question for the masses
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Algonquin IL.
question for the masses
ok, I am the first to admidt that I dont know too much about cars, and this is something that has been bugging me for a while.
Honestly, what is the defference between 4 wheel drive and All wheel drive? I really dont get it. if someone could explain the difference for me, thanks.
Honestly, what is the defference between 4 wheel drive and All wheel drive? I really dont get it. if someone could explain the difference for me, thanks.
Evolved Member
Joined: May 2003
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From: Arlington, TX
It's more of a nomenclature designation by a manufacturer, but for the most part all wheel drive is considered to be driving all the wheels *all the time*, many 4wd systems are selectable, so that it's 2wd when in that mode and 4wd when switched to that mode. Most offroad consumer vehicles use this so that they can get good gas mileage and less weat and tear on the vehicle under normal onroad driving conditions. Then when they want to go offroading and climb up some cliffs, they can stop switch it to so all wheels are engaged and driven, and often in a special lower gear for crawling up steep inclines.
Hope that helps..
Hope that helps..
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2003
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Originally posted by Mister2zx3
It's more of a nomenclature designation by a manufacturer, but for the most part all wheel drive is considered to be driving all the wheels *all the time*, many 4wd systems are selectable, so that it's 2wd when in that mode and 4wd when switched to that mode. Most offroad consumer vehicles use this so that they can get good gas mileage and less weat and tear on the vehicle under normal onroad driving conditions. Then when they want to go offroading and climb up some cliffs, they can stop switch it to so all wheels are engaged and driven, and often in a special lower gear for crawling up steep inclines.
Hope that helps..
It's more of a nomenclature designation by a manufacturer, but for the most part all wheel drive is considered to be driving all the wheels *all the time*, many 4wd systems are selectable, so that it's 2wd when in that mode and 4wd when switched to that mode. Most offroad consumer vehicles use this so that they can get good gas mileage and less weat and tear on the vehicle under normal onroad driving conditions. Then when they want to go offroading and climb up some cliffs, they can stop switch it to so all wheels are engaged and driven, and often in a special lower gear for crawling up steep inclines.
Hope that helps..
Evolving Member
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: North America, North East.
Four-wheel drive - a part-time system. Part Time systems are meant only for use in low-traction conditions, such as off-road or on snow or ice.
All-wheel drive - All-wheel-drive systems are designed to function on all types of surfaces, both on- and off-road, and most of them cannot be switched off.
All-wheel drive - All-wheel-drive systems are designed to function on all types of surfaces, both on- and off-road, and most of them cannot be switched off.
Last edited by tryandcatchme; Jun 23, 2003 at 03:24 PM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Dec 2002
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4 wheel drive vehicles need to be shifted into 4 wheel drive, and will lock the front and rear axles, so front and rear wheels will turn the same speed.
AWD - has a center differential that can vary the amount of torque transfered to the front and rear wheels...does not neccesarily turn the same speed.
thats the general gist of it all.
AWD - has a center differential that can vary the amount of torque transfered to the front and rear wheels...does not neccesarily turn the same speed.
thats the general gist of it all.
