4WD vs AWD | What Is The Actual DIFFERENCE **Heavy Mechanic Explains**
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- Опубликовано: 12 ноя 2023
- I explained the difference between 4WD and All wheel drive (AWD) systems as a heavy duty mechanic with my Ram 2500 Power wagon 4wd lock system vs a 2023 Subaru outback wilderness edition AWD system. I go over the pros and cons for both the 4wd system and an AWD system you guys can decided and buy what vehicle is best for you.
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With the snow about the start coming down I thought it would be fun to try and explained some major differences between an all-wheel drive system and a traditional 4wd system like you would see in a pick up truck.
a ton of new SUV's and crossovers are all coming in all wheel drive set ups which are great but I think there are some questions as to what is the difference between an awd system and a 4wd system. are they the same or are they actually different.
The first major difference is that Awd vehicles usually utilize a third differential or a center differential which is critical because this is what allows the driveline to not bind up on dry pavement. and this is why AWD vehicles can drive constantly be feeding power to all 4 wheels without worry.
AWD systems are superiors for on road applications because anytime there is a loss of traction power can be diverted to another wheel.
Where an AWD system falls short and where a 4wd system becomes more advantageous is when going off road. because a 4wd system uses a more traditional fully locking transfer case which forces all power to be equally split 50/50 between front and rear drivelines. something an AWD system cannot do with a center diff.
moral of the story is that both 4x4 systems attempt to give the best traction possible but for on road use AWD systems are better and for off road use 4x4 systems tend to be a better fit.
there are obviously exceptions some AWD have fully locking center diffs which make it exactly like a traditional transfer case. but they are far and few between. 
Авто/Мото
Systems in most modern AWD use the brakes to lock the spinning wheel which transfers power to the wheels with traction.
Yeah, I think this dude is a bit biased towards the full 4WD. The AWD he described that can't have one wheel without traction is not a modern one IMO.
I was waiting for this to be explained in the video. Unfortunately it wasn't. Just one step on the gas pedal and the AWD car WILL move forward. Just afraid to do it coz it will fall from the floor jack 🤣Traction control works wonders. Those brakes are basically like clutches, you have 4 of them individually controlled by computer, turning open diffs into limited slip in an instant.
Exactly. He said they tested the Outback Wilderness. They didn't show that. The OBW redistributes power and would have pulled away.
Wr0ng that AWD will selectively use the brake to lock the spinning wheel and move.
@@carlosumobile7439 Limited slip differentials use clutches to stop or slow down one side of the axle with least traction. Clutches are also BRAKES! The new traction control systems are just utilzing what is already in the car (brakes and wheel speed sensor) and engaging the brakes electronically, acting like a limited slip differential without the added hardware
That was confusing and incomplete. You used your friend's Audi to demonstrate open diffs in AWD but you have a Subaru sitting next to your truck and show a Honda Ridgeline at the start and those AWD systems behaves very differently.
*the gold-standard is the Toyota/Lexus Full-time 4WD system. Lockable center **_TORSEN_** LSD... no clutch packs in the torsen type C center diff...all mechanical... 60/40 split... lock it for 50/50... toyota owns torsen... this system is on the Landcruiser, GX460, LX600, 4runner limited and some Sequoias* ... *in your subaru wheel in the air test it spun because its a clutch based system... the Toyota system will lock up onse it senses the torque*
Torsens don’t have an infinite torque bias (usually 2.5-4 depending on the model) so they are also stuck when a tire has no traction unless some braking is done.
I have a Landcruiser with a center viscous, and both that and the torsen are proven full time 4WD systems, but I think the full time system in F150s offers superior traction and handling. They use an electro-magnetic multi-plate wet clutch pack and proactively distribute power based on a number of factors (throttle/ brake input, pitch, roll, yeah, etc). An improvement over older systems like what Toyota uses where you have to break traction first before they react. And you can still lock into 4WD to distribute up to 100% of torque to one axle.
The Sequoia's also have 2WD mode. I frequently use 4WD LOW un-locked to back my trailer up steep hills. It's one of the best transfer cases I have ever had.
On a side note, my Isuzu has synchronized high-low shift in the transfer case so I can use low range with the hubs open like a crawler gear, shift into high then make the 1-2 shift.
@tyeetamer torsen in this context is in the CENTER. So it's balancing axles (front/rear) not individual tires. Slip is necessary on a LSD otherwise it would be locked. So allowing some slip is the whole idea
@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROADYes, my comment was regarding center differentials and other ways of achieving AWD . . .
How many WRC or Dakar Rally events has Toyota won?
I feel like the only thing missing is a discussion about the applications and advantages of lockers in 4wd systems.
thats just what i was about to say, those rams have front and rear diff lock
My 17 explorer is 4WD auto. Works wonderful in snow, mud, sand, up hill gravel and all. Actually saw how it works when I was on ice today. Super interesting and cool. Saw all 4 wheels spin at the same time..then the front only then the back only then all 4 again. So interesting to watch it work
Thank you so much for this video - it was very helpful and entertaining!
I live in Germany and I'm quite new to the truck & 4x4 topic...😅I bought a new RAM 1500 Classic with the 5,7 HEMI 2,5 years ago and made a dream for me come true🤗. I guess that my truck has also the classic 4 WD system - no auto 4 WD. I do now understand much better the differences.
I do enjoy your videos (also the mechanic reviews and the towing) a lot! Great job! 👏👍
Perfectly explained! Thanks. I am a Ford guy but will say that your Ram 2500 is a beautiful truck!
I own a Subaru and a Ram. This really helped me further understand the difference between the AWD and 4x4 system. Subbed. Thank you!
I own a footsubishi and I will also keep that in mind
What you prefer ?
Great video and explanation of the various traction systems and how they work! I have an old '96 Nissan Patrol which is a true old-school, solid axle front and rear, 4x4 with a transfer case, and it's never ever let me down. My Patrol is not my daily driver, but when I do use it offroad, it never fails to put a huge smile on my face! Warm greetings from South Africa!
Great video, man. I appreciate your style and explanation. I'm looking to get a 4x4 so this helps a lot.
This is weird. You actually taught me quite a bit. I know little about AWD systems. You did great teaching. Really appreciate it bud.
lol happy you got something out of it!
Hi, many great details in a short package. Excellent job. I own a Ram 1500 with « Auto mode » and we spend 99% of the time on it during winter time. It is also great when we pull our boat (6000 pounds with trailer) up the hill (gravel) and reach the road (asphalt) and perform a 90 degrees turn without stopping (while blocking the road) to unlock the differential required on 4x4 (not really safe) One of my relative changed his F150 for a newer model just to get the Auto mode after he drove my Ram during a winter trip between asphalt and icy roads. Keep up the good work!
My Guy thank you very much for this video one of the bests videos I've seen. I drove my 4x4 on a hard gravel road and felt the high tention torque on system en wheel spinning and though something was wrong and diff locking without turning, this explains thank you
Great video! The overheating of driveline clutches is not a frequently mentioned point- great to see you explaining it!
Very informative. Good job. Enough information here to make a decision based on my driving needs.
Ive seen that same Subaru in your video. Climbing a snow covered mountain side. He went well past where the trucks, had too turn around
I don't think so.
Very well explained and educational! I just got myself a Crosstrek Wilderness and man oh man is this thing capable! Like a mountain goat lol. Sure it's not like my old Tacoma that I had with the transfer case and all but still I'm very impressed with its offroad and deep snow performance.
Well what I didn't mentioned because I didn't want to confuse everyone is that the Subaru AWD system is heavily electronically controls and will brake certain wheels to force power to other wheels. So they are very capable little beasts. but I figured I would try and stick to basics.
