Two-wheel-drive ( 2WD) denotes Motor vehicle with a Powertrain that allows two to be driven, and receive Engine power and torque from the engine, simultaneously.
Four-wheeled vehicles
For four-wheeled vehicles (and by extension, vehicles with six, eight, or more wheels), this term is used to describe vehicles that are able to power at most two wheels, referred to as either front, or
rear-wheel drive. The term
4×2 is also used, to denote four total wheels with two being driven. Most road vehicles use a 2WD layout due to its lightweight and simplicity. Traction on the road is usually sufficient that the driving force can be reliably transmitted through only two wheels.
For vehicles that have part-time four-wheel drive, the term refers to the mode when 4WD is deactivated and power is applied to only two wheels.
Two-wheeled vehicles
For two-wheeled vehicles such as
motorcycles and
bicycles, the term is used to describe vehicles that can power the front as well as the back wheel. The term
2×2 is also used to denote two total wheels with both being driven. 2×2 vehicles are typically either mechanically driven, via a
Chain drive, belt, or
Drive shaft, or are hydraulic-driven. This scheme greatly improves offroad performance, but is quite complicated and requires more power to operate, thus most 2WD machines are either "exotic" bikes for enthusiasts or created with special uses in mind.
Manufacturers who have one in production include Rokon motorcycle, Jeep, Tarus and Christini. Manufacturers who are working or have worked on a prototype include Degtyarev plant, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM, Honda, and Nissan.
Two-wheel-drive with sidecars
For three-wheeled vehicles such as
with
, the term is used to describe vehicles that can power the sidecar as well as the back wheel. Sidecar-drive vehicles are typically mechanically driven via a shaft and may or may not have a differential. This scheme greatly improves offroad performance, but is more complicated and requires more power to operate, thus most 2WD machines are vehicles created with special uses in mind such as trials or military use. The first use of the sidecar drive appears in 1928 with the apparent independent invention of
Baughan in the UK, and Mokharov in the
USSR.
See also
External links
