Many vehicle drivers understand the concept of both 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive, but they don’t necessarily know the technical details. We want to explain to you what actually the two mean in terms of function and power.
4-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive is often utilized by vehicles that need more power to go off smooth roads and through mud, snow, or tougher terrains. An all-terrain vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive for these purposes, and it plays a major role in traction and control. With four-wheel drive cars, power goes from the transmission to the transfer case. Maximum torque is divided among the front and rear axles via the transfer case. By splitting the power evenly, the transfer case ensures all four wheels turn at the same speed. Vehicles with four-wheel drive offer the best traction for off-road and slippery conditions.
2-Wheel Drive
With two-wheel drive, the engine’s power makes two wheels spin. There’s “front-wheel drive,” which uses the two front wheels to get the vehicle moving, and “rear-wheel drive,” which causes them to get stuck in snow or muddy conditions. Almost all modern cars are front-wheel drive to avoid power loss due to the drive shaft. Rear-wheel is more for performance cars or heavy-duty trucks.
SCS Gearbox
At SCS Gearbox, we know our customers often need special things done to their performance vehicles. From replacement axles to transfer cases, we are in the business of helping you enhance the performance of your vehicle for competition or pleasure. When you’re in need of high performance for your monster truck, tractor, speedboat, or drag racer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Contact SCS Gearbox at 419-483-7278 today to learn more about how we can help with your vehicle’s needs.