@@TheGettyAdventures this is still the basics with AWD. Your demonstration of AWD in this video is highly misleading
Its interesting how not all tests were performed/shown on camera so that side by side comparisons could be observed between the different vehicles. With all modern Subarus, like the one shown in this video, they are equipped with many ways to dynamically control the drivetrains at all 4 wheels independently. The Vehicle Dynamics Control and ABS modules both work to stop single tire wheel spin like what was shown with the Audi. They also work to apply more torque to tires that do have traction rather than blindly applying all power to a spinning wheel. Now I am not saying the Subaru AWD system is superior to a true 4wd drivetrain off road, it is not. However, I am pointing out that the Subaru AWD system (especially in modern vehicles) is not simply useless when one tire loses traction.
100% correct. the modern Subaru uses all kinds of cool electronic aids to help control the flow of power to different wheels. There are many different AWD set up and systems and the Subaru is a very advanced system but I was just trying to get to the basics and the differences between the two systems.
💯%
Same with the Audi. Audi had locking rear differentials up until 1995 and then they moved to automatic locking using the ABS system in 1996. They must have disabled that system for this test. Unfortunately people like this can spread a lot of misinformation.
Maybe make a Part 2 of trucks /SUV's/Jeeps etc highlighting advantages/disadvantages of each and your personal experiences.
I'm new to AWD in my Mazda coming from a pickup trucks for years but man this thing is fun on the road. I take corners pretty fast in the rain with total confidence. My luck may run out one of these days when the tires get worn down but I love how sticky it is compared to my trucks that will just peel and burn rubber trying to get up steeply sloped wet pavement. I'd say AWD if you stay on pavement or gravel but 4wd if you really need to go driving around in the mud or rock crawling. Which is something I stopped doing with the price of the vehicles topped the $60k USD point. That activity has been discontinued.
He sums up what I've told people in a simple yet educated and professional manner.
I like to think I do a decent job of explaining but I am not a certified mechanic.
Thanks Heavy Mechanic . 👍
Thank you sir!
Thank you very much. I have read , watched but never got it . This video helped a lot.
Great video, as always. I owned a 2008 Subaru WRX STI, and that did have the ability to lock the center diff, an LSD rear, and a Torsen front. That being said, ground clearance isn't going to allow the kind of off-road driving a truck or SUV would. An AWD for a different purpose, for sure. A video on 4wd auto would be awesome.
Yes I read that the higher end STI's had the ability to fully lock up the center diff which is really cool. makes a lot of sense if you are in some deep snow
@@TheGettyAdventures
It has absolutely gotten me out of some serious snow. Went sideways into a 2 foot drift in a blizzard with the wife. The wife looked at me and asked "Now what?" Now I lock the diff, back up, and we drive home. And we did.
Bro the awd system you explained does not exist anymore. That Subaru have a x mode system that can send power to the wheel that have traction. The with the ridgeline.
Same with the Audi. Audi had locking rear differentials up until 1995 and then they moved to automatic locking using the ABS system in 1996. They must have disabled that system for this test. Unfortunately people like this can spread a lot of misinformation.
He completely skipped putting the subie up on a jack. It’s his bias showing. I’ve seen wrx’s walk through sections lifted trucks couldn’t. Same in the snow.
Subaru owner for decades, like you said, on the highway or rural roads the Subie keeps traction at speed when you hit an icy spot, or big rain puddle, even wet roads it feels stuck to the pavement. I've driven Subarus in the desert on sandy roads, and snow in the mountains. Happy trails!
My Suzuki SX4 has three modes: 2wd, 4wd-auto, and 4wd-lock (locking differential). I lock the diff if heavy snow and have never been stuck. Great car!
Those cars have a really cool manually activated locking system. Not great cars in all other ways but I like that they can do that.
GREAT information, thanks!
I have an Outback and a Ram Ecodiesel. Both are great in the snow, but the Ram is better and gets better mpg! Got over 32 mpg driving in a blizzard in 4x4 Auto mode. Don't use 4x4 Lock or Low range much, but when you need it, it's awesome.
