What is the difference between Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD and full-time 4WD systems?
2 Answers
The difference between the two is that the Super Select 4WD has multiple driving modes, while the full-time 4WD has only one driving mode. Below are the specific introductions of Super Select 4WD and full-time 4WD: Super Select 4WD: 1. It is divided into four driving modes: 2H (high-speed 2WD), 4H (high-speed 4WD), 4HL (high-speed 4WD locked), and 4LL (low-speed 4WD locked). 2. The 2H (high-speed 2WD) and 4H (high-speed 4WD) modes can be used for a long time on good urban asphalt roads. 3. The 4HL (high-speed 4WD locked) and 4LL (low-speed 4WD locked) modes can be used for a short time on harsh environmental roads. Full-time 4WD: 1. It is generally equipped with electronic assistance devices. When the device detects high torque output, it automatically switches to 4WD mode, which requires manual switching. 2. All four wheels of the vehicle serve as drive wheels to transmit power.
After driving in the automotive world for a long time, I've found that the key difference between Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD and standard full-time four-wheel drive lies in control flexibility. The Super Select 4WD is like adding a multifunctional switch to your steering wheel: you can manually choose 2H mode for pure rear-wheel drive in the city to save fