Solving the mystery between 4×4 and AWD

By: Lora Crouch  Looking at some vehicles I was seeing a lot of 4×4 and AWD. Then my mind started wondering…there are 4 wheels on a vehicle. Hmm… so in my mind 4×4 and AWD was talking about the same thing. With my interest sparked I had no choice but to research. Research is always good by the way! What I found out was life changing for me! The very first thing I read was 4×4 and AWD are NOT interchangeable. You would have thought I would have stopped there since technically my question was answered but the brain in me wanted more! I looked up the definition of a 4×4to start. It explained to me that the power goes from the transmission to what is known as a transfer case. Then I had to look up transfer case, because I am not up to speed on vehicle parts. A transfer case is a group of gears that splits power between the front and rear axles so that maximum torque is going to each wheel, just in case you were wondering. This in turn helps the rough terrain of climbing rocks and such but at the same time makes turns not so smooth.

Next came the AWD. This is a much more recent innovation and is much more complicated. It boils down to a differential. Again, the search for meaning was on. A differential is a box of gears that can take power from the transmission and split it at different levels between two wheels or the front and rear axles. Pretty Amazing if you ask me! AWD is not as good on the rough terrain as it is the ice and snow.

So if you are wanting to play in the dirt or mud, 4×4 is for you! Or if you live in a colder climate were you see more snow and ice, AWD would be your best option! I know which one I want now it’s your turn to decide the adventure for your life!