Being a newbie when it comes to various 4x4 systems I found this site exteremely helpful
http://4x4abc.com/4WD101/4WD-AWD-autoAWD.html
In a nutshell this is what I learnt;-
- Part time 4x4 : Have Front & rear Differentials & No center diff. (2 diff.)Cannot be used on pavement on Hi or Lo.
- Full Time 4x4 : Front & Rear diff. + Central Diff.(3 diff.) Can be used on dry pavement on HI.But need all diffs to be locked when going off road.
- Automatic 4x4 : Are normally 2 wheel drive, converts torque to other other wheels when traction is needed. Read not competant in extereme off road scenarios.
- Combination 4x4 : A combination of one or more of the above systems.
However I have no clue as to which system SUV's in India utilize.
Based on Judgement I think this is how they would be classified. Owners may feel free to correct me if my assumptions are wrong.
I would think competant 4x4 would use Part time systems such as
Endevour, Safari,
Gypsy (all jeeps) &
Scorpio.
Cars oriented more towards handling would use AWD, such as the
Forrester.
Automatic 4x4 : More for traction on gravel and grass rather than out and out off-roading, such as
Honda CRV.
I have no clue about combination systems. Wonder what exotics such as the
Cayenne,
Q7, & the
Touareg use ?
Cheers!
