In its early days, the four-wheel drivetrain was limited to semi-trucks often used for commercial purposes. Today, however, four-wheel drive sedans are also available. These cars use a variation of 4×4 drivetrain that is commonly known as All-Wheel drive.
Technological advancements and alterations in the wheel drive system enable it to work for sedans just as well as semi-trucks. However, there are some differences between four-wheel cars and 4WD trucks.
In this guide, we will provide you with complete information on 4×4 cars Vs 4×4 trucks by explaining similarities and differences in their drivetrains.
4×4 Car
The 4X4 cars contain engines that distribute power trains to all wheels. It is similar to four-wheel drive but a more advanced version, popularly known as All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The advanced AWD system uses ‘Torque Vectoring’, which enables it to transfer different power to different tyres as per the need. Therefore, it can accelerate or decelerate vehicles immediately as per the road conditions.
4×4 Truck
The 4X4 trucks have additional engine torque that powers all wheels. The 4WD truck system is designed specially for rough terrains and load hauling. With the right measures, one can make 4WD last longer despite their heavy usage. These cars can transition from 2WD to 4WD as per the requirement of the road. A more advanced version of four-wheel drive uses torque vectoring to provide each tyre with a different torque.
Why are Different Systems Used in 4X4 Cars and 4X4 Trucks
4×4 cars or 4×4 trucks seem to be similar in terms of working, but there is a difference nevertheless. The core difference is the usage of AWD and 4WD systems in the vehicle.
In the following paragraphs, we have elaborated on 4wd car Vs 4wd truck in detail.
Construction
The construction of AWD and 4WD systems are almost similar but there are few additional elements in 4WD. The AWD system contains an outer shaft connecting the rear and front axle. This shaft includes a differential or viscous coupling or multi-plate clutch. Each of these components will be present in the AWD drive. Moreover, there are tyre sensors over each wheel to observe the transition and grip of that tyre.
Whereas, in 4WD the outer shaft is embedded with a transmission case attached with a transfer case supported by a differential system. It contains a greater number of components contrary to the AWD system. This is because the 4WD system is designed for off-roading where it requires more torque and steep steering cuts. The transfer and transmission case increases the torque power provided by the engine. However, the AWD cars are designed to maintain transition and grip on rough roads. Therefore, it can work on a single differential without any transmission case. Both axle drives provide enough energy to cope with the rough situation on road.
Working
The AWD system designed for roads works differently from the 4WD designed for off-road. The torque from the engine is transferred to an outer shaft to the differential, viscous coupling or multi-plate clutch. Here, the torque is increased and transferred to the rear axle.
In a 4WD system, the torque is increased by transfer case, forwarded to the transmission case, and divided by the differentials. It contains a middle differential that transfers torque to an additional outer shaft increasing the torque at the rear axle.
The difference between AWD torque and 4WD torque is significant because there is a difference in usage of these torques. AWD requires enough torque to pull-out a car from heavy snow or sand. Whereas, 4WD continuously requires higher torque to continue off-roading. Therefore, it is included in the list of best cars for desert driving.
Why 4X4 Cars Can Not Use 4WD System
The AWD and 4WD systems are designed for the same purpose, to provide additional torque to car axles. But these systems can not be used interchangeably. 4WD systems can not be installed in sedans and vice versa. The following reasons explain why a 4WD system can not be used in 4X4 cars (sedans).
- Safety: If a 4WD system is installed in sedans it will provide additional torque and power to the axles. Sedan’s anti-lock braking system and other components may not be able to handle that much power adequately and cause accidents.
- Size: 4WD system contains additional components which require additional space. These components in a sedan can increase its size which will create difficulty in its movement and other essential functions.
- Comfort: Four-wheel drive system engages the rear and front driveshaft together which on plain roads can create shudder and bind ups. Therefore, using 4WD systems can decrease the comfort of a sedan.
This was all about 4×4 cars Vs 4×4 trucks. If you are a real adventure lover, you may prefer 4WD vehicles for off-roading. These vehicles are well-suited and specially designed for this purpose. If you are interested in buying some considerable four-wheel-drive vehicles, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on different wheel drives.
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