I think part of the problem is the use of unclear terminology.. People seem to be attributing different things, to different words.
AWD for example. There have been MANY MANY variations of AWD over the years, as different versions came along. At some point, AWD is usually controlled by some form of computer control. The slippage limitations, for example, are usually controlled mechanically or electronically. This can happen a ton of ways. My old Subaru had AWD and it had a slightly different set up to current versions.
IN general - when one means AWD they mean a system whereby power from the engine can be transmitted in some fashion to every wheel. Different versions do this differently. AWD also, in general, attempts to limit the amount of slip at wheels. Where people who are term nerds like to stay away from this is, this implies not suburb offroad ability. We all know why. Sometimes you need to get the wheels spinning to get off the ice or mud and keep spinning until it gets solid traction. AWD usually doesn't let you do this.
Again. HOW this actually operates is usually controlled by the computer in a car and different makers do it differently.
Honestly, my v8 4runner in full time 4wd operates a lot like my old Subaru did. Almost.. not exactly.
Locking the diff, makes it act a whole lot like my old 4runner.
There are tons of specific technological differences in how specific vehicles operate.. and there are tons of terms thrown around. Full time, part time, multi mode, AWD, GOD MODE traction control.
At some point I think we get caught up in trying to claim our understanding of a term is right.. and then try to assume that our definition matches everyone else..
When it may not.
AWD for example. There have been MANY MANY variations of AWD over the years, as different versions came along. At some point, AWD is usually controlled by some form of computer control. The slippage limitations, for example, are usually controlled mechanically or electronically. This can happen a ton of ways. My old Subaru had AWD and it had a slightly different set up to current versions.
IN general - when one means AWD they mean a system whereby power from the engine can be transmitted in some fashion to every wheel. Different versions do this differently. AWD also, in general, attempts to limit the amount of slip at wheels. Where people who are term nerds like to stay away from this is, this implies not suburb offroad ability. We all know why. Sometimes you need to get the wheels spinning to get off the ice or mud and keep spinning until it gets solid traction. AWD usually doesn't let you do this.
Again. HOW this actually operates is usually controlled by the computer in a car and different makers do it differently.
Honestly, my v8 4runner in full time 4wd operates a lot like my old Subaru did. Almost.. not exactly.
Locking the diff, makes it act a whole lot like my old 4runner.
There are tons of specific technological differences in how specific vehicles operate.. and there are tons of terms thrown around. Full time, part time, multi mode, AWD, GOD MODE traction control.
At some point I think we get caught up in trying to claim our understanding of a term is right.. and then try to assume that our definition matches everyone else..
When it may not.
