TECH TALK: ALL ABOUT FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE | PART 1

Is AWD and 4WD the same thing?

- SYED SHIRAZ SHAH

The growing popularity of 4x4 vehicles and off-roading in India, ever since the new Thar was launched in 2020, unfortunately hasn't seen a proportional increment in the masses' knowledge of the subject. In fact, forget the masses, even the majority of auto journalists in India have no clue about the basics of four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-roading. Therefore, this series of stories will help everyone understand all about 4x4s and off-roading, step-by-step, slowly, but surely. The idea is to make the masses and auto journalists (aspiring, new, seasoned; all of us) learn the 4WD basics so that while the former can take their vehicles off-road safely, the latter can review the 4x4 media units properly, effectively, and of course safely.

Also, to ensure that everyone understands every word in this series, I would explain everything in layman terms. I will obviously have to include the technical terms, as and when necessary, but the explanation, for the most part, would be in a simple, easy-to-understand language.

WHAT IS 4WD OR 4X4? IS IT DIFFERENT THAN AWD?