What does "4 x 4" mean (referring to cars)?
Asked by
2davidc8 (
10189
)
April 2nd, 2015
I can guess that one of the “4s” refers to 4-wheel drive, but what’s the other “4” for?
And why are there 4×2’s?
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8 Answers
Torque from the engine is delivered to all 4 wheels. Hence, 4 wheel drive.
4X2 means torque is delivered to only 2 wheels. Hence, 2 wheel drive.
4 wheels, 4 wheel drive= 4X4.
4 wheels, 2 wheel drive =4X2.
@kritiper If it’s a 2-wheel drive, what is the first “4” for? Can’t we assume that cars typically have 4 wheels, so if the first “4” refers to wheels, isn’t that redundant and unnecessary?
@2davidc8 I suppose so, but that’s the way it is. Compared especially to the new three wheeled cars, and motorcycles/bicycles. When I talk about 4 wheel drive vehicles, I say “4 wheel drive.” Same with my 2 wheel drive truck.
Who’s says cars or trucks always have 4 wheels?
Up until yesterday, Mercedes was building the G-wagon G63 6×6.
They built around 100 of them.
There is by the way an informal distinction between 4×4 and 4WD.
The latter also delivering torque to all wheels, but through a less versatile system less suitable for all-terrain vehicles.
Well, I suppose an ATV would be a 3×2, a motorcycle would be a 2×1 and a unicycle would be a 1×1.
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