02-26-2007, 03:58 PM
My understanding of 4x4 is that it's full power to all wheels at all times it's engaged, 50% front, 50% rear. AWD varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. With Subaru, it's 59% front, 41% rear, and can move the power around as necessary. Now, it won't hold up to the 4x4's offroading, but it's not made to either. Some cars have an AWD system that's more of a traction control in that it doesn't send more power to one wheel, it brakes the others. Some cars are only two-wheel drive and then become AWD when conditions require it. There are lots of combinations.