The Subaru's always seem to be great in the snow. they have some really cool electronic wheel controls that helps with slippage. And honestly the difference between 4wd lock and 4wd auto is almost nothing.
@@TheGettyAdventureswhat do you mean? Isn’t 4wd auto basically rwd untill rear slips and it then engages front? While 4wd lock is a 4wd all the time (and only be used on slippery roads)? Or did I get something wrong?
Great explanation! Thank you!!
Excellent video, BTW your truck sounds GREAT!👍
Just a good old fashion factory exhaust. but the 6.4 Hemi has that really nice deep tone.
Unfortunately, it's not so easy. And when you pointed to the Outback and said it has center differential, I chuckled. Outbacks have no center diff for over a decade now, only a clutch :))
Would have like to see the Subaru on the jack.
Yeah, I think the AWD system (if not completely disengaged somehow) would've driven the other wheels without problem. I'm a bit amazed that the Audi didn't have any capacity to do the same?
I've seen tests where a Subaru (and some other brand I can't remember) moved when only one wheel had traction.
After watching a few of these videos on 4WD vs. AWD, I’ve deduced that there are a plethora of AWD systems and each, individually compare differently to standard 4WD. My Porsche Turbo has AWD (a superb track vehicle), but is a totally different system than my Range Rover AWD (an excellent off-road vehicle). Can you explain the differences? All computer controlled. How about a video on the different systems, the mechanics, and how they are set up. I would venture to guess that a AWD Range Rover programmed for off road would perform better than your RAM.
I cant comment on the Porsche Turbo, cause that could mean any number of vehicle but modern Range Rovers use what is called Permanent 4WD. Which means that by default its AWD. And assuming you have on of the more modern Range Rovers with Terrain Response it's full-time AWD with an Active Locking Center that will automatically lock it into 4WD. It uses clutch packs apple variable amounts of locking force to the center diff. And also to the rear diff if you get the optional rear diff lock
Very surprised you omitted locking differentials.
Great explanation. I never knew about "4 WD Auto." Thank you
I had a very rare 1990 Mazda MPV, wish I still had it. It was a 5 speed standard, the floor shift had a shift on the fly AWD button in the center of the shift knob. It also had a column shift lever, this was used for selecting hi or low range, and there was a center diff lock switch on this lever. So it had it all, RWD, AWD, 4WD, 2 speed transfer case! Just needed lockers LOL
Great vid Alex, which of the systems is most practical for winter driving in Northern climates 85/15 pavement to off road usage?
I like the borgwarner in our h3 adventure.. planetary type diff for 60/40 split rather than clutches for "awd" then fully locking 4hi and 4low when needed along with rear locker.
Algorithm recommended your channel and happy to subscribe, this was a wonderful video and it was great seeing the 4WD Ram locking up it's wheels.
Didn't know Auto 4WD also depended on clutch packs. I know modern Subarus w the CVT transmission also use a (wet) clutch pack in order to achieve the desired power split; never mind the amounts of software and trickery employed on modern systems to try to simulate locking diffs. It's been interesting to see the evolution of said software packages and the limitations placed on it in some iterations, like 2015 outbacks that although having X-mode(more agressive AWD settings for off road use), seem to be limited by transmission temp as opposed to actual power from the engine.
You could probably make a more detailed video just on variations of AWD systems and I'm sure the comments would be fair and entirely reasonable lol.
Hello! You got it a little bit wrong, newer Subaru's like this don't have a center diff, they have a multi plate center clutch like all awd vehicles, they call it Active Torque Split with a 60/40 default torque split.
Very nice and clear, yeah I'd like to see a video only for auto AWD system, many brands use for example the haldex which is not that bad in some context.
Hell yeah buddy, your video are awesome thanks
Happy you like em sir!
Great video man. Great explanation for sure. Well done..
Appreciate it!
