AWD vs 4WD - Which System is Better and How Do They Work? We Demonstrate the Differences
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มี.ค. 2022
- All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles have many similarities today, but there are still lots of differences as well. We take a 4WD Nissan Frontier, an AWD Nissan Rogue and our new set of rollers to show how they work.
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#Nissan #4WD #AWD - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I loved my Limited 4Runner with full time 4WD/AWD via a Torsen Center Differential. It wasn’t a rock crawler, but this system drove through snow, rain, loose gravel and mud like a mountain goat.
Torsen is so under-appreaciated and ignored by the industry. Torsen is better than LSD rears if combined with a brake system like an Awd to brake a lifted or slipping tire.
@J G Torsen makes a lot of sense as a diff that can be locked, but I mean, an open diff can stop wheel spin with the brakes just as well. LSDs that can actually limit wheel slip are a lot better off road and for performance.
But that being said they do have the advantage of being more durable than clutch pack based AWD systems, and you don't lose AWD like you would if that clutch pack overheats
@@rangerover06sc plus that sweet torque multiple it applies if slipping occurs.
I prefer the Ford vehicles with the Full time transfer case (Ford calls it the "advanced transfer case")
Colloquially known as the 4-Auto feature. Depending on the model of the vehicle sometimes there's variance as to how much power the front wheels get, but it is a genuine full-time feature.
@@hermanjohnson9180 SAE did a write up on this (google The Ford Raptor’s front drivetrain is pulling for you) in March 2020, it's a great read. The Raptor system essentially puts a clutch based system (like a Honda Ridgeline) in the same case as a traditional dog-clutch locking system, so the Raptor is AWD in most cases and can be 4x4 in others. The funny part is the front diff on a Raptor is a Torsen unit, for the very reasons I specified in my prior posts. In a nutshell, the Raptor system (as you pointed out now also used in other vehicles) is: A Torsen front, a unique hybrid center (clutch pack AWD like Honda with traditional dog-clutch locking 4x4), and LSD rear with locker. It's expensive and complex, but essentially the best of all worlds by combining 4 separate systems along the driveline.
I had the best of both. My 93 land cruiser was 4WD with the ability to be a 4 wheel drive having a rear, center and front lockers.
My moms 2003 expedition has that too I think, there is a 4h and 4L and A4WD on the knob
@JavaBeans I had an 03 Expedition as well, it was Selectable 4WD, meaning it's basically a part time 4WD system with an electronic clutch pack that makes it have variable torque split in A4WD. But you also get 2WD as well. The Land Cruiser is Full time 4WD with an actual geared differential, instead of a clutch pack, so it's never just in a 2WD setting.
@@javabeans830 No that was 4Auto. That's a slip and grip system. The Toyota and the G wagon systems use actual real center differentials. No clutches or fluid couplings. Nothing needs to slip for it to work. It has all 4 wheels going all the time on road or off road...
The 80 series landcruiser was not AWD - it actually was full time 4wd which used viscous coupling as a system to reduce binding for use on dry pavement. In other words, it would generally default to 50% power to both axles however with that system it would reduce the binding with that system, lowering the torque to the binding wheels when necessary for full time use. When you lock the center diff it would essentially put it into a "part time" mode, without the ability to take up the slack thus there was binding (but more positive traction). The triple locked versions did not use traction control when unlocked, thus (surprising to many people) it may have even failed the 1 wheel slip test without locking the center diff (especially in high range mode) - IE on a VERY slick surface, and center diff unlocked - But fully locked, they had unbelievable traction given the solid axles and massive wheel articulation.
@@rjhein I can testify to everything you said. At the time it was the only vehicle I knew of that had all three locking diffs. They made upgrades to the brakes and increased horsepower between 91 and 93. I bought both new. Interesting thing is I paid 28k for the 91 and the price jumped to 42k in 93. When I traded the 91 it was sold before I drove away with the new 93. Very rare vehicle back then. Dealers were lucky to get just one or two a year.
These rollers do a great job showing real world slip, looking forward to more videos with the rollers testing different awd systems
Just bought the wife a Rav4 AWD. Took it out in a blizzard and a half foot of snow to test the AWD system and I am a believer now. Handled it like a champ.
Did that a few years ago in probably 6-8 inches of snow with a loaner RAV4 AWD and was surprised how well it did with all season tires on it. Wish I would have had that thing the following year when I had 2 feet of snow in my driveway, would have been interesting to see if could have made it out, highly doubt it, at least not without chains.
