When the average consumer gets to talking about multiple-wheel-drive vehicles they tend to speak of all-wheel and 4-wheel drive units as being the same thing. They are, however, two distinct and separate systems and they are used for different types of driving.
The 4-wheel-drive systems are used primarily in pickup trucks and larger sized off-road SUVs. Primarily used for off-road situations and rough terrain, the 4-wheel-drive vehicles utilize a lowered gear ratio and a split differential. The all-wheel-drive vehicles are usually sedans, crossovers, and high-performance cars. These vehicles do very well in sloppy weather conditions like heavy rain, ice, and snow. The all-wheel-drive sends constant and equal power to each wheel, but with varied weather conditions, the power can be distributed as a wheel needs it.
If you have further questions, you may certainly stop in at the Acura of Honolulu and we will be glad to go into more detail with you!