When driving the Ram in the gravel it appeared to me that he had at least the rear differential locked, which isn’t how you would normally use it… My 21 F-150 has a locking rear differential along with 4wd, and just locking my rear differential while in 2wd the inside rear tire will do exactly what his Ram did in 4wd…
Try that one wheel off the ground with the Honda/Acura I-VTM4 or SHAWD. It'll move the car without any problem. To make it fair.. you can lift the front wheel off the ground since it is FWD bias.
Thanks for the great video!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for this video. I have one little problem: why didn't you try that back-wheel-in-the-air trick with the Wilderness? My guess is that you know that the Wilderness would have detected the issue and put brakes on that spinning wheel, making the car move forward. Something the old Audi wasn't able to do.
Also, a 4WD system is indeed better offroad than most AWD, but only if they can lock their front and/or back diffs. Without such diffs, other things being equal (tires, ground clearance, etc...) I'd take a modern AWD over that 4WD without front/back lockers.
I agree. He deliberately avoided demonstrating the Subaru Outback on the Jack.
Interesting. I always thought it was just semantics. Great explanation.
Try the one wheel spin with the Subaru like you did with the Audi. I guarantee the car will move.
Most modern awd systems would move easily in a situation like this, that said the current Subaru awd system is very good. Not sure of the year of that Audi but I can't see any newer ones not moving in that scenario
The Audi just needs its 1500 mile reoccurring service, then maybe it will move.
Same with the Audi. Audi had locking rear differentials up until 1995 and then they moved to automatic locking using the ABS system in 1996. They must have disabled that system for this test. Unfortunately people like this can spread a lot of misinformation.
The Subaru's system would have dragged the jack as well. In fact, you could have had any of the 3 wheels off the ground and it still would have moved forward. Shocking that you had the opportunity to demonstrate that, yet you didn't.
Because the Subaru would have easily came off the jack, LOL. There is a big RAM - ahem, correction - reason why he didn't do a fair test with the Subaru or a modern Audi Quattro.
Anyone with a functioning braincell can see the bias.
Same with the Audi. Audi had locking rear differentials up until 1995 and then they moved to automatic locking using the ABS system in 1996. They must have disabled that system for this test. Unfortunately people like this can spread a lot of misinformation.
Thank you.. Well done!
My 75 f250 was full time 4x4. Eats more fuel, but it can be locked. Locking axle differentials are a big part of the equation too
Best explanation on the differences i've seen. This video also made me want a Power Wagon
Everyone needs a Power Wagon in their life!
Great video, thanks!
This video confirms that I really fucked up buying an overpriced 4x4 2011 Ford Ranger XLT a couple months ago. Not because it was overpriced, but because I'll relatively rarely get to actually enjoy the benefits of the 4x4. Don't get me wrong, I do really like the truck, but as someone who doesn't off-road and who only gets a few months of snowy weather each year, I really should have purchased something else with either an AWD system or a 4WD Auto system. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that mine has the open diff, not even the limited slip. Ugh.
It's a bummer, but oh well. The 4x4 has come in handy a couple times this winter. It's just annoying to finally realize that something like a Subaru/Honda/Mazda AWD SUV-type vehicle would be far more practical for my lifestyle.
At least these Rangers hold their value :) I'll give it at least a couple years of owning it before making a change.
Check out the Honda Pilot Touring AWD.
ruclips.net/video/fqtTLSqIiB8/видео.htmlsi=Ka5CwTPSR4IdCjqQ
2 minutes in, and you're already wrong, lol. The subaru doesn't actually have a center differential. It uses a clutch pack/PTU system. The only difference between it and the "fake" awd system in that honda is that the subaru has it programmed to be always on under throttle. Otherwise its FWD
Cool video.
I liked & subscribed.
Thats the good thing about Pajeros / Monteros it has an advance 4x4 super select transmission way ahead of it's time, even to some modern vehicles now.
It has full time 4wd (4wd auto) and central locked 4wd (4wd) 4h and 4L.
Some latest 4x4 now their 4h are not true 4x4 but actually 4wd auto. so they can only get the true 4x4 on 4L.
This was a fasciniating and very well explained video. Thank you!