@@wildbill23c it just plowed straight through. No problems at all. Pretty damn impressive. Especially when I have a 2wd truck lol
@@alekpolick8628 did you have chains?
Very true, just all depends on what you personally need and how you are going to use it. My 2wd suv is perfect for me now, but soon enough that will be a HD 4x4 diesel truck so I can tow a travel trailer. We all have different needs and those needs change with time. Great video and review. Both did a great job.
Great explanation and your presentation was top notch!
1. Glad you didn't crack your skull on the driveway when surfing on that roller. 2. I'd oil the s**t out of those bearings, rusty on the outside indicates a lack of maintenance from the former owner. Great video!
Very practical demonstration. Thank you very much sir.
Awesome video on the the AWD vs 4WD. I had no idea any other vehicle had limitations with the rear locker, I can turn it on/off on my F150 at any time in any drive mode. Although not something I do often, but it does prove to be useful on a boat ramp or when towing a heavy load in slippery conditions when weight is pulled off the front wheels. 4x4 becomes less useful, and the rear locker a helpful tool in the box.
Well the issue is dumbasses would throw on the rear locker in "slippery conditions" (wet roads) and then bind up the rear axle on dry pavement and break the locker, and likely get it repaired under warranty, so its idiot proofing it, saying "try 4H first, if that doesn't save your ass then go into 4L and you can have the locker"
In my case, my X5 first gen x-drive, its an awd system but when I take off traction control (DSC), the drive train turns into a 4x4 system, theirs no aid In traction control, it sends power with the transfer case at a fixed rate to the wheels. Best of both worlds, I personally go 4x4 all day. Ive been through some rough stuff and snow, DSC off, the x5 acts like a different vehicle in a good way, its way more capable.
Another aspect is 4x4 transmission binding in corners. A lot of people assume that 4x4 can be left on and driven around for extended periods. But 4x4 excels when the trajectory is primarily straight. When left on for long periods it can cause transmission binding in corners and possibly a repair bill long term
Where AWD is meant for everyday driving around town and isn't subject to binding. This isn't to say one us better than the other but they serve different use cases. 4x4 more off road or pulling a trailer up a slope etc... AWD is a daily jack of all trades but struggles more off road.
almost like 4wd and awd are the same thing with marketing differences. Most awd systems are superior to "4x4" systems anyways
Awesome roll slide 👌!
Have both. AWD Escape , good winter commuter, don't go off the beaten trail. F-250 4wd, my farm truck. Have not been stuck ,that i could not get it out, once i unhooked what ever i was either pulling into or out of a field.
theres a lot more in that f250 that makes it better offroad than just the 4x4 system. Actually if you took the full time awd of the escape and put it on the f250 it would handle better. thats why the ram trx got fulltime awd, its simply superior
I think one of the better system is the full time 4wd with lockable torsen center diff in the 4runner and land cruiser. With Toyota Atrac system on top of that it is a pretty nice setup and certainly one of the best on the market.
I agree. ATRAC and fulltime 4wd are amazing 👏
100% agree that was the main reason for me purchasing 4Runner limited. It's so much easier for my wife in Minnesota winners
@@timtoni123 The limited, GX, and LX with that true full-time 4WD is very SAFE too for your loved ones... always on safety
theres a lot of vehicles with awd systems like it, just none of them are smart enough to advertise it
@@james2042 not true. Name one SUV other than the ones I mentioned with 3 mechanical differentials.
With 3 rollers it would be nice to see the differences in behaviour when 2 rollers back and 1 front vs. 1 rollers back and 2 front. I think that rear locker would not help in case that there are 2 rollers back and 1 front?
@@christopherwilliams7645 this video was an awful showcase and full of bad information. The "awd" system in the rogue applies power to all 4 wheels, all the time. How it works is it detects wheel speed differences, and if they're excessive (one is spinning on ice), then it brakes the slipping wheel to send power to the others. Basically it uses the brakes to grab the wheel thats hogging all the power, so the other ones work
the rear didnt have the locker active, and honestly his rollers suck. Just about any car with any form of traction control would go right off those rusted rollers.
Nice shout out to TFL . Shows respect
I can use the rear locker on my ZR2 in 2wd. I can only use the front locker in 4 low. My F-150 work truck also lets me use the rear locker in 2wd.
I really like the roller tests.
Great demonstration of the two systems. The big difference for me is AWD is driving all 4 wheels all the time, rain, snow, mud, or dry. The 4WD is running in RWD when on pavement, which is 99.9% of the time for me. For the 0.1% when not on pavement, which is soft, muddy camp grounds, I've never had a problem with AWD. 4WD doesn't provide max grip the vast majority of time unless you live off road.
All wheel drive was first coined by International Harvester it's product branding like Ford with 4x4 and Toyota with 4WD. They all describe the engine turning the front and rear wheels.
What you are trying to describe or differentiate is the difference between road oriented four wheel drive or Off road oriented Four wheel drive. Both have examples of vehicles with part time and full time systems. Some with diff locks some with low range some with low gear some with traction control. But the main dit is some are oriented and configured for on road or primarily on road performance and the off road oriented systems.
I do like this additional content with the rollers! Thank TK
@ 7:49
That's because although the manufacturers never usually mention it, there's actually four-wheel drive traction control and then there's a normal traction control. When you hit four high or go into four low, four wheel drive traction control comes into play.
Even in the full-time four wheel drive vehicles there's a difference. Unless you go into four high the system will only utilize normal traction control (for "Normal" driving mode, 4 Auto, etc) If I recall correctly Toyota is the only manufacturer that allows you to toggle the four-wheel drive traction control.
Morning Steve!!!..great test Bro..my buddy rented a Nissan Rouge last week.
A red one?
@@richardhouvener6423 yeah I think so...
I feel like I wonder this at least once a week and never get around to getting proper answers from Google. Great video love the rollers they remind me of the old Honda crw awd scam videos
the actual answer is there isnt a difference, its marketing, all marketing. Actually the awd systems in the rouge are far superior to the frontier, just that truck guys have a stick up their ass about "4WD and 2 speed transfer cases". Fun fact, a jeep cherokee, which is fwd based awd, like the rogue, has a 2 speed transfer case
My Astro van is all the time all wheel drive and has the G80 rear Locker in the back with a real transfer case
Great video I would love to see you test out the Toyota Highlander XLe
I had a 1964 Wagoneer, straight 6 cylinders, front wheel hub locks, 4-wheel low and high and 2-wheel shifts. A lots of work to go 4-wheel but it crawl on rocks even with highway tires. With traction tires, at 4-wheel low, it climbs a tree. 🤓😎
Full-time 4WD is the best. This is on the Lexus GX, LX, 4runner Limited, and Landcruiser. Also on the Mercedes G-wagon too.
Also the manual fj cruisers. Mine certainly is and love it
thats marketing terms for awd btw, its not full time 4wd, its awd. they have to market it as full time 4wd for people like you to like it
@@james2042 nope... GX, LX, 4runner Limited, and G-Wagon have actual center differentials. They are full-time 4WD. For the last 25 years AWD systems have been 'slip and grip' reactive systems using viscous coplers or clutches. Full-time 4WD has all 4 wheels going all the time... it doesn't need to wait for slip to engage...
My rogue in the exact same except it is the PLATINUM trim. Outside North American rogue is called Xtrail but it is 4WD
What about a 4 wd that has a 4A setting like a F150 Lariat pick up? Does it operate just like the Rogue?
Good test. How is the frontier with back seat room for kids and car seats?
I think the rear locker will work on F-150's in 2wd. It don't need to be in 4wd which was nice.
Yeah I came here to say this while watching the video. Every F-150 I have had with the rear locker going back to my 2012 has been able to activate the rear locker in 2WD, 4 High, 4 Low, or 4 Auto (for appropriate trim level). While their video said most need 4WD, I think it's pretty significant that the F-Series doesn't have that requirement. I am guessing the Ranger with rear locker also can do so in 2WD but don't know for sure.
@@Vulnox Hmm, good to know, thank you. Been looking at F150's lately as I'll soon be needing a pickup, and kind of want one with the locker. Kind of hard to find though in the used market unfortunately. None have 4 Auto that I've seen though...costs extra, like the locker so nobody in cheap assville Idaho would buy it LOL.
Grew up in Detroit. Lots of snow and ice but pretty much flat. Never thought about dedicated snow tires
Then I moved to Halifax Nova Scotia. With the hills and snow? You have to have dedicated snow tires and a vehicle with a good AWD or 4WD system. Seen plenty cars and trucks disappear into the thick of it.
