Electronic vs Mechanical 4WD

venum · Postby **venum** » May 19th, 2007, 3:20 pm

Seasoned 4WD owners, drivers and users

what is your opinion on electronic 4WD?

I went looking at the new 4WD vehicles on the market - L200 (obviously), HILUX, BT50, RANGER and DMAX

why not FRONTIER - not really interested, kinda know what they have to offer since I drive one ever so often.

out of all mentioned above, the only one that had electronic 4WD was the DMAX (Isuzu)

I did not get to check out the 2.5L or 3.0L HILUX since TOYOTA was out of stock - not even in the showroom, but I believe that these have mechanical 4WD

I think that Mitsubishi has this in the new PAJERO, Suzuki has it in their new VITARA

what is the major advantages over a mechanical 4WD?

is there an advantage?

If the big names are pushing this technology, then can I assume that it is superior?

or is it just to eliminate a lever and create a more aesthetically pleasing cabin

looking to learn and supr some constructive conversation

VK-Sportsman · Postby **VK-Sportsman** » May 19th, 2007, 4:05 pm

the new frontier D40 and Pathfinder has it too, also the new Suzuki Jimny.........

Electronic uses a switch to control the choice of gear in the transfer case......might be new design or advancement in technology.......(but still controls the transfer case).

IMO: Mechanical is better.....after all its a lever and no wires which can short or blow a fuse or not operate if submerged in a water crossing.
With mechanical, u sure that u changed into 4WD low or high.....

Dragsta · Postby **Dragsta** » May 19th, 2007, 11:41 pm

Mechanical, more simpler......electronic, more complicated, but the makers try to eliminate the mech to cater for more luxary and car like...

but its ur choice...i would prefer the Mech, bcause trouble shooting to do if anything goes wrong

3stagevtec · Postby **3stagevtec** » May 20th, 2007, 8:32 pm

electronic is the better option for drivers who hardly offroad their vehicles...

if you do serious off roading, mechanical is the better option.

with the electronic, the computer needs to sense a loss of traction for 4X4 to be engaged. which means there will be wheel slippage before 4X4 kicks in.. this is bad when off roading. (remember that a spinning wheel generates less traction)

with mechanical, you will be in 4X4 mode always, which prevents any loss of traction which may occur..

equipped2ripp · Postby **equipped2ripp** » May 20th, 2007, 9:32 pm

also the kia sorento, nissan x-trail...

sti-hybrid · Postby **sti-hybrid** » July 29th, 2007, 11:54 am

with the electronic, the computer needs to sense a loss of traction for 4X4 to be engaged. which means there will be wheel slippage before 4X4 kicks in.. this is bad when off roading. (remember that a spinning wheel generates less traction)

with mechanical, you will be in 4X4 mode always, which prevents any loss of traction which may occur..

^^^^^^^^^^^agreed^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

streetbeastINC. · Postby **streetbeastINC.** » July 29th, 2007, 3:34 pm

manual is always better in my view...better chance of repairing a problem..FULL control of the system.....rugged.....transfer case system...best

sti-hybrid · Postby **sti-hybrid** » July 29th, 2007, 6:23 pm

preach street beast preach :!:

sweeks · Postby **sweeks** » August 3rd, 2007, 9:26 pm

sti-hybrid wrote:
with the electronic, the computer needs to sense a loss of traction for 4X4 to be engaged. which means there will be wheel slippage before 4X4 kicks in.. this is bad when off roading. (remember that a spinning wheel generates less traction)

with mechanical, you will be in 4X4 mode always, which prevents any loss of traction which may occur..

^^^^^^^^^^^agreed^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Fellas I think we mixing up AWD on demand with electronic 4wd. What's mentioned above is considered "on demand"

Electronic 4wd drive - by pressing a button without the need to get out and lock front wheel hubs, the front wheels are engaged. I'll stick with the electronic 4wd. Might not be as durable as mechanical but I ain't no big offroader. Besides it comes with the SR5.