One of the most distinguishing features of the new Dodge Charger is that it’s a full-size sedan that comes standard with rear-wheel-drive. Of course, some trims can be equipped with all-wheel-drive. At a base level, terms describing a vehicle’s drivetrain seem pretty straightforward. A rear-wheel-drive car is one where the wheels in the back do the driving. While that may seem simple enough, there’s actually more to the different available drive trains than meets the eye. Here’s what you need to know so you can pick out the right Dodge Charger for you.
What Is a Drivetrain?
When drivers or mechanics talk about a vehicle’s drivetrain, they are referring to its engine, transmission, and all of the parts that take power from the transmission and give it to the wheels. This combination of parts directly influences how a vehicle acts on the road.
Your vehicle’s engine uses fuel to create energy that is passed on to the transmission. The transmission controls which gears you’re using while transferring power to the appropriate wheels. These wheels turn, and your car moves.
The various arrangements work differently in distinct environments, which means the driver gets a different experience. Some manufacturers like sticking to a certain arrangement, while others provide options. Ultimately, it comes down to what you like best and what is available for the car you want to drive.
Front-Wheel-Drive
Most new cars come equipped with front-wheel-drive (FWD). These cars are known for being a bit lighter and potentially offering a little more legroom due to the minimal space required to house the drivetrain. New or cautious drivers prefer this drivetrain as it offers smoother and more predictable handling than other options.
Another benefit of a FWD vehicle is that you’re likely to get better gas mileage. On the downside, the front wheels can only handle so much power at once. That means you may not get as much pickup from a FWD drive as you would with another configuration.
Rear-Wheel-Drive
While rear-wheel-drive (RWD) isn’t as common as FWD on modern vehicles, it still has a place for auto-enthusiasts. Most of your sport and luxury cars come with this option. While auto-purists believe that RWD is king since it was the primary configuration for every car built in the first half of the 20th century.
RWD is popular because it offers a little more precise handling since the front wheels aren’t losing traction. There’s also a benefit to the straightforward layout of a RWD vehicle, so troubleshooting issues can be a little easier.
In terms of disadvantages, RWD vehicles are more likely to get stuck in slippery conditions since there isn’t any weight over the rear tires. While RWD is a classic way to move a car, it has a hard time competing against modern technology that makes other arrangements more popular.
All-Wheel-Drive
If you’re looking at a higher-level trim on your next Dodge Charger, you might choose to go with all-wheel-drive (AWD). This style has become more popular over the years as technology improves. In this setup, the transmission sends power to both the front and rear axles. This allows for greater traction and performance when going off-road.
The downside of AWD cars is that they may not get the best fuel economy. Since there are more parts being used, there are more things that can go wrong or that need repaired/replaced. These extra parts also add additional weight to the vehicle.
Four-Wheel-Drive
Four-wheel-drive (4×4) is found almost exclusively in pickup trucks and SUVs. Unlike AWD that sends power to the two axles, 4x4s get power sent to each individual wheel. This allows drivers to enjoy more traction while handling the most rugged terrain.
4x4s have many of the disadvantages that you’ll find in an AWD vehicle: low gas mileage, extra weight, and additional parts that can cause problems.
It’s Up To You
When you’re picking out your next Dodge Charger, you can choose between a variety of models, features, and upgrades. Among your many options, you can choose between RWD and AWD. If you’re not sure which is best for you, schedule a test drive from your local dealer and get a first-hand lesson. Luckily, the new Dodge Charger is such an amazing vehicle; any drivetrain will make you happy.
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