My F150 can use rear diff lock in 2wd. Handy as hell.
After owning a Subaru AWD vehicle I swore I would never go back to anything less than AWD or 4WD. The performance in snow, ice, mud, etc. is far superior than any traditional rear wheel only or front wheel only drive system.
I think this test is very important to us in Upstate New York.
yes, it shows how dumb most people are thinking 4x4 is superior
Waiting to see the Ridgeline vs all the midsized on rollers. Bring it!
itll eat them alive because its awd
My 2022 Ridgeline black edition is a beast in the snow!! I live at 6k in CO and it handled the last few storms like a champ. Came from tundras and tacos.
Rusty rollers:) good job great video! Good guys!
AWD has
4 low and differential lock both front and rear,
is it function on off road like 4x4 ?
I like the Wife to have AWD so she
1) doesn't drive in 4wd on dry pavement, but
2) has power to the wheel with traction when driving at highway speeds in snow
For a short time in low torque situations the modern systems that use the brakes to simulate full 4wd and limited slip diffs can work. And, they’re generally acceptable for the conditions of very light off-roading and some snow.
The problem is that people get sold on thinking they’re do all systems that let them drive anywhere at any time.
Ultimately a proper 4wd system with locking front and rear diff is the best solution. Without locking diffs even a true 4wd system is only 1 front and 1 rear wheel.
I know you gave a shout out to TFL but I also think fellow Canadian channel @CarQuestion1 did it first :). They also do a diagonal test that is very relevant. Great video Steve. I needed this explanation of AWD vs 4WD. Cheers from Kingston Ont. Keep them coming!!
If I had it to do again buying a cross over I would buy fwd only because the upkeep can be a pain for the 4/5 days a year it’s truly worth it. I will say as much as I’m not a Kia fan there awd is actually really good.
Nice video.
Thanks!
So what is a better setup for just driving on paved roads with snow and ice? Im not planning on driving up the side of mt everest, but im so sick of getting stuck in the snow during the winter in my little ford focus.
Any AWD for sure
Snow tires, doesn't matter the vehicle or drive orientation. That ford focus would handle snow better than most awd or 4wd vehicles with a proper set of snow tires. If you absolutely want something with awd for some reason (it just eats fuel economy for the extra weight) then get something with full time awd that is passive and you don't have to interact with.
Do a Honda or Acura with the SH-AWD/i-VTM torque vectoring system (MDX, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline, etc) to show what it can do.
TFL has a video on the pilot.
@@keithsandefur1028 I know, but I figured these guys should too. Thanks though!
that's still simply awd, even if its able to send more power to the rear despite being fwd based. The way it gets traction is the same
I’m questioning how “new” those rollers are 🤔
Haha! New to us. Definitely lived a long life in a factory somewhere.
@@TruckKing Did you steal them for some grocery store. LOL
@@TruckKing hahahaa yup. I like the addition to the channel. Changes things up a bit.
IMHO for most people AWD is the best solution, even for a truck.
The reason for this is that AWD does everything for them without switching anything and without understanding how it works.
Remember, most people don't drive off road. They drive around town and on the freeways. They deal with slippery roads from rain, snow and ice.
With AWD, they drive and the computer provides better traction when needed. Some AWD will even do this at full freeway speeds and/or improve traction for cornering.
Look around, most trucks will never tow a heavy load or drive off-road, except maybe a driveway or gravel parking lot.
If you tow heavy loads or drive off-road then 4x4 is better.
-- Nephew hit me with an interesting question. Do front hub lockers work on an open diff? This is his 2004 Tahoe Z71.
the hub locker would just engage the front axle no?
Have always had 4 wheel drive. We have a new Maverick on order with AWD. If it ever shows up we'll see what AWD can do.
awd and 4wd are the same thing, its marketing bs. actually awd is mechanically superior but truck guys have a stick up their ass for 4x4
It would be cool for you guys to get a king cab frontier an see which is better offroad king cab or crew cab
I think that would just come down to breakover, approach, and departure angles if the trucks have different wheelbases, but I agree, I'm actually curious now about this.
it would make no difference
FORD- Raptor - With TORSEN Front Limited Slip Differential
or
GMC- AT4X - With Electric Front And Rear Locking Differentials
For 4 Wheel Drive?
