this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2024
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Weird News - Things that make you go 'hmmm'
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The main difference is the additional physical gearing for 4 high and 4 low gears, both of which have different gearing than "regular" drive.
I have an older Audi with a Torsen Quattro AWD system, and an ancient Toyota 4Runner with 4WD. The 4Runner can be switched into either 4 wheel high or 4 wheel low gears to deal with different conditions. The Audi always has the same gearing, it cannot be switched.
It's like the gears on a bicycle - 4 low is the one where you barely move while standing on the pedals - maximum torque per revolution.
You can go rock crawling in a 4Runner in 4 low. You really should not go rock crawling in an Audi or Subaru without 4 low, no matter how much ground clearance the vehicle has.
The National Park Service has this rule because it doesn't want to spent time and taxpayer money rescuing people who think AWD is the same as 4WD with a low range gearbox.
Subaru has x-mode for difficult terrain, which is different gearing. They also have hill descent. https://www.sportsubaru.com/subaru-x-mode.htm
Why would you want 4wd with wasted energy when you could have symmetrical awd and get all the power to wheels that have traction, skipping those that don't have traction?
I only see awd outperform 4wd when it comes to a subie, but other awd systems from other manufacturers are probably not up to snuff.
Edit: meant to say symmetrical awd instead of slip differential.
What color is your Subaru?
Was metallic gray, can't see the paint any longer. Dented, scratched, and brown. You okay?
What color is your jeep commander that sits in a driveway 99% of the year?
Kinda greenish blue