Fuel Economy: 4x2 vs 4x4

[roydok]

Lets say we have 2 SUVs with the same engine and the only difference is one a 4x4 and other a 4x2. Does the 4x4 SUV have higher fuel consumption if set to 2H as compared to the purely 4x2 SUV?

Thanks.

[tc327]

Lets say we have 2 SUVs with the same engine and the only difference is one a 4x4 and other a 4x2. Does the 4x4 SUV have higher fuel consumption if set to 2H as compared to the purely 4x2 SUV?

Thanks.

I think 4X4 will have more FC cause its more heavy than 4X2 AFAIK

[techsupporter]

Sir the 4x4 would always have a higher consumption. This is due to the added weight of the transfer case, diff and other stuff. Aside from the load, the 4x4 would have a larger driveline drag.

[roydok]

Aside from the added weight of transfer case, differentials, etc... is there any resistance even if its set to 2H (2WD) that may affect the fuel economy? Or is it very negligible as the 2H setting is similar to a plain 4x2 configuration?

Thank you very much.

[ghosthunter]

Aside from the added weight of transfer case, differentials, etc... is there any resistance even if its set to 2H (2WD) that may affect the fuel economy? Or is it very negligible as the 2H setting is similar to a plain 4x2 configuration?

Thank you very much.

It depends on how the 4x4 system disengages (if just at front or both front/rear portions).

In any case, resistance is not that big but the problem is rotational inertial of the transfer case, diffs, shafts can add up. Much like upsizing a car's wheel from 15s to 18s while maintaining the wheel's overall diameter. The added inertial of the heavier wheel will add to the car's overall fuel consumption.

[niky]

For some systems, the extra drag when 4WD is disengaged is minimal... but the weight is still there, and that has a big effect on economy and performance. It's like having an extra passenger on board at all times.

[mazingerZ]

No contest, 4x2 is more fuel efficient. The 4x4 system has an extra set of axles, diffrentials which add weight even if they are not used.

[blue_gambit]

Aside from the added weight of transfer case, differentials, etc... is there any resistance even if its set to 2H (2WD) that may affect the fuel economy? Or is it very negligible as the 2H setting is similar to a plain 4x2 configuration?

Thank you very much.

I guessing your referring to 2H mode of the super select 4wd, wala naman siguro. kasi when I drive on 4H then turn to a curb there is resistance. pero pag 2H wala naman, besides its mechanical so a complete disengage is necessary. Sa FC meron talagang pag kakaiba around .5 to 1 km/L est. ko lang

[alwayz_yummy]

sa 250x ko.. given na all-mode AWD may 2wd mode, mas matipid sa consumption pag 2wd mode.

pag "auto" mode, medyo matakaw nga lang sa consumo--around 1-2 km/l depende sa traffic. pag auto mode kasi AWD lang kung starting acceleration and if there is slip.
ang gusto ko lang sa "auto" mode is sporty ang drive.

so far, di pa ako nag-lo-"lock" mode.

[mazingerZ]

But Id rather prefer driving my 4x4 rather than a 4x2. Roads here in the provinces are horrible.

[niky]

But Id rather prefer driving my 4x4 rather than a 4x2. Roads here in the provinces are horrible.

4x4 or 4x2 has no bearing on whether your vehicle can cope with potholes and rocks in the road... only whether your vehicle can dig its way easily out of mud (and that is dependent on tires, too... my Crosswind has served me very well on muddy trails)

[alwayz_yummy]

i agree with niky. having a 4wd is not a guarantee on muddy trail.....ask the 4x4ph and suzuki off-roaders club peeps.

[niky]

i agree with niky. having a 4wd is not a guarantee on muddy trail.....ask the 4x4ph and suzuki off-roaders club peeps.

That said... having driven front wheels is always a good asset if you have to "dig" or "rock" your way out of a mud pit... though having a working winch is an even greater asset.

[alwayz_yummy]

true, having a winch is the best investment on a off-road vehicle..pero car-designs nowadays doesn't permit easy installation of such devices unless palitan mo ng ironman/ARB solid steel front bumpers...

basta alam mo lang mag- "rocking" and "logic" di ka ma-sstuck sa muddy road.

[niky]

true, having a winch is the best investment on a off-road vehicle..pero car-designs nowadays doesn't permit easy installation of such devices unless palitan mo ng ironman/ARB solid steel front bumpers...

basta alam mo lang mag- "rocking" and "logic" di ka ma-sstuck sa muddy road.

Yup. The biggest off-road weapon: the nut behind the wheel. ;)

[locoroco777]

Yup. The biggest off-road weapon: the nut behind the wheel. ;)

Right ON!! :thumbup: