2006-12-23 09:32:06 · 11 answers · asked by a_h_h_egypt 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, 4x4 ("four by four"), all-wheel drive, and AWD are terms used to describe a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. In the United States these cars are included in the broader sport utility vehicle (SUV) category. While many people associate the term with off-road vehicles, powering all four wheels provides better control on slick ice and is an important part of rally racing on mostly-paved roads.
Four-wheel drive (4WD or 4x4 for short) is the original term and is often used to describe truck-like vehicles that require the driver to manually switch between a two-wheel drive mode for streets and a four-wheel drive mode for low traction conditions such as ice, mud, or loose gravel. The "all-wheel drive" (AWD) term is a marketing term used to sell primarily on-road 4WD vehicles. However, in Australia, AWD is generally used for passenger vehicles that drive all four wheels all the time (e.g., a Subaru Impreza), whereas 4WD is used for vehicles designed primarily for heavy off-road use, normally with a low range transfer case (e.g. a Toyota Land Cruiser). The terms are thus quite vague in modern usage.
It is common for identical drivetrain systems to be marketed under different names for upmarket and downmarket branding, and it is also common for very different drivetrain systems to be marketed under the same name for brand uniformity. For example, quattro (Audi), 4MATIC (Daimler Chrysler), ATTESA E-TS (Nissan) and 4motion (Volkswagen) can mean either an automatically engaging system with a Haldex clutch or a continuously operating system with a Torsen differential.
2006-12-23 09:34:14 · answer #1 · answered by joy ride 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It applies to a vehicle with four wheels. Power from the engine is transmitted to all 4 wheels, by a transmission, transfer case and a front and a rear differential, and powered axles connecting to all four wheels. Under some driving conditions, all four wheels are turning with power. Under some driving conditions, only the front two or rear two wheels are turning with power from the engine.
2006-12-23 17:36:52 · answer #2 · answered by regerugged 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Power to all 4 wheels
2006-12-25 17:13:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
4 wheel drive means that all 4 wheels pull, not just 2.
2006-12-23 18:18:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can basically drive on the beach.
If you're stuck in the mud, and you put it in 4 wheel drive, you can get out!
2006-12-23 17:34:19 · answer #5 · answered by DrPepper 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
exactly what it means. all 4 wheels contacting the earth have power to them to drive the vehicle over whatever terrain it is on.
2006-12-23 17:45:53 · answer #6 · answered by dread pirate lavenderbeard 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Both front and rear axles are connected to the motor, resulting in greater traction for all four wheels.
2006-12-23 17:45:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have the power to go off road, mud, over trees, up in moutains etc. Its better resale
2006-12-23 17:33:38 · answer #8 · answered by Alexis221 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ride the camel
2006-12-23 17:34:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Usually is a jeep.
2006-12-23 17:38:21 · answer #10 · answered by Webballs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