[Fot] What's the difference?

[Glenn Franco]

I retired as a development engineer from a company most known for 4WD 
vehicles.
Bottom line is there are as many variations as there are models 
available for sale. And as the technology has progressed, the hardware 
has changed a the same or faster pace.

It used to be that AWD vehicles had an interaxle differential that 
prevented crabbing or wrap up of the front axle on high mugh surfaces.
The interaxle differential in the transfer case progressed to include 
viscous drives, hydraulic, electronic actuation.
Most are truly not 4 wheel drive because they have open differentials.

The most advanced have differentials that lock when wheel spin is present.
Drive a Jeep or Truck with part time 4wd with lockers on the front and 
rear axles on dry pavement vs a new Jeep or truck or pass car with AWD. 
Big difference.

Bottom line the PR guys name the systems after they are engineered and 
developed regardless of the hardware used.

Glenn

On 1/24/2014 9:50 AM, BillDentin at aol.com wrote:
> Amici...
>
> What is the difference, if any, between AWD and 4WD?  Why do manufacturers
> make a distinction?
>
> Bill Dentinger
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