[urq] TT commercial - '1st AWD passenger car' claim

[Dave]

Actually there have been several "Full-time 4wd".  The original full-time four
wheel drive vehicles included the jeep wagons.  During the 70's this full time
system was quite common in various SUV's.  It was based on the NewProcess 403,
404, and 405 transfer cases.  I personally owned a 1979 Ford Bronco with full time
4wd.  The transfer case had Lo Lock, Lo, Hi, Hi Lock.  When the transfer case was
locked it behaved like a part time 4wd in that the front and real wheels were
equally driven, thus one could not operate it on dry pavement.  When placed in
Lock, an indicator light was lit to ensure the driver was aware of being in lock.
The Bronco also had "Traction Loc", to ensure that if one wheel began spinning,
the axle's power was shifter to the wheel with traction.  Over all this was the
most sure-footed vehicle I ever drove.  It did have a real problem with gas
mileage, and tire wear, with the right front tire having significantly greater
tread wear than the rest.

    I also have an "all-trac" toyota previa which is denoted AWD.  It is my
understanding that 4wd denotes a vehicle designed for at least occasional off road
use, while AWD denotes a vehicle which is not designed for any off road use, but
rather utilizes the AWD for better handling and more control on regular road
surfaces.


Dave

Robert Deis wrote:

> On Thu, 26 Apr 2001, alan pritchard wrote:
>
> > as i understand it awd means permanently engaged 4wd, whilst 4wd has to be
> > engaged
>
> The term has expanded somewhat-- A couple of cars that claim AWD are not
> permanently engaged, but engage and disengage automaticly based on
> conditions.  Others are always engaged.
>
> 4WD always implies manual engagement.
>
> --
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>   Rob Deis                  "Let the people know beforehand what the law
>   MiB3347                      is and what they are to expect."
>   rdeis at io.com                              -- 18th Congress, Rec. 75