🤔
Or Any Of The Above Or Simular With
- ARB AIR Locking Differentials - ?
I have a jeep wj with Quadra drive all time 4x4
How about the Frontier with only 1 front wheel on the ground?
it would behave the exact same way
@@james2042 Not when the rear has a locker.
I do know that some ford f150s 2wd come with rear locking differential (just random fact)
Awd with torcen center&reardiff. That is the best
In the meantime, why don't you turn the truck around and put it on the steepest part of your drive?
when you tested the truck in 2wd (no traction control) the roller was under the driver side rear wheel where the power was expected, but when you tested 4 wd you didn't have a roller under the rear driver side wheel so it quickly rolled off the rollers. I think if you would of put the rollers under both front tires and the driver side rear wheel while in 4wd would have made more sense.
it doesnt matter which wheel didn't have a roller, all 4 would behave the same way
What about Auto 4WD, how does that compare to these other modes as well.
awd to 4x4 and everything inbetween are all the same concept, and mostly separated by marketing. For reference the 4x4 system in the grand cherokee and the awd system in the dodge durango are literally the same systems, like actual same parts.
wow, did anyone notice that bit of off-roading footage with the stock Frontier? The mud, rocks and slope were pretty severe. That was more impressive than most of these stock vehicle test videos on TH-cam. Must not be a loaner. lol
I like my Ridgeline AWD because I don't do any off-road or dirt roads.
But I like the RAM Rebel. Isn't it full-time 4WD/AWD? Can the rear locker be used in 4-High?
only get a rebel for style, the offroad is no more capable than your ridgeline if you throw decent tires and some underbody armor on it. its all marketing
I just love Nissans
In an old awd system with no electornics, one wheel off the ground would stop it. That wouldn't stop part time 4wd with no electronics because it's always at least one of the front and at least one of the rear at a minimum.
I'd say an AWD is better for someone who drives only on snow covered roads and isn't into vehicles and doesn't want to have to figure out where everything needs to be set. So 4WD for me and AWD for my wife.
I promise you, my awd grand cherokee will get way farther offroad than your 4x4 truck will
You should have put the roller under driver side rear. It’s the drive wheel, even in 1WD.
The winners are Acura's SH-AWD and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD w/manual transmission
I call it Honda I-VTM4. But yes, Honda/Acura AWD is miles ahead of this Nissan example. if I remember right the bronco sport AWD is pretty similar to Honda/acura.
My awd astro with full time awd and g80 rear Locker and 373 gears from the factory would eat those for breakfast dude!!! 😆
I can promise you neither one of those is close to the best awd
Hi I am Terence from Guyana South America I would like to see the full time 4wd on the roller
Prefer a front wheel drive to a awd vehicle, not living in the snow belt thank goodness. In my mild climate it’s more efficient and cost less!
the only smart person in this comments
My new Maverick is AWD and also has FX4 available so no difference because it’s same truck.no hand turn lockers though just the vacuum ones.
Hey someone is finally realizing, awd vs 4wd is marketing only.
There are two types of 4x4 vehicles. Part-time and all-time 4x4. others are crossovers they choose wheels automatically by using the brake system .this is it. that's all.
Best way to describe the difference between 4WD and AWD is this. Imagine a drunk guy trying to climb a muddy hill, vs a sober guy. The drunk guy is all effort and no sensing. So he is just slipping all around and making it look more difficult than it really is. While the sober guy can better sense his level of traction, and even predict when he is about to slip. Making the climb look effortless and smooth. Most of the time, 4wd is better only when a tire is lifted off the ground. Because of the lack of a locking diff in the AWD systems
Most Indian in India don't understand the difference between AWD and 4WD. Many ended up stuck or stranded in trails not far from cities in their AWD SUVs and wagons cuz the trails are for proper 4wd.
For my wife I prefer AWD - for myself 4WD
Your wife is getting the better system
Next time do it with both rears on rollers, one front on a roller, and see how they compare.
What about my Audi Quattro with AWD and a rear locking differential and traction control? Isn't that that same as a 4x4? Remember, the bad thing about 4x4 is YOU have to put it into the mode that works. My old 1983 GMC 2500 with 4x4 and auto hubs is TERRIBLE on snow/dry pavement conditions. You have to stop, put it in 4wd HI, then the auto locking hubs lock in. Then, when the pavement is dry, you have to stop, put it in 2wd and back up to unlock the auto locking hubs. What a pain in the butt for people who live at the 4,000 foot level where is snows some and melts in days or hours. My 1999 MBZ ML430 was easy, just drive!!! I must add that my MBZ had a 4wd low switch which locked the rear differential and it has traction control too. Like a goat anywhere I went.