Show the Subaru with a tire in the air. The new Subarus have individual wheel braking to shuffle power to wheels with traction so one wheel off the ground is no problem just watch videos they are impressive. Subarus awd should be in its own category.
Same with the Audi. Audi had locking rear differentials up until 1995 and then they moved to automatic locking using the ABS system in 1996. They must have disabled that system for this test. Unfortunately people like this can spread a lot of misinformation.
Nice update. Part time 4wd trucks are problematic for people looking for something that does well in mixed weather conditions, like Subaru and auto 4wd cars/trucks.
Toyota tundra only offers part time 4wd. I think this is true with Sequoia as well. Titan also.
Subaru offers locking center differential.
Exactly, a traditional 4wd system is not great for transitioning conditions while driving on the road. 4wd auto or awd systems are just better for on-road use in most cases. And yes I heard the STI's could come with a full locking center diff
Gen II Sequoia's have 2WD, 4HI, 4LO both unlocked or locked with a center Torsen diff. So you can drive around town essentially in AWD mode. You can also do it in 4LO, which is great for manuvering trailers on grass and not tearing up the ground. It is the best DO-ALL transfer case I have ever used.
I didn't know gen 2 has a torsen center diff. I don't think the gen 3 sequoia has a torsen center diff.
So did you drive your old Ram in 4wd auto all the time or did you drive it in 2wd and only engage the 4wd auto when it may be slippery conditions in some places?
The 2 different Subaru Xmodes makes things a bit different. You didn't talk about it all.
Yeah, I suspect there is a reason the Subaru jacked up wheel test wasn't shown😊
Same with the Audi. Audi had locking rear differentials up until 1995 and then they moved to automatic locking using the ABS system in 1996. They must have disabled that system for this test. Unfortunately people like this can spread a lot of misinformation.
THANK YOU for this video...
I have a 2022 PW and it's most def beast mode in winter storms and off road!
The PW is wonderful in snow storms. nice and heavy but tons of ground clearance.
My favorite part of the video is now I have a new way to say Audi (aw-di) instead of (ow-di).
I have a 2020 Ram 1500 with the auto feature. 99.9% of the time is spent on road. Unfortunately it has open differentials, I know a true locker like ARB would be great off road but I was thinking of installing an Eaton truck trac for best traction on wet roads and snow. I think in conjunction with the brake activated traction control it would help off road as well. What’s your thoughts?
4WD Auto has improved to the point where most manufacturers completely couple the clutch pack together when set to 4WD Lock, which eliminates slippage and thus any heating or wear for off-road use. Other then cost and complication\more points of failure, the main disadvantage is either size and weight when made tough enough to match the strength of part-time 4WD, or strength and durability when made to fit inside an area designed for a part-time 4WD transfer case.
I would not leave it in full time\auto 4WD while off-road in low to no traction conditions; that mode is really meant for mixed conditions of both high and low traction, like paved roads in poor weather conditions where the clutch pack will be engaging less often and under lower loads.
Mitsubishi Magna AWD
50/50 split rear limited slip differential with viscous centre coupling
When on the highway it’s more 70 rear 30 front
Same AWD system as Evo6/galant Vr4
All mechanical works great has been on beach and thick mud never gotten stuck yet
Loves wet grassy hills
Great video, so is a maverick not a true AWD?
Ok now i am confused, so what does my 02 Sequoia have? I can have 2wd, 4hi on the go without locking the center diff(AWD) and 4lo with and with out locking the transfer case. I always tought it was a similiar system as the land cruiser.
I think you should clarify the the segment about wheel hop on the Power Wagon. You can drive the Power Wagon on dry pavement in 4WD with no problem because both differentials are open when not locked.But you can’t drive it on dry pavement if the axles are locked. The owners manual states 4WD High can be driven on pavement up to 55 mph. I apologize if I misunderstood what you were saying. That aside, this is a very informative video. Thanks for the great content, as usual.
