Not every consumer is a gearhead, and many may be unfamiliar with the different options they have when it comes to how a vehicle runs. One of the things consumers may not consider is the vehicle's drivetrain. Certain cars are available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) while others may be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) or, in far fewer vehicles, front-wheel drive (FWD). This defines which axle of the vehicle is doing the work to push the car forward. In the cases of rear- and front-wheel drive, only one axle is controlled by the engine, and the other just goes along for the ride.

Each setup offers unique advantages, but if you're unsure what the pro's and con's of each are, you may have a hard time discerning which is best for you. AWD and FWD vehicles are typically preferred by drivers who live in areas with adverse weather conditions. These provide better traction in the winter than RWD vehicles. AWD cars, with two driven axles, have much more traction than RWD and FWD models, making this setup ideal for harsh winters and rough terrain.

RWD provides more even weight distribution than AWD and FWD, since the driven axle is heavier than the other one, and this adds more support to the rear of the car to counteract the engine weight. However, heavy acceleration can be more dangerous in cars driven by the rear axle. It can result in oversteer and fishtailing, which is why many RWD vehicles feature traction control to minimize these issues.

Front-wheel drive vehicles can be dangerous when you have to slam on the brakes, as most of the vehicle's weight is in the front. This can affect the front tires as well, and result in a loss of traction when driving up steep hills.

These are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. Regardless of which drivetrain a consumer wants, they will have plenty of options to choose from at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Plus, all of the used vehicles are CARFAX certified, so drivers know they're getting a reliable ride.