So the Rogue gets off the rollers only for the CVT to take a dump down the road.
Better a 2wd with a locking diff than a 4wd without one.
4x4 being better is debatable. In some scenarios that maybe true in other scenarios the AWD is. The test the AWD should have been in slippery mode not normal especially comparing it to 4x4 and especially if you have it in traction control and 4 low. Which in the video it was stated to put it in traction control he had to have it in 4 low. I can't see someone on the road in 4 low its not going to happen. Also what was mentioned in another review that majority of 4x4 should not be driven on dry pavement conditions. In addition similar to the 4x4 with optional traction control, locking or limited slip differential some AWD systems offer lockers. One thing I like on some AWD and 4 wheel drive is the ability to break one wheel in the back and increase the wheel on the opposite side. Thus the ability off road to have a shorter turning diameter similar to using one brake on a tractor.
One could argue the 2 speed transfer case is superior in off road situations. This also is debatable usually ground clearance and momentum is the deciding factor. Personally i think both are winners and far superior to RWD or FWD vehicles. Even saying that i would still make sure i have recovery equipment with me, on both of them.
Still thanks for the video and information
You sound like Lamont at Large youtuber
I know it's a common term. However, "sending power to a specific wheel" always sounds so esotherical to me... You are making a fine job, though, keep it up.
I like the roller videos, Tommy is decent at these. Just saying I don't think the snow under the rollers helped keep the vehicle on them either. Thanks guys.
I never understood the point of fulltime 4WD because those do not have a 2WD mode. 4WD is cool and all but maybe you don't need 4WD always? I like to use 4WD only when I have to.
I remember seeing some old Jeeps where some had fulltime 4x4 but I also saw some of the part time 4x4 systems where it said 2, 4H, 4L. I saw one shifter that had options for 2, 4Part-Time, 4Full-TIme, 4L, possibly similar to many modern shifters that say 2, 4A, 4H, 4L
For 99% of us, the all-wheel drive that is always on (or the computer allocates power automatically) is the best system. Can't tell you how much of a pain it is to be driving down the highway at 70 and drive into a snowstorm - have to slow down to under 40mph to shift into 4x4 then speed up. Not to mention what 4x4 does to your turn radius (it's terrible).
And fuel economy. AWD is lighter and more efficient, making it better for daily drivers.
Modern 'shift on the fly' 4x4 /4WD models allow you to turn on and off four wheel drive anytime at 60 MPH or below.
@@legostarwarsrulez Now what you said is actually very true.
@@hermanjohnson9180 still means you have to do it manually...
@@bikebudha01 The shift on the fly system uses a button touch that is electronic and normally wouldn't be considered as "manual".
I don't know how accurate this is. In a 4WD system with center diff locked and traction control off, if the 2 diagonal wheels have loss of traction, the car won't move. The front or rear axles themselves won't split power between themselves (unless you have a front or center diff lock). So the reason why the Frontier was able to get out of the rollers was most likely because the rollers still had some resistance in them.
Okay so, awd and 4wd are the same things, with different tweaks and branding. 90% of the differences are marketing.
The auto 4WD systems a lot of manufacturers have now is a great in between. If I go off roading, I can use my all the time 4wd. In weird winter conditions, I can just set to auto and forget it
Exactly. I think I should mention that the real reason to pick up truck did better is because when you put the truck in four wheel drive it knows that it's off-road. The Nissan SUV had to figure out what was going on. And while I'm aware that the likes of Land Rover has fixed this issue, it is extremely rare for an SUV to be able to do so quickly. Furthermore AWD systems produce far less torque than four wheel drive systems. So even if it had the same software as a Land Rover Range Rover, vehicle or maybe a Toyota Land cruiser it would still take longer because the engine has to rev up in order to get it out of the obstacle. And even still, AWD still might not be able to do it because four wheel drive systems have a locking mechanisms. Modern, high performance AWD can even split the torque 50/50 but can never lock anything.
almost like 4wd and awd are the same thing with marketing differences. Most awd systems are superior to "4x4" systems anyways
@@james2042 Simply not true. AWD systems use different components. The effects of both systems just seem similar. 4X4/4WD is superior but more ridgid. AWD is more flexible and generally faster but offers less traction and torque.
