For the last time, its AWD!

Schr-eng · #1 10-25-2003, 01:16 AM

There is a real big difference between 4WD and AWD.

Both 4WD and AWD transfer power to all of the wheels, but do not use those terms interchangably.

AWD has an extra differential on the drive axle so that if the front two wheels slip, the back two pick up the slack.

4WD doesn't have this ability and will still power the front wheels even if they are spinning without traction.

So don't ever use those terms interchangeably!

MadeInUSA · #2 10-25-2003, 01:42 AM

haha you noticed that too. thought I was the only one.

TypeZer0 · #3 10-25-2003, 01:47 AM

yeah and? some of us know the real difference but it's not a person's fault for calling it AWD if radioshack brands it an AWD kit

Murcielago659 · #4 10-25-2003, 01:49 AM

You do realize, that AWD has been around a lot longer than the technology to do what you say it does was inexpensive enough to use in cars? The only production vehicles that do that are the Acura MDX and the Nissan Skyline. The only difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD is on all the time and 4WD can be switched between 2WD and 4WD.

TypeZer0 · #5 10-25-2003, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Murcielago659
You do realize, that AWD has been around a lot longer than the technology to do what you say it does was inexpensive enough to use in cars? The only production vehicles that do that are the Acura MDX and the Nissan Skyline. The only difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD is on all the time and 4WD can be switched betweem 2WD and 4WD.

don't forget any of the Audi cars with Quattro or any of the Subaru's, the Evo, Mercede's 4Matic, BMW's 330xi, Caravan, and many others.

Murcielago659 · #6 10-25-2003, 01:57 AM

Yes, those are AWD, but they're always driving the wheels. The Skyline is RWD until the onboard computer detects wheelspin, then it engages the front wheels. The MDX is the other way around, it's front drive until the computer detects wheelspin then it engages the rear wheels. With those other cars, they have a differential in the middle that sends all the torque to all the wheels all the time, until there is slippage then it redirects it to the wheels that aren't slipping. There are vehicles with on/off 4WD that have these special differentials too.

wasuri · #7 10-25-2003, 02:02 AM

as long as its named and xmods awd kit imma keep calling it awd until they change it..thats that

slugbugg · #8 10-25-2003, 08:58 AM

OH man my bubble just burst...........

You mean to tell me that my little 2002 tracker is just 4WD and not AWD.............I'm going back there and have some words with my sales man. lol

I type AWD because the keys are closer together and it's easier for my fingers to press those keys. lol

TypeZer0 · #9 10-25-2003, 11:15 AM

actually in some cars like the Skyline and WRX STi, torque is always split between the wheels and is adjustable. the center diff's are clutch types and i've heard of ppl adjusting them so that the front only gets 5% power so they can put it on a 2WD dyno. AWD means all wheel drive and all four wheels always gets some torque, even if it's minimal while the prefered drive wheels gets most of teh power, traction control, abs, and computer controlled center diffs work together to transfer power from wheels that slip to wheels that grip in some cars, it just depends on how feature rich it is.

Murcielago659 · #10 10-25-2003, 12:03 PM

The STi has an active center differential that can vary between 60rear/40front and 50/50. There is no way to adjust it more than that, the differential is limited to these amounts. The R33 skyline is always sending some torque to the front wheels, but it's as low as 5%, while the R34 skyline can completely disconnect the front wheels. The torque spit is not adjustable stock. There is an aftermarket computer that allows you to adjust it, however. I'll agree that the terms 4WD and AWD should not be used interchangeably, but they don't mean what you think they mean.

As for your tracker, continue calling it AWD, that is the correct term for it.

duey · #11 10-25-2003, 02:05 PM

geez...it's only a toy no need to be "politcally correct" with the terms.

i mean i get what your getting at but we ALL know what we mean when AWD or 4WD is mentioned.

eh thats my .02

back to drifting my rsx into walls......

MattH · #12 10-25-2003, 02:55 PM

You're being a little too hard on Radio Shack here. They would be quite right to call their conversion AWD or 4WD. These are not technical, defined terms such as OHC which means only one thing. They are only marketing terms used by full-size auto makers to describe/sell their products' features. AWD is just a marketing term that was coined after 4WD and usually used to enlighten potential buyers that a vehicle had all wheels driven all the time.

TypeZer0 · #13 10-25-2003, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MattH
You're being a little too hard on Radio Shack here. They would be quite right to call their conversion AWD or 4WD. These are not technical, defined terms such as OHC which means only one thing. They are only marketing terms used by full-size auto makers to describe/sell their products' features. AWD is just a marketing term that was coined after 4WD and usually used to enlighten potential buyers that a vehicle had all wheels driven all the time.

and how does that not mean only one thing? you just said so yourself that AWD means it's "all wheels driven all the time". if everyone generally accepts what it means, doesn't that go beyond marketing terms?

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive.htm
it seems pretty well defined there

#14 10-25-2003, 07:40 PM

wwhy the hell are u guys arguing over ssomthing as stupid as the dofference between awd and 4 wd i mean come on its not lke there is 2 kits out and if someone say 4wd you can just know what it is without gettn all scientifical about it.

TypeZer0 · #15 10-25-2003, 08:06 PM

why the hell not? a forum is a place to share information, opinions, and to have discussions and debates.