What is a 4x4 car?
If you’ve come across the term 4x4, you might be familiar with “four-wheel drive” (4WD), but they both have the same meaning. With most vehicles, the engine will power two wheels, but with 4WD, the engine sends power to all four wheels to increase the car’s performance.
Typically, cars with four-wheel drive are larger and sturdier as they are meant for offroad driving. Examples include the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Rover Defender, but that’s no longer the case. Luxury car brands like Porsche, BMW and Jaguar offer 4x4s for motorists who can use them primarily for road driving.
Are 4x4s and SUVs the same?
The best way to think of an SUV is a car that evolved from the standard 4x4 design. Standing for Sports Utility Vehicles, they have a higher driving position, spacious interior, and ample boot space. Because of the increased space, these vehicles are popular with families as they can accommodate seven seats. The latest SUV design is stylish and suits them more for road driving.
Not all SUVs will have four-wheel drive, and especially now, they are becoming more popular with road drivers. Opting for rear-wheel or front-wheel drive decreases the vehicle’s overall weight, which will mean better fuel economy.
What types of 4x4 cars are there?
When choosing your next 4x4, there is a little variety on offer that will best suit your needs.
Part time 4WD
This type of four-wheel drive is best used when your car needs an extra push during rough or slippery road conditions. It gives you a little more grip for better handling, which you can switch off when it’s no longer needed.
Full time 4WD
This type of four-wheel drive is always on, but you may have the option to switch to two-wheel drive.
Automatic 4WD
This type of four-wheel drive utilises the benefits of added grip and improved performance while also being fuel-efficient. It does this by altering the power needed for each wheel depending on the road surface.
Why choose a car with 4WD?
Improved Performance
Four-wheel drive will increase the car’s overall performance if driving on the road. This is because there will be more grip on the road, and the power sent to all four wheels will mean faster acceleration than in a two-wheel-drive vehicle.
Better handling
The improved grip on the road will also mean better handling overall, particularly when driving around corners. With the power split between four wheels instead of two, it’ll be a more evenly-spread driving experience.
Improved handling is also beneficial in more adverse weather conditions such as snow and heavy rain, making four-wheel drive a good safety feature.
Why buy a 4x4 from Rix Motors?
We specialise in premium 4x4 cars in Warrington.
From the Porsche Cayenne to the BMW X3 to the Audi Q7, we have a great range of used 4x4 cars available. Making sure that we have a diverse range of vehicles available means that drivers get all the choices without visiting multiple dealerships and garages.
Purchase with confidence
When purchasing your next car, we want you to feel confident and reassured from the moment you inquire about a vehicle to the point you’re driving it away. All of our cars undergo an HPI check. This type of check can reveal if the vehicle has ever been stolen, written off or has outstanding finance, to name a few.
We are ready to help with all your car buying needs
Our team are ready and available to provide you with as little or as much support as you need. We can help you finance your car and offer an excellent valuation if you consider a part exchange deal. So contact us today, and we’ll help you find your next 4x4.