Let’s see the difference between 4×4 vehicles (4-wheel drive) and Normal vehicles (2-wheel drive)? If you are an automobile enthusiast or not, you might have heard about 4×4 Vehicles or 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles. The SUV`s have a huge market share and now vehicle buyers are also confused about the 4WD and 2WD options. We will be discussing the differences between 4 Wheel drive and 2 Wheel Drive vehicles and also will look deep into different aspects, and also the advantages and disadvantages of either of the two.
What is 4 Wheel Drive and 2 Wheel Drive?
In a 4 Wheel Drive car, the engine is connected to both the axles of the vehicle. In simple terms in 4 Wheel Drive vehicles, the engine provides torque to all 4 wheels simultaneously.
In 2 Wheel Drive vehicles the engine is connected to one of the 2 axle`s and the engine provides torque to the respective axle. The other axle spins as a consequence of the torque of the axle connected to the engine. There are 2 types of 2 Wheel Drive Vehicles; Rear Wheel Drive and Front Wheel Drive. In the former engine is connected to the wheels at the back and in the later, the engine is connected to the front wheels
Pros and Cons of 2 Wheel Drive Vehicles
Fuel Efficiency: One of the prime reasons behind the popularity of 2 Wheel Drive Vehicles over the other is that as the engine is sending power to only one axle, comparing to 4 Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles less power is needed. Hence they are more fuel-efficient.
Less Expensive: 2 Wheel Drive vehicles are less expensive compared to others. As you might have guessed by now the engine needs to be connected to only one axle and there aren`t many complications involved comparing to the others.
Lighter: 2 Wheel Drive Vehicles weigh less compared to others and hence they are more agile
Now talking about the cons
Less Power: 2 Wheel Drive Vehicles gives less power that 4 Wheel Drive Models
Not for All Terrains: 2 Wheel Drives can be the best vehicle for Drive within the city limits. In other terrains like hill station roads and off-roads, 2 Wheel Drive will fail. In such terrains, the vehicle needs more power and 4 Wheel Drive will help for better traction
Pros and Cons of 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles
Better traction: As all the 4 wheels are engaged simultaneously in a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle it helps in more traction.
More Grip: 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle weigh more and hence this weight helps in the better grip for the tires on roads.
More Power: 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle engines are more powerful. They deliver torque to both axles simultaneously.
Easy on Dangerous Roads: Better traction, Better grip and more power make 4 Wheel drive the better option on Steep roads, Off Roads etc.
Now talking about the cons
Low Fuel Efficiency: 4 Wheel Drive engines require more power, hence the fuel efficiency is less compared to 2 Wheel Drive Vehicles which requires only less power
Expensive: 4 Wheel Drive vehicles are Expensive compared to the 2 wheel Drive ones
Which one is for Whom?
4 Wheel Drive is for the people who love offloading, or makes frequent travel to hilly areas. 2 wheel Drive Vehicles are for the people who drive on city roads and flat terrains, and prefer fuel efficiency overpower.