Four Wheel Drive Cars

Four wheel drive cars have been in use for about 115 years. It is not known who created the concept. An Englishman, Baramah Joseph Diplock, received a patent for a four wheel drive (4WD) tractor engine in 1893. Ferdinand Porsche created a 4WD electric vehicle in 1899.

In 1903, a Dutch company produced the first internal combustion car with 4WD. It was called the Spyker and it was a hill climbing racer. After that many auto manufacturers got into the act. But why do we need a 4WD car?

There are many reasons to choose a car with four wheel drive. The ability to drive in a wide variety of road and off-road surfaces is a major reason many people buy 4WD cars. When a vehicle has 4WD, it allows all four axels to spin independently.

If you are on a surface that is slippery or made of loose gravel, 4WD sends torque to each wheel and allows it to ‘bite’ into the surface, gain traction and move your vehicle.

Four wheel drive is also helpful to people who live in hilly or snowy terrain. In these conditions, four wheel drive can help with traction, steering and control. It can also be an important tool for people who carry heavy loads in their vehicles. Four wheel drive allows the vehicle to spread the strain of pulling the load over all four wheels.

When you look at the early manufacturers who offered 4WD, the quality and durability of their vehicles hints of the power of 4WD to improve cars. In 1907, two years after the Spyker, Daimler-Benz began equipting their vehicles with 4WD.

In 1926 Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) began using the technology in their vehicles. Today the cars by these manufacturers are some of the most durable and longest lasting in the automobile industry.

Why buy a car with 4WD? It provides the ability to drive on a wide range of terrains, aids steering and control and may prolong the life of your engine and transmission by dispersing the strain of driving to all four wheels.

There are more four wheel drive cars on the market today than ever. Knowing who makes them and what features they have will help you find the best model for you. Here’s a list of the most popular all-wheel and four wheel drives currently available.

Subaru has been in the business of all-wheel cars for a long time. Models they produce that fit into this category include the forester, outback and Impreza. All of these models are priced very reasonably and are known for their reliablity. The extensive possibilities when it comes to trim packages makes this makers fleet very popular.

In the luxury market you have Audi, Mercedes and BMW each producing wonderful all-wheel drive vehicles. The BMW 328 i is a very popular sedan model along with Mercede’s Bens series. Audi has been in the 4 wheel industry for awhile as well with many models to choose from. Now combine the all-wheel drive capabilities with luxury add-ons you get with these makers and you have a truly impressive automobile.

Dodge has also broken into the business of all-wheelers and has it’s Avenger, Caliber and Chrysler Sebring models outfitted with 4-wheel traction.

Ford’s Taurus and Fusion both come with all wheel drive and GMC apparently wanted a piece of the market as well. Many Cadillac models now can be purchased with standard all-wheel drive.

With so many options in recent times, consumers are sure to find a vehicle that will satisfy their taste and needs. No longer are SUVs the dominant force in all-wheel vehicles.