finders, which he established in 2001.
All wheel drive refers to using all four wheels as active drive wheels for greater control in challenging road conditions. It works by dividing up the engine torque between the front and rear wheels in varying amounts depending on the needs. AWD is designed as an on-road control system.
Four wheel drive is a term used to describe a four-wheeled vehicle with a drive train that allows all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. While many people think exclusively of off-road vehicles, powering all four wheels provides better control on slick ice and is an important part of rally racing on mostly-paved roads.
At this point, you might be asking yourself, “What is the difference between all wheel drive and four wheel drive?” Well, there isn’t much of a difference.
Full-time 4WD vehicles have a "4-low" setting that is not available in AWD cars. Due to the lack of "low range," AWD vehicles are much less capable in off-road settings than full-time 4WD vehicles, but work perfectly well on-road.
AWD isn’t a term reserved for trucks any longer. Audi and Subaru have offered this option in their cars for years. Their success has led others into the market, resulting in an explosion of consumer options.
AWD is one of the most sophisticated drivelines available today, Awada said. Advanced electronics, gears or fluid-filled differentials can equally distribute power among all wheels or transfer torque to the wheels with the most traction. Modern engineering has advanced AWD systems to the point where they are nearly seamless to the driver. AWD systems offer vastly improved capabilities for winter driving or on wet, slippery roads.
Some examples of AWD vehicles Colorado Auto Finders likes to keep in stock include the Mercedes Benz E-Class E320 and E430, Lexus RX 300 SUV, the Audi A4 and A6, and the Subaru Legacy, Awada said.
Operating much like AWD, the 4WD driveline usually is more robust because it is designed for serious off-road use. Engine torque is usually evenly distributed to each wheel on dry surfaces, and varies automatically according to conditions in low-traction situations.
Extremely capable off-road and in winter weather, full-time 4WD vehicles often found on the Colorado Auto Finders lot include the Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX Series, and Hummer H2 and H3 SUV's.
If you are in the market to buy used cars, trucks or SUV's with AWD or 4WD options, visit Colorado Auto Finders at 2200 S. Parker Rd. in Denver. You can reach them by phone locally at (303) 636-9000, or toll free at (877) 636-9002. Or visit them online at www.CoAutoFinders.com.
© 2007 Sinai Marketing and Colorado Auto Finders.