Awd is more set and forget with little thought from the driver. Just get in and drive. For that reason i pick awd.
It seems like the AWD did better
yup, its the superior system. truck guys just have a raging boner for 4x4
Someone has been watching TFL.
4WD is by far superior, but I live in a remote area of Ontario Canada, so 4WD are just commonsense. That said, another pitfall for AWD vehicles, they are an expensive rig to repair and maintain. They are loaded with sensors, and a lot more mechanical parts for each wheel, a complicated drive train. I think for urbanites and city folk an AWD for winter driving AWD makes sense, but if you are out in the country dealing with gravel roads, roads that don't get cleared of snow right away, hilly and rough terrain, you want a 4WD.
Very true but 99 Oldsmobile AWD with 31 at tires tackle all of it lol except Rick climbing which I don't care for . That's what my 4.5 lift on 35's jeep is for .
Unfortunately I think these modern 4WD systems combine the worst aspects of an automated system and a manual one. Not only does the driver have to know what driving conditions are appropriate for each 4WD setting, not all features are available depending on the mode, and varying levels of traction control will kick in.
If I have a true 4WD vehicle with a locker, then _I_ should be able to engage the locker regardless of whether I'm in 4Hi or 4Lo, or even 2WD.
F-Series trucks can activate the rear locker in 4Hi/Lo or 2WD. Can do it while rolling also. Only limitation is speed, but you shouldn't be using a rear locker at high speed anyway. F-Series trucks have 4 Low, 4 High, 2WD, and 4 Auto on appropriate trim levels. Then a button for the rear locker (or in previous gens you pull out on the 4WD selector knob). There are drive modes which can further offer differences in throttle response in 4WD, but you can just leave it in Normal and it will just behave like the truck normally does, but in 4WD.
@@Vulnox True, the F series system is slightly better than others. My dad's 2015 F-150 King Ranch has the full selection of 4L, 4H, 4A, & 2WD with the pull to engage rear-locker. It's closer to what I would consider an ideal system, but still not without compromises. For example, my dad has complained the truck feels unsettled when driving at moderate speeds over patchy ice in 4 Auto. It drives better in 4H, but then how long do you want to be driving around at 50+mph with the transfer case locked? With that same truck I was able to get stuck in a snow bank just off the road shoulder with the right side in deep snow, the left front on ice, and the left rear on dry pavement. Even with the rear locker, I couldn't get enough traction with all season tires to get moving again. And the electronics were clearly unhappy with me trying different combinations of locker/4L/sport mode.
I feel like we're in a "valley" on the curve of electronic traction control development for mass market all-wheel drive vehicles. The systems are just smart enough so an operator won't damage the vehicle, but that means they'll turn features off, sometimes unexpectedly. On the other hand, they're not smart enough to apply torque to the right place quickly enough for all driving scenarios. Good enough for soccer moms to get through an icy intersection or a muddy campground entrance, but not a lot of serious off-roading.
@@rhekman I had my 2008 Toyota Tundra in 4WD for a month, never had any issues other than worse fuel economy than normal...and by worse fuel economy I mean usually I would get 14mpg around town at the worst, in 4WD all the time for a month in 1-2 feet of snow/ice conditions, I was getting 9mpg....and to make matters worse we had below zero temps all that time as well, so the truck had to warm up enough that I could get the ice scraped off the windows to even be able to drive it, and that was scraping ice off the inside and outside of the windows LOL.
In a relatively straight line it isn't going to matter if you run in 4WD part time its not going to hurt a thing other than maybe your wallet at the gas station, but as far as damage, it won't cause any. The damage would come from being on dry pavement, and trying to make sharp turns like into and out of a parking space.
All my vehicles now are old school 4X4...no terrain management, no traction control, no stability control...you lock the hubs, and pull a lever...works 100% of the time and doesn't give a damn what you are driving through....if you need to tell your vehicle that you are driving on grass, snow, mud, etc...that's where the complications come in...who cares engage 4WD and you'll be just fine without all the dang electronic nannies...all those are for is for people who have no business driving in the first place, just like traction control, stability control, air bags, lane keep assist, etc.
