AWD and 4WD are often used interchangeably, but they operate differently and are found on different vehicles. The Edmunds Car Glossary defines the two as follows: All-Wheel Drive (AWD): A drivetrain that employs a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle.У AWD задействованы три дифференциала- передний, задний и центральный. 4Х4 - только два.