The drivetrain can create a significant difference in the performance of a vehicle. Every car is equipped with a drivetrain suitable for the performance that vehicle is designed for. Generally, we are most aware of four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The two-wheel or 2WD drivetrain system is the one where two wheels are provided with engine torque. The selection of two wheels that will be provided with power depends upon the type of 2WD drivetrain.
Let’s discuss the 2wd meaning, its types, working and efficiency.
What is Two-Wheel Drive
The 2 wheel-drive system refers to a drivetrain in which only two wheels are powered at a time. These wheels are often on the same axle and rotate at the same speed. In 2WD one axle either front or rear rotates, hence these vehicles are considered more suitable for city roads and highways. However, these vehicles are equipped to deal with different kinds of terrains.
Types of 2WD
There are two major types of 2WD drivetrain, front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD). The core difference is the set of tyres that are provided with the engine torque. Though, the position of tyres can create a significant impact on the vehicle working.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
In the FWD drivetrain, the front wheels are directly provided with the power from the engine. This system is often used in commercial vehicles, as the distance between the axle and engine is less that increasing its efficiency. The placement of the drivetrain, axle and engine in the front area exempt the need of connecting parts and lowers the maintenance cost.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
The RWD system is often used in mini-trucks, SUVs and luxury sedans. In trucks and SUVs, RWD enables the usage of a heavy-duty axle that aids in driving through multiple terrains. However, in luxury and full-size sedans, it is preferred because of the increased handling and balance.
2WD Working
The car’s central axle is used to connect the engine with the drivetrain. The axle contains a gear box, flywheel and propeller shaft. The central and rear/front axle is connected using a differential that is responsible for distributing power between the wheels. The power produced from the engine is converted into the rotating motion that revolves the crankshaft. The rotational force is transferred from the crankshaft to the flywheel, gearbox and then to the differential. From the differential power is equally divided among the two wheels. This is how a two-wheel drive system works.
Advantages of 2WD in Cars
The 2WD drivetrain system is one of the earliest versions of the drivetrain systems still used in vehicles. This drivetrain is considered suitable for city roads and plain terrains. We have listed some other pros and cons of using the 2WD drivetrain system in modern cars.
Pros
- Manufacturing Cost: The manufacturing cost of a 2WD drivetrain is cheaper contrary to four and all-wheel-drive.
- Fuel-Efficiency: The 2WD system consumes less energy, as it only powers two wheels. Thus, the 2WD drivetrain system contributes to increasing fuel-efficiency.
- Light Weight: The vehicles equipped with 2WD are often light in weight which makes these vehicles more agile.
Cons
Overall Power: The overall power supply of the vehicle is lower in comparison to other drivetrain systems.
Terrains: The 2WD can only drive through paved roads. It is not suitable for off-roading.
This was all about 2WD in cars. Despite the presence of AWD and 4WD systems, the 2WD system is used in modern vehicles due to its efficiency. The main purpose of using it is the higher fuel-efficiency that it provides. If you are interested in leveraging this drivetrain system, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE. We have also enlisted some considerable car models with 2WD drivetrain systems.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on drivetrain systems.
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