#AwdVehicles

Alphabet Soup: 4×4 Vs 4WD Vs AWD Where's the Differential?

Alphabet Soup: 4×4 Vs 4WD Vs AWD <em>Where's the Differential?</em>

Four wheel drive, all wheel drive, 4WD, AWD, full-time, part-time, 4Hi, 4Lo, 4×4. There are many names and just as many ways of motivating every wheel a vehicle has on the ground. What’s the difference between four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive? In one word: Marketing. Want to know more? Click past the jump as we dive in the most controversial topic since “Dodge vs Chevy.”

Alex L. Dykes Jun 17, 2013

142

Recent Comments

Bullnuke Well, production cuts may be due to transport-to-market issues. The MV Fremantle Highway is in a Rotterdam shipyard undergoing repairs from the last shipment of VW products (along with BMW and others) and to adequately fireproof it. The word in the shipping community is that insurance necessary for ships moving EVs is under serious review.
Frank Wait until the gov't subsidies end, you aint seen nothing yet. Ive been "on the floor" when they pulled them for fuel efficient vehicles back during/after the recession and the sales of those cars stopped dead in their tracks
Vulpine The issue is really stupidly simple; both names can be taken the wrong way by those who enjoy abusing language. Implying a certain piece of anatomy is a sign of juvenile idiocy which is what triggered the original name-change. The problem was not caused by the company but rather by those who continuously ridiculed the original name for the purpose of VERY low-brow humor.
Sgeffe There's someone around where I live who has a recent WRX-STi, but the few times I've been behind this guy, he's always driving right at the underposted arbitrary numbers that some politician pulled out of their backside and slapped on a sign! With no gendarmes or schoolkids present! Haven't been behind this driver on the freeway, but my guess is that he does the left lane police thing with the best of 'em!What's the point of buying such a vehicle if you're never going to exceed a speed limit? (And I've pondered that whilst in line in the left lane at 63mph behind a couple of Accord V6s, as well as an AMG E-Klasse!)
Mebgardner I'm not the market for a malleable Tuner / Track model, so I dont know: If you are considering a purchase of one of these, do you consider the Insurance Cost Of Ownership aspect? Or just screw it, I'm gonna buy it no matter.The WRX is at the top of the Insurance Cost pole for tuner models, is why I ask.

Car Reviews By Make

view all

Top stories

Alphabet Soup: 4×4 Vs 4WD Vs AWD Where's the Differential?

Latest Car Reviews

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Review - The Unofficial Car Of TTAC Readers

2023 Cadillac Escalade V-Series Review – The Fun of Wretched Excess

Can-Am Spyder First Drive: Embracing The Third Wheel

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review - For Those About To Flock, We Salute You

2023 Polestar 2 Dual Motor Review – Silent Luxury

Rental Review: The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, Last Domestic Midsize Standing

2024 Hyundai Kona Review – Ready For New Challenges?

Latest Product Reviews

TTAC Video of the Week: Looking Back on NASCAR Invading LeMans

Here’s How To Get the Best Deal on Winter Tires Right Now

10 Tips for Preparing Your Car for Winter

The Best Heated Seat Covers for Your Car

FLO Home X5 and G5 Charging Stations

Recent Comments

Car Reviews By Make