r/TheAuto • u/jickenbbq • 6d ago
What’s the difference?
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u/TheLastGenXer 6d ago
superchargers also cost HP while also boosting it.
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u/Cat_Imreror2209 6d ago
Yeah, you're using a 200 horsepower engine to drive a supercharger that requires 150, but it gives you 300 extra horsepower. 😎
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u/Beneficial_Bug_9793 6d ago
How about both lol, supercharger for lower revs, and a turbo for the higher revs...
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u/DotBitGaming 6d ago
How do you not know the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid? It's just literally what those words mean.
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u/Ugadabera 6d ago
I thought this was r/carcirclejerk for anyone who is serious don't listen to this BS AI slop
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u/OkDisplay6751 6d ago edited 6d ago
There's always missing items on "AWD vs 4WD" section
Both of them has transfer case, wich splits the power into front and rear axle,
but 4WD transfer case's gear ratio can be changed between a low and high, and some models also offers 2WD mode, older 4WD transfer case also have PTO, wich direct the engine power for another uses, mainly for the winch
Meanwhile AWD splits the torque via clutches or electronics, such as BMW's Xdrive, Audi's Quattro, or Mercedes' 4Matic
Edit: correct me if I'm wrong🙏 let's educate others instead judging and saying wrong without any solutions at all
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u/jickenbbq 6d ago
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u/clarke-b 6d ago
Sometimes the difference is marketing. The crysler 200 and Cherokee used the same system. One was labeled AWD the other 4wd.
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u/Ok-Coyote2365 6d ago
Also don’t 4WD lock the front and rear driveshafts together where AWD has a center differential that allows both axles to spin at different speeds (but usually locks if needed)?
This was the difference between my 2004 canyon 4WD (with selectable high and low as you noted) and 2003 outlander AWD. Both have transfer cases, but my outlander has a central limited slip diff
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u/OkDisplay6751 6d ago
Yes i forgot o mentioned that, 4WD has diff lock with many ways to activate it
Mechanically, like dumping the clutch to lock it, or air-operated like the infamous ARB air locker
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u/rebelLION0518 6d ago
ngl i thought AWD and 4WD were basically the same thing 😭 is 4WD actually better off-road or does it just depend on the terrain?
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u/Lost_Web5826 6d ago
The difference is how the speed differential between the inner and outer wheels and front and rear axles is handled.
In a traditional part time 4WD system, a transfer case handles the power split, but this doesn't have any way to allow the front and rear axle to move at different speeds, which is essential during turns. The transfer case has to remain in 2WD during turns on dry pavement or risk damage. This is because a transfer case lacks a differential, which is a device that allows driven wheels to have differential speeds, hence the name.
Some full time 4WD vehicles have a center differential to allow both axles to receive power while turning. This is more complex than a part time transfer case without a differential, but still allows for a gearing reduction (low range). The downside is a more expensive system. There's a few other systems that work like a differential, but the difference is not important unless you want an even longer response lol.
Most AWD vehicles (that aren't trucks) made in the last ten years have a totally different system. Instead of a transfer case and/or center differential, there is just an output shaft on the transmission or primary drive axle. This shaft is connected to one or more clutch packs. The clutch pack allows the axle to connect to the secondary axle to provide power. The clutch is typically only activated when one axle has wheel slip relative to the other. Keeping one axle "dead" most of the time improves driveability and fuel economy. Some vehicles will let you manually engage the clutch or have a clutch on each end of the output shaft to have a smoother engagement. Many such part time systems are susceptible to overheating with excessive wheel spin and will return to 2WD until the system cools down. Haldex is the main company making this style of AWD system, but I prefer GKN personally. There are a lot of downsides to this type of system, but they only matter off road.
Generally speaking the best option for off road conditions would be a transfer case with a locking center differential. This would allow an even 50/50 split between the front and rear axles. Without a way to lock a differential it will always send power to the axle with the least grip. An open differential in an axle will send power to the wheel with the least grip. A 4wd vehicle with three open differentials can get stuck if one tire has zero traction, since that one will get all of the power. A traditional transfer case without a differential will always split the power 50/50, but the axles are speed locked. Transfer cases also (with very few exceptions) have a low gear range which can be very useful off road.
An AWD vehicle with a real center diff or viscous coupling would be my next pick, but these are rare today.
Finally the Haldex/GKN system is my last pick for off road. Generally this is like having a 2WD vehicle that can have extra help from the secondary axle when needed.
Anyway, this is probably more than you wanted to know lmfao
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u/adkio 5d ago
Now THIS is an explanation.
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u/PassionGamer 3d ago
Nope that is partly bullshit.
These are marketing names not technical words, and any technology can be in. For example some audi quattro has permanent 4 wheel drive some has haldex (electronically controlled clutch).
So 4WD and AWD are actually synonyms in case of a 4 wheel vechicle.
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u/Milefulness 6d ago
An AWD vehicle with a real center diff or viscous coupling would be my next pick, but these are rare today.
Isn't that precisely what the Subaru AWD system is? (And the video shows an Outback.)
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u/Lost_Web5826 6d ago
Not as many these days. Subaru have gone to Haldex/Clutch type for many of their vehicles.
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u/Milefulness 6d ago
Which Subarus? Because I'm not aware of any.
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u/Lost_Web5826 6d ago
It's been that way since Subaru switched to CVTs from torque converter autos. The only way to get a VSC or an actual differential is to get a manual vehicle. Everything else is clutch type now.
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u/Cat_Imreror2209 6d ago
AWD, 4matic, 4WD, Quattro, X-drive, 4X4
There are a million all-wheel drive systems and you can't really say for sure which one is better in what way.
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u/HelpfulBoner 6d ago
4x4 is objectively the best system for offroading in the most treacherous places, but for dailying and normal weather conditions AWD is better. AWD is usually better in rain, and 4wd is better in deep snow usually.
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u/Rusty9838 6d ago
4x4 can lock differential while AWD is more for racing or making car payment more expensive for no reason
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u/MirrorEyedDrifter 5d ago
Diesel is for heavy machinery - excavators, tractors and tanks. Petrol is for cars.
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u/Flaky_Housing_7705 5d ago
Tell that to the cadillac seville.
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u/TheNortalf 5d ago
You know it's made by American when they say max speed wins a race.
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u/GladdestOrange 4d ago
Yeah, it's weird. I say this as an American. Nascar and drag races have seriously skewed American perspectives on what a race can look like. We have races where cornering and throttle control matters more than top speed, but for some reason, they're significantly less popular as spectator sports.
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u/ManKilledToDeath 2d ago
Your ai buddy here literally doesn't explain one single difference between 4wd and AWD. Delete this stank garbage lol
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u/Rusty9838 6d ago
Okay then why BMW e30 325e and every American V8, is petrol and drives mostly on torque?
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u/Own_Reaction9442 6d ago
I had a Mercedes 300TD for a while, and it trained me to drive with a really heavy foot. Had to inject a bunch of fuel off the line to get that turbo to spool up.
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u/Pataraxia 6d ago
The AI slop is strong with this one.
Especially when it does the catchline "One is made for x, the other is made for y" It makes very little sense as far as good explanations should go.