What is the Difference Between Leopard Super Select 4WD and Mechanical 4WD?
3 Answers
The following are the differences between Leopard Super Select 4WD and Mechanical 4WD: 1. Driving Force: The Super Select 4WD is an electronically assisted SS4-II system. The advantage of the Super Select 4WD system is that the vehicle can freely switch between 2H and 4H gears within a speed of 100 km/h. When in the 4H position, it achieves true full-time four-wheel drive, providing better traction and driving force. 2. Applicability: When in the 4HLC position, it is equivalent to the high-speed four-wheel drive of a hardcore part-time 4WD off-road vehicle, and the vehicle's central differential is locked at this time, with the front and rear axle power distribution maintained at 50:50 and constant output. It is suitable for unpaved roads such as sand and muddy paths. 3. Climbing: When in the 4LLC position, it is equivalent to the low-speed four-wheel drive of a hardcore part-time 4WD off-road vehicle, with the central differential also locked, and the front and rear axles each outputting 50% of the power. Additionally, the transfer case switches to a low-speed gear, which can amplify the torque by 1.9 times.
I've been studying car four-wheel drive systems for several years, and there are several key differences between the Leopard's Super Select 4WD and mechanical four-wheel drive. The Super Select 4WD is an intelligent system that allows you to switch modes while driving via buttons or knobs, such as shifting from two-wheel drive to full-time four-wheel drive. It relies on electronic sensors and computers to distribute power, offering flexibility and fuel efficiency for daily driving, but may respond sluggishly under extreme conditions like muddy roads. Mechanical four-wheel drive, on the other hand, is an old-school manual operation where you switch modes with a lever after parking. It features a purely mechanical linkage structure, making it more durable, especially in off-road environments. The pros and cons of both are evident: Super Select is suitable for urban driving and occasional off-roading, with electronic controls adding comfort but being prone to malfunctions; mechanical four-wheel drive is simple and reliable, offering peace of mind for long-term use, though manual switching requires getting used to and affects driving convenience. Related points involve differences in fuel consumption—Super Select offers better fuel economy when automatically switching to two-wheel drive, while the mechanical version, often running in four-wheel drive mode, consumes slightly more fuel.
My experience driving various Leopaard models has taught me that the core difference between Super Select 4WD and mechanical 4WD lies in power management. The Super Select system allows seamless mode switching while driving, with ECU automatically adjusting parameters – delivering smooth, vibration-free performance on paved roads while offering instant response on slippery surfaces. Mechanical 4WD requires stationary manual operation, featuring simpler construction without electronic dependencies, making it less prone to failure in mud or sand dunes. For daily urban commuting, I find Super Select more convenient with its one-touch operation during rainy conditions. However, for mountain terrain or long expeditions, I prefer mechanical 4WD for its lower maintenance needs and higher reliability. Regarding costs: Super Select models carry slightly higher purchase prices and maintenance expenses, whereas mechanical systems have lower upfront costs but may incur more drivetrain wear from frequent mode changes. Ultimately, the choice depends on driving habits – opt for Super Select for convenience, or mechanical for robustness.
