As it turns out, "all-wheel drive" refers to vehicles that have permanently engaged or automatically engaging four-wheel-drive capability. "Four-wheel drive" implies the vehicle has manually engaging, temporary four-wheel drive. Your confusion is justified -- the auto industry, in their infinite wisdom, created these seemingly interchangeable terms. The major difference is that most "true" four-wheel-drive vehicles also have a "transfer case" that can provide both a "high range" and a "low range" gear ratio from the engine to the wheels. High is used for slippery conditions on the road, while low is exclusively for off-road use.
Typically a four wheel drive vehicle will have power going from the transfer case, and equally distributed between the front and rear axles. All wheel drive on the other hand relies on a differential type system in the transfer case to distribute power proportionately between the axles, depending on which end has the most traction.
w is four wheel drive, d is two wheel drive
four wheel drive versus two wheel drive
Two wheel drive and four wheel drive
two wheel drive front end sits lower to the ground
4 by four means four wheel drive 4 by 2 means two wheel drive
The C series is two wheel drive. The K series is four wheel drive.
The C series is two wheel drive. The K series is four wheel drive.
The K version is four wheel drive; the C version is two wheel drive (usually the rear axle).
Yes, assuming the car has four wheels, four-wheel-drive is the same thing as all-wheel-drive. Not always, four wheel drive provides a positive lock between the front and rear axles. All wheel drive has a differential between them most of the time.
Four Wheel Drive: When engaged, the power is applied to all four wheels. Low: Some four wheel drive systems have a high and low setting. at Low setting speed is compromised for higher torque and vice versa.
Four wheel drive high is used for everyday purposes such as driving on a snow packed road or light off roading. Four wheel drive low is for special circumstances such as getting out of deep mud and snow or towing a trailer up a steep hill. Four wheel drive should never be used on bare, dry pavement. Use two wheel drive in this circumstance. You will completely ruin your transfer case by using four wheel drive on pavement.
Rear wheel drive or four wheel drive.