As far as I know, RAM only uses part-time 4WD transfer cases from New Venture or Borg Warner in their HD trucks. They do not have a center coupling or differential, so they should NOT be driven on dry pavement for long periods of time. Any turning will result in binding because the front wheels take a shorter path around a turn than the rear. It has nothing to do with the differentials in the axles.
Appreciate the comment! So I guess maybe where the misunderstanding is that none of my diffs were locked. Both front and rear were left wide open. The front and rear drive shafts spin at different speeds going into the fully locked transfer case when turning. This results in one wheel being forced to skip.
Fun story, my girlfriend used to drive my PW to work (shorter distance) and I left the truck in 4wd for a thumbnail picture. She called me and said the truck will not move when she turned and she was panicking because she thought she broke something. she took the truck out of 4wd and everything was fine. This was because on dry pavement to driveline was completely binding up.
It's a tough concept the wrap your head around but an AWD system uses 3 differentials and that 3rd diff or center diff takes of that difference in speed of the front and rear driveshaft. where my truck has only two differentials and a locked transfer case instead of a 3rd differential therefore causing binding.
What about a full time 4wd system like my jeep trailhawk has. My jeep will act like a truck in 4wd when i turn especially at low speeds. When turning my tires skip and i get the 4wd bind
If you get a chance, please make a video of AWD in electric vehicles and how that works, its advantages, disadvantages, such as reliability, effectiveness, etc.
My VW Touareg has a center lock for off roading. Other models come with center and rear locks!
A video on how 4wd lock works on a 4wd auto system and if that mode still has the negatives of the 4wd auto mode. A Nissan patrol/Amarda is one capable off roader with this system, never heard of situations where you get clutch pack slip for example.
Thank you for showing the difference between a soft roader and an off roader!
lol The power wagon goes anywhere it can fit!
Great video I wish you can find RAM Dooley for the review diesel, of course lol
Would like to start getting into more 3500's as well!
As a owner or 4x4 vehicle, I'd say it's easily one the vehicle options ever.
Hello Mr Getty? I guess that's your name...just came to mention also that driving in 4WD generally on tarmac and any hard surface EVEN IN A STRAIGHT LINE will put stress on your driveline. Not just turns and corners. There's always slight differences in wheel speeds between left and right, front and rear axles too. When in 4x4 on hard surfaces this shortens component life
Where the audi and subaru benefit is in weight. They really have an awd system that is superior to most. Problem is subaru ruined their potential once going cvt. Torque delivery is no where near as good at slow speed crawling. But the weight difference is why they will out climb trucks any day of the week.
Excellent point. In real world situations it's always the big trucks and FWD cars that are stuck in the ditch in winter.
Really missed the boat here. The Honda torque vectoring AWD system is anything but a replica system, it’s a different approach that has a lot of efficiency advantages and still performs quite well. Videos here on RUclips of a Ridgeline going up an icy road with little issue while a 2500 Ram 4wd is just spinning all 4 of its tires.
Dude doesn’t understand the Hondas system
Honda's last gen pilot and passport have one of the best awd system for off-roading with torque vectoring power distribution.
Great explanation. It's hard to beat a 4 wheel drive, except for 4 wheel drive + front and rear lockers!
Bingo, when both diffs are locked on this truck It just goes anywhere (anywhere it can fit lol)
@@TheGettyAdventures Try it with slicks in the snow... Tire grib is king. No grib, no go GI... Take it from one who drove in the snow and snot slick hills of Korea while in the Army. Even 10 wd Duce and a Halves don't go up hill with slick tires.
Is there a lower speedy limit for 4H? For example can I drive at 5mph in 4H mode?
Because of this video, I also learned FWD cars don't need a rear differential because the rear wheels are sitting on a axle beam and spin independently of each other. *mind blown*
Nice vid👍👏 Only the Pajero / Montero / Shogun Super Select System has the ability to drive in AWD (4H) on dry pavement.
Jeep has had full time 4WD for decades.
