what the difference between AWD ( like the GTR R32) and 4WD ( like the lan EVO)?

Answer 1

Nowadays, AWD generally is used for "all-wheel drive", which means it works, even on asphalt/tarmac. Why the distinction?

Originally, 4WD is only used for offroad, because they can't engineer a differential that can handle the torque required to put spin on all the wheels. When you're offroad a little wheelspin is not a problem, but not when you're on the road, as it hurts the tires, the drivetrain itself, and destroys handling of the car. Eventually it wipes out the entire drivetrain as the tires goes one way and the car goes the other.

Audi finally solved the problem with their Quattro AWD system, and forever changed the sport of rallying. The Audi Quattro, later equipped with 500 hp engines, dominated the sports for many years until other manufacturers finally figured out how to engineer differentials and/or other systems that can allow the use of AWD on tarmac.

Lancer Evo actually has a full-time AWD system, so calling it 4WD is actually more of a misnomer. Depending on the model, it may have helical front differential or regular friction-type differential, center differential, and rear differential. Some may have active yaw control, and other stuff, but it's not really all controlled by computer.

Skyline GT-R's system is a bit more advanced... the ATESSA system is actually a RWD system most of the time, 95% torque to rear, 5% to front. However, when the car is accelerating, decelerating, or turning, or doing combination of those things, the internal computer will take notes of all the factors and do optimum allocation of torque to maximize traction and handling.

The new Mitsubishi S-AWD system rumored for Evo X is supposed to be something similar to the ATESSA system.

Answer 2

AWD is always active on a car with this system, and 4WD has to be activated either by pressing a button or manually moving a stick nest to the shifter. in most cases 4wd is avaulable only at low speeds because the torque converter will disengage the system and AWD is built into the cars tranny using front and rear diferentials. thast why cars with AWD can go so fast

Answer 3

Generally AWD like Audi's get very good 0-60 timing results back in 97 moter trend did a report on that they took a AWD and a 4WD and tunned them to match and the overall results for the categories they were testing in leaned to the AWD. I think Awd gives a more direct feel kinda like walking. unless you like bumping into people on purpose. but a fwd kinda acts on its on especially on total dry surfaces not so well on wet surfaces.

Answer 4

OK,Nissan skyline AWD----The all wheel drive in the nissans,aldi's and some VW's is a constant 4wd.always in 4wd and cant be changed.This gives them supperior performance charcteristics aspecially in acceleration and cornering.It has only 2 differentials,the one for the front wheels and the one for the back.........Lancer evo's----These use the same as a subaru,an active center differential which gives torque and power to the wheels with most traction..Therefore it has 3 diffs.front rear and center.