As someone who drives an older grand cherokee, theres no drive modes, theres just full time awd and some limited slip diffs, and lemme tell you it always handles fine. This is a lot of marketing bs from most these companies, and it seems they ate up all the marketing and spit it back out in this vid.
Also the rear locker in the nissan is simply uneccessary 99.9% of the time, and so many people probably turned their lockers on on dry pavement they destroyed the rear axles and had to get it fixed under warranty. Its just idiot proofing
@@james2042 I miss my Grand Cherokee with the selec-trac 4WD. 2WD/full time 4WD/part time 4WD/and low range. Not all Grand Cherokees were full time 4WD, the first couple model years of the ZJ also had the option of just a part time command trac 4WD system, but many were ordered like your Grand Cherokee with the full time 4WD mode....and my 98 Grand Cherokee had the limited slip rear differential. The WJ's had Quadra-Drive, full time 4WD plus front and rear limited slip differentials.
Glad I got a Ford, the rear wheels can be locked without having to be in 4-wheel drive.
All wheel drive
I'm sorry, did you say "Brand New Rollers"?? Lol
It's worth mentioning that most 4x4 trucks do not come with a limited slip disk (LSD) as standard equipment...that's usually an option that only comes standard on high end trucks (and not even all of them have one) and may not be available on lower tier models at any price.
Need to explain to people that on regular roads 4wd can never be used, unless u want to destroy the transfer case$$$$$ AWD is always there! People need to know that if you use 4wd when there is no slippage u will destroy the 4wd system!
theres so much bad information in this vid it feels like a tfl video
Biggest item not covered here: YOU CANNOT RUN 4WD ON DRY PAVEMENT UNLESS YOU WANT TO RUIN YOUR VEHICLE! So daily driver on a road that may have ice patches is better in Awd as the 4x4 will be in 2wd when it hits the ice. Yes, 4x4 is better if fully stuck or off-road, but most AWD systems are superior in every other scenario, ie 99% of the time.
Unless you have an actual center differential like the Toyota fulltime 4wd system. These allow you to be in 4wd on and off road all the time. The Mercedes g-wagon also has this system too...
@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD this is correct, I should have specified that it applies to part time 4wd only, which to be fair is the majority of pickup trucks.
@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD plus this system is awesome even on corning in pavements, allows tires to grip to pavement like a champ
@@rnjuan Yes.. feels like an old school rally car with real AWD... it's also a very safe system too for driving... dry, wet, on or offroad 4 wheels always going is very safe for loved ones too ❤️
almost like this video is full of bad information, its almost as bad as a tfl video
If you really want 4WD you need front and rear lockers that you select when you deem necessary, not when the manufacturer decides its ok for you to use them....having to go into 4WD, and worse 4Lo to use a factory locker is kind of pointless in many cases. I guess I could see 4hi because typically if you need a locker you are probably going to need 4WD, but to only allow you to use the locker in low range is kind of stupid.
With the normal 4WD and open diffs, my 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee was 2WD, full time 4WD, or part time 4WD, and had low range as well, best of both worlds, you have an all season 4WD setting (full time 4WD) and you had a well this is a nasty trail (part time 4WD), and you also had low range, and 2WD. I miss the old Selec-Trac 4WD....every winter LOL...and it was all mechanical, no traction control, no stability control, no lane keep assist, nothing, just point it where you want to go and apply nice steady throttle and it'll go.
awd and 4wd are realistically the same thing, all they both mean is power is going to all 4 wheels. anything else is additional hardware. any namebrand difference is marketing
Test it against Subaru awd
any awd will perform the same
Your conclusion is wrong:
AWD is a safety feature for slippery conditions onroad - that could help you offroad.
FWD is an offroad feature that should not be used in an onroad conditions.
Comparing them is missing the point.
The only difference between "AWD" and "4WD" is the name. There's many different types of systems to get power to your wheels - part time, full time, on road or off-road only. Sometimes only to two wheels sometimes to all four and all sorts of systems for how that power gets there. My Defender refers to it as AWD but it's got two automatic locking differentials plus low range and can also then be set based on mode. It's not possible to turn it off and can be all automatic - "AWD" with everything you say is only in "4WD" and in a vehicle designed as a hardcore off-roader.
4WD definitely does not mean it gets power to all four wheels and that AWD doesn't.
The best system is not what it's called, it's what it does.
TFL already did these…