Get To Know Your Car Better: A Detailed Guide To Automotive Terms — Drivetrain

A car’s drivetrain is the essential mechanical system that transfers the power from the engine to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move. This intricate system includes key components like the driveshaft, differential, and axles. Without a drivetrain, the engine’s power is of no use in a vehicle.

Before we discuss the drivetrain any further, in our previous edition of the Guide To Automotive Terms series, we spoke about gearbox/transmission in a car. Also, we have a beginner’s guide to automotive terms to help you understand your car better. Onwards to the drivetrain.

The engine generates power, which the transmission adjusts for speed and torque, and this power then flows through the drivetrain. A car’s drivetrain is crucial for several key reasons:

The drivetrain is the car’s core, converting engine power into motion, controlling speed and direction, and adapting to diverse driving scenarios for safe and efficient transportation.

The terms “powertrain” and “drivetrain” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different aspects of a vehicle’s mechanical system:

Early cars, like Mercedes-Benz and Ford, featured rear-wheel drive and were powered by internal combustion engines, marking the birth of the automotive industry. However, the trend for Front-wheel drive cars started in the early 20th Century with the Cord L-29 in 1929. However, front-wheel-drive cars were less common than rear-wheel-drive cars.

Moving to the Mid-20th Century, because of World War II, Four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrains were introduced initially in military vehicles and later in civilian vehicles. These systems significantly improved traction and stability, making them popular choices for off-road vehicles, trucks, and sports cars.

In the late 20th Century Front-wheel drive (FWD) became the dominant drivetrain layout for passenger cars. This shift was primarily driven by factors such as improved fuel efficiency, and better space utilization. But most of all, FWD cars were cheaper to manufacture than RWD or 4WD cars. They still are!

At the same time, All-Wheel Drive cars experienced a resurgence in popularity. Apart from SUVs, regular vehicles also prefer AWD because of its ability to provide enhanced traction on slippery surfaces and improved handling in various conditions. One such famous drivetrain is Audi’s Quattro, which put the AWD system on the map.

In the present era of electric and hybrid vehicles, we are witnessing entirely new drivetrain configurations. The changes to the drivetrain mostly happen to the gearbox rather than the entire drivetrain itself. However, instead of mechanical linkages, cars have started to use electrical links for more independent wheel control.

Here are the key components of a typical drivetrain:

All the above components in a drivetrain and some in the powertrain use metal for construction. However, on performance cars, these components are made up of lighter composite materials such as carbon fibre.

There are several different types of drivetrains used in vehicles, each with its advantages and characteristics. The choice of drivetrain depends on factors like vehicle type, intended use, and driver preferences. Here are the main types of drivetrains:

Example: Kia Sportage

Read our DubiCars CarSpotlight series featuring the Kia Sportage to know more about this compact SUV.

Example: BMW M3

Read the accidental history of the BMW M3 and its racing pedigree here.

Example: Audi A8

Audi’s another stunner, the RS6 Avant is our pick for the DubiCars Exotic Car Of The Week series.

Example: Toyota Land Cruiser 300

Read the famed history of the Toyota Land Cruiser and all its generation details in this linked article.

Example: Nissan Patrol Super Safari

We have done a detailed comparison between the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol on our DubiCompare series.

Example: Tesla Model 3

Tesla has recently updated the Model 3 with a new design, features and improved range.

Example: Lexus RX 450

The Lexus RX450 is now available with a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain.

These are the main types of drivetrains used in vehicles today, and some vehicles may combine elements of different drivetrain types for specific purposes, such as hybrid systems or electric all-wheel drive. The choice of drivetrain depends on the vehicle’s intended use, efficiency goals, and desired performance characteristics.

There is your complete guide on the drivetrain in a car. We will be posting detailed blogs on other components of a car. Keep an eye on the DubiCars Blog section for more such guides.

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