4-HI vs. AWD

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:44 pm

If you're on a muddy forest road which doesn't require 4-LOW what are the differences between using 4-HIGH on a Liberty versus AWD on a Subaru?

Is one better than the other or would they be about the same?

I'm not planning on switching vehicles...........just curious.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:49 pm

Tires and clearance.

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:50 pm

All wheel drive (AWD) is almost the same thing as full time 4WD - it is a system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle at all times as well. Full time symmetric AWD would be the best term to be used. Difference to full time 4WD is that a "4-low" setting is not available in AWD cars. Due to the lack of "low range" AWD vehicles are much less capable in off-road settings than full time 4WD vehicles, but work perfectly well on-road.

Full time 4WD, also called permanent 4WD, (not to be confused with: part time 4WD ) is a system that powers all four wheels at all times and can be used full time on all surfaces including pavement. The additional feature of a differential incorporated into the transfer case makes it possible to use 4WD all the time.
2WD is not available (only part time 4WD offers that option). Each tire creates about 25% of the available torque when the ground is level with a consistant surface. Driver has a choice of a "4-high" (that's your every day setting) and "4-low".
Full time 4WD vehicles work very well on-road and are very capable off-road.

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:03 pm

Tokyojoe wrote:

Tires and clearance.

I was just wondering about the difference between the different drive systems..........4-HI vs AWD.
Like say there was a Jeep Liberty with 4-HI and Jeep Liberty with AWD.

Would the performance basically be the same...........until you needed 4-Low of course?

hooperswish · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:18 pm

The way I understand it, and I am no expert, is that awd is basically 2 wheel drive. If there is wheel slippage, another one of the wheels will kick in for traction. This is nowhere near as good as true 4wd hi. It is just good for wet roads or a couple of inches of snow....(once again, I am no expert and would definitely not bet the farm on this....) :wink:

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:25 pm

JohnnyCash wrote:

Tokyojoe wrote:

Tires and clearance.

I was just wondering about the difference between the different drive systems..........4-HI vs AWD.
Like say there was a Jeep Liberty with 4-HI and Jeep Liberty with AWD.

Would the performance basically be the same...........until you needed 4-Low of course?

Vastly wrong,AWD is nothing like part-time 4wd or even full-time 4wd.

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/diff4WD_AWD.html
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/4WD-AWD-autoAWD.html

Quote:

#3 Full time symmetric AWD is similar to full time 4WD - only it lacks the slow speed torque enhancing low range feature. Can be used full time on all surfaces including pavement.
Symmetric AWD was created as a safety feature for modern day vehicles. Not designed for hard work. Clearly a safer, more comfortable vehicle.******* Rough terrain competence has almost vanished - focus is on added stability and performance.
Limited use for off-road*******.
• All 4 wheels are permanently powered.
Prominent examples: 2006 Mercedes M-Class, Audi Quattro, ******most Subaru******, pre 2006 RAV4

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:48 pm

HERE are some very good visual references to how a 4X4 system works and what is happening . Enjoy watching these, it's neat and informative!

hooperswish · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:56 pm

hooperswish wrote:

The way I understand it, and I am no expert, is that awd is basically 2 wheel drive. If there is wheel slippage, another one of the wheels will kick in for traction. This is nowhere near as good as true 4wd hi. It is just good for wet roads or a couple of inches of snow....(once again, I am no expert and would definitely not bet the farm on this....) :wink:

I guess I am referring to the 'Electronic On-Demand 4-wheel drive (4WD)" This kicks in when needed as with a rav4.

4-HI vs. AWD

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