Is it possible for someone in simple language explain the difference between 4WD and AWD?

It's lengthy to explain but here's a good link:

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/your-ri...

AWD has all four wheels working together to get best traction possible....and is computer controlled to do so... and allows each tire to spin at different rates to achieve this.

4WD means that all 4 tires spin at same rate of speed when engaged....and may or may not be all the time...usually have the option to turn on or off the 4WD...as well as a low and high range....

4WD is all wheels spin at the same time at the same rate of speed. AWD is computer controlled an it senses when a wheel spins or looses traction, it transfers it to another wheel. Which makes it amazing on snow and ice.

Ill put it simple like u asked. All wheel drive is made to have all the wheels powered by the motor, at all times. 4 wheel drive is something that you would have to ingage. 4 wheel drive is not designed to be ingaged all the time. Its only made to ingage when needed. A 4 wheel drive vehicle should not be ingaged and running down the highway. Also all wheel drive can not be disingaged from all four tires being powered by the motor. AWD is great for the best traction available. Hope this helped you out. lol.

4wheel drive is in two speeds low and high, awd is engaged at all times.