02-26-2007, 03:24 PM
[quote blusubaru]Right, it's not true for Jeeps because they're 4x4, not AWD.
It gets confusing. What is the definition of AWD? Isn't it the same an on-road 4x4? Off-road 4x4 has all four wheels turning at the same rate, so that if the surface you're driving on doesn't give (like concrete) you'll damage your differentials. While on-road 4x4 allows the wheels to turn at different rates, so you can drive on concrete without damaging the system. Isn't this also what AWD does? The mechanism/components may be different, but the result is the same, right?
My Jeep has the NV242 transfer case (aka SelecTrac) which allows both on-road & off-road 4x4. You just select the mode. So in my view, my Jeep has both what other manufacturers call AWD, plus true off-road 4x4.
I know that not all AWD systems are the same; some only engage when they determine it's necessary, while others are full-time, but is there a real difference between "AWD" and on-road 4x4? I guess a better question is: are full-time AWD systems the same as on-road 4x4 systems?
It gets confusing. What is the definition of AWD? Isn't it the same an on-road 4x4? Off-road 4x4 has all four wheels turning at the same rate, so that if the surface you're driving on doesn't give (like concrete) you'll damage your differentials. While on-road 4x4 allows the wheels to turn at different rates, so you can drive on concrete without damaging the system. Isn't this also what AWD does? The mechanism/components may be different, but the result is the same, right?
My Jeep has the NV242 transfer case (aka SelecTrac) which allows both on-road & off-road 4x4. You just select the mode. So in my view, my Jeep has both what other manufacturers call AWD, plus true off-road 4x4.
I know that not all AWD systems are the same; some only engage when they determine it's necessary, while others are full-time, but is there a real difference between "AWD" and on-road 4x4? I guess a better question is: are full-time AWD systems the same as on-road 4x4 systems?