| The modern definition of the 4x4 car, truck, or | | | | fact they are the same in usage. |
| vehicle is a shorthand composition of the torque. | | | | However, there are some advantages to AWD |
| 4x4 delineates that there are 4 wheels all | | | | over regular 4x4 action. An AWD vehicle will utilize |
| receiving torque from the engine. This setup is | | | | a center differential which allows for each of the |
| similar to an all wheel drive concept with a couple | | | | axels to spin at different speeds, unlike the 4x4. |
| slight differences. The 4x4 setup is such that the | | | | In the 4x4 there are either rear or forward |
| engine applies driving torque to all of the wheel | | | | differentials which make it either rear or front |
| simultaneously. The difference between the | | | | wheel drive. In this event however, when the 4x4 |
| wheels movement speeds is dependent on the | | | | is engaged the tires must rotate at the same |
| weight of the vehicle applied to each of the | | | | speed, which is less advantageous for instances |
| wheels, for example when turning right the left | | | | where one tire is bound to slip, consider if you |
| wheels have more weight than the right. Also the | | | | front corner or tail corner fell into a ditch. You |
| surface on which you're driving determines | | | | would want to slowly rotation the front axle in |
| whether or not the tires simply spin or actually | | | | order to crawl out of the ditch. A 4x4 would try |
| move. In the event of dirt roads or snowy roads, | | | | to rotate the tire in the ditch that is only making |
| 4x4 parts are considered invaluable to other | | | | contact with mud creating a mess. The difference |
| systems, because even if one tire is slipping or | | | | in differential placement determines whether or |
| not making contact with the road, the other tires | | | | not the axels can spin independently of each |
| can sustain the torque of the engine and continue | | | | other. If the differential is placed on an axel |
| to move, turn, or brake. | | | | instead of between them in some fashion, then |
| 4x4 is different from all wheel drive in part | | | | they will be unable to spin independently. If the |
| because duration of the use. For trucks and some | | | | differential is in the center, then the car will be an |
| cars there is an option to utilize the 4x4 parts to | | | | AWD. |
| the advantage of the driver because of inclement | | | | The differences between 4x4 parts and AWD |
| conditions. All wheel drive (AWD) is just when the | | | | can be subtle, but more experienced drivers will |
| 4x4 action is perpetually on, meaning the car is | | | | notice them, such as rally racers. If you are |
| unable to switch to a 4x2 option, or front or rear | | | | concerned, talk to a dealership before you choose |
| wheel drive. All wheel drive is sometimes abused | | | | to invest. They will be able to be sure that the |
| by marketers to denote a machine that is | | | | application meets the criteria for either drive train |
| somehow superior to the 4x4 machine, when in | | | | choice. |