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by jakear 1997 days ago
My understanding is that AWD has computer controlled power distribution and 4WD has a diff. My 4WD has a (lockable) center diff.
1 comments

Not quite: AWD has diffs between each of (FR,FL), (RR,RL), (F,R).

4WD has diffs between (FR,FL) and (RR,RL), but it has a transfer case (like a permanently locked center diff) between F and R.

So you’re not supposed to use 4WD on dry asphalt roads because the natural slippage between front and rear has no easy way to release itself.

Modern diffs are usually limited slip, which helps prevent spinning tires. LSD can either be mechanical or computer controlled. Computer controlled LSD can apply brakes to individual tires.

Interesting. So I think I technically have AWD, but I do have a transfer case with a 2X reduction available and a locking center diff.