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What is 2×4 vs 4×4 car?

4WD vs 2WD: Difference Between 4×4 vs 4×2

4×4 vs 4×2

It’s a common misconception that 4×4 means that all four wheels are turning at the same time and at the same speed. When a four-wheeled vehicle turns the outside tires turn faster than the inside tires. The differential in the axle will compensate for the further distance the outside wheel travels than the inside wheel.

When you’re driving on a slippery surface, the engine’s power goes to the wheels with the least amount of traction, so whichever wheel slips the most gets the most power. That’s because the laws of nature i.e. physics tell us that force will always go with the least amount of resistance.

When the OHV is in four-wheel drive mode, the front and rear axles are synchronized so that at least one wheel on each drive axle can be effectively driven by the engine’s power.

If you’re in a 4×2 vehicle, you can make it 4×4 behavior by depressing the brake pedal slightly to slow down the spinning wheel and transfer that wheel’s energy to the wheel through traction.

4×4（4WD）

A 4×4 vehicle with four-wheel drive (4WD). “4×4” in a 4WD vehicle means there are a total of 4 wheels and 4 wheels are driven. Utility quads are usually 4×4.

4 x 2（2WD）

4×2, or 2WD, is a vehicle that has two-wheel drive (2WD) with four-wheel drive. “4×2” in a 2WD vehicle means a total of 4 wheels and 2 wheels. The driven wheels can be rear or front, but are usually rear. Sport ATVs are usually 4×2.

part time buggies

What this means is that an OHV has an 4WD system that operates on demand and synchronizes the front and rear axles via a single gear shifter to send power to all four wheels. Part-time four-wheel drive usually includes two speed ranges Hi and Lo.

Compatible 4WD systems must be used in 2WD mode on pavement, concrete or other hard sticky surfaces. They should only be used in specific situations when you need extra traction, and damage can happen if you drive on hard surfaces.

Full-time 4WD

This refers to a four-wheel drive system that can operate on all surfaces at all times. AWD is often an option for part-time operation, so you can switch to 2WD on concrete or pavement. Full-time 4WD systems don’t always have Hi and Lo speed ranges.

Automatic Four Wheel Drive (A4WD)

This type of drive system automatically engages 4WD when needed. This is accomplished with monitors that sense varying wheel speeds, which then engage 4WD. The Polaris Ranger EV has this automatic system.

flying in four wheel drive

This 4WD system allows the driver to manually shift from 2WD to 4WD Hi without having to stop first. These systems usually have a speed limit at which you can use the system; usually under 60 mph. OHVs that use electronic actuators (like buttons and shifters) only allow shifting to 4WD-Hi at rated rpm, so pressing the button won’t attempt to engage 4WD.

A vehicle with a paddle shifter may not know when the vehicle is going too fast to shift into 4WD Hi, so damage could result. If you have an On the Fly 4WD system, please consult your owner’s manual.

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

All-wheel drive is a full-time, single-speed four-wheel-drive system that will send power to all four wheels. Each system has a different front to rear power transfer ratio.

off-road driving tips