You forgot to mention that modern AWD systems use computerized wheel braking to redirect power to the wheels with traction. Granted, it is not as effective as a true locker, but it does give some additional traction to AWD systems.
The funny thing is so do the AWD cars in the video. Audi has been using an electronic locking system that uses ABS to lock spinning wheels. This guy must have disabled it just to get views.
I absolutely love my 2018 RAM Power Wagon!!
My front/rear locker indicator light is blinking continuously. Have you had that problem? I’ve read it’s likely metal debris on a sensor in the differential
@@lesliechow7286 I have not seen this indication yet.
“Drag the jack forward” SKETCHYYYYYYY 😂
It was a little sketchy lol but I think if the truck fell off the jack everything would of been okay!
7:58 is that Audi’s door a different color?
Our RDX delivers power front and rear, that test wouldn’t work. It also wouldn’t work on the Subaru because of brake vectoring. It would apply brake to the elevated wheel or wheels and put power to the wheels on the ground. Bronco Sport Badlands and Maverick Tremor have a rear clutch that locks the rear putting power to both rear wheels along with brake vectoring.
Is the Subaru forester AWD permanent and is it better than Tiguan 4 motion -- can you please do a video comparing 4 motion to the Subaru
Good video!
Definitely would appreciate a video on 4WD Auto. Have a Ram 1500 with it, I incorrectly assumed it would auto decide between 4HI and 4Low, but you seem to be saying that it actually auto decides between 2wd and 4wd...interesting.
And as a follow up, as a daily driver on paved roads, what would be the advantage or disadvantage to just leaving it in 4wd auto instead of 2wd, so I wouldn't have to remember to put it into 4wd auto on a rainy day?
The truck is going to run in 2wd unless slip is detected then it's supposed to switch to 4WD hi. If you are in serious snow or mud I would switch to 4 high if you need the traction. I don't know how long it will take for the computer to decide to engage 4x4.
Auto mode engages the axle disconnect at all times. Then, the clutch pack controls power to the front axle. You can leave it on all the time at the expense of a little fuel economy.
@@KPHVACThis is incorrect. Modern trucks with 4Auto engaged are always sending power to the front axle, the electromagnetic clutch just varies the torque distribution and allows for slipping to prevent drivetrain binding on higher traction surfaces.
I had a ‘14 Cherokee that was awd, it was ~70/30 bias to front wheels unless it got slippy, or if you changed the drive mode to snow,mud,sand then it was more 50/50, but still had the slip differential so you didn’t normally skip tires in tight turns.
5:42 not exactly, the front and rear axels spin at the same speed when in 4wd. That’s the problem because when turning sharply the rear wheels take a shorter track through the turn. Best example to see this is when a semi truck makes a turn and the rear wheels of the trailer cut the turn short. Since the rear wheels spin at the same rate as the front wheels in 4wd, they have to slip since they’re traveling less distance. Otherwise the rear axel will break since it spins at the same speed as the front axel.
Someone tell him about Subaru Xmode
Any idea how an AWD Transit would compare with a 2 wheel drive Transit with an e locker on the back diff for off road and for snowy roads?
The AWD Transit will perform better. I wouldn't come to this guy for answers though. He's either highly miseducated or intentionally misleading people.
The Subaru has torque vectoring and when one wheel spins the brake stops and puts power to the other wheels. Not quite locking but it works
Right. And the Audi has a similar system. They must have disabled it for this video.
A failure on xdrive awd is the dependance on wheel speed detection. If an axle breaks, it free spins and and good 3 wheels get no power.
A 4x4 would usually offer a diff lock to keep you crawling.
An accurate but grossly oversimplified explanation. I couldn't help but notice you left out the electronics completely. Modern all-wheel drive cars have sophisticated sensors that would sense the spinning wheel, lock it, and send power to the other wheels with traction to get the car unstuck. Using computers and sensors, they can do 8-9/10th of what a dedicated 4x4 can do.
That was strange how he left that information out. Audi has had that system in place since 1996 so they must have disabled it for the test in this video.