Many people buying a car, truck or SUV will confront a foundational question early in the process: Should you buy a front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle?

The decision will determine many things, from how your car handles in rough or inclement weather to the cost of the vehicle itself.

The difference has to do with the drivetrain and how power generated by the engine is distributed to the wheels. Here’s a quick primer to help you understand what might be the best fit for you.

Drivetrain Configurations

There are several common drive train options available on many cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.

• Front-Wheel Drive. This configuration applies power to the front wheels, pulling the car along the road. It is the most common drivetrain design, standard on most vehicles. There are rear-wheel drive cars, which push the car down the road, but this is most commonly seen in pickup trucks and sports cars.

• All-Wheel Drive. This design distributes power to all four wheels when needed. When the vehicle detects that a wheel is slipping, it directs power to the other three, maximizing traction in conditions such as snow, ice and mud. Some cars have an all-wheel-drive mode the driver can engage while others switch to it automatically when needed.

• Four-Wheel Drive. This configuration is similar, except that it is generally more robust, often seen on trucks that are designed for off-road conditions. Many four-wheel drive vehicles can switch manually between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive according to the driver’s needs.

Generally speaking, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles are more expensive. The difference can be $1,500 or more, according to Cars.com. Four-wheel drive vehicles may also get lower gas mileage, because they require more power, and may be more expensive to maintain.

How to Choose

Determining which configuration is best for you depends on the type of driving you do and where you live. If you live in a climate with a harsh winter that brings a great deal of snow, for example, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive may be extremely helpful—even necessary. If you drive in a warmer climate, it may not be worth the expense.

The situation may be similar if you frequently encounter off-road conditions, whether that is because you live in a rural area, a location prone to flooding or other hazards, or go off-road just for fun. Before you make your choice, conduct some test drives and engage the four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to see how it performs.

If you are interested in an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle, and are willing to pay the additional cost, a good first step is to secure auto financing. To get started right away, take a few minutes to get pre-qualified with Credit Acceptance. It will give you solid information to help set your budget and a great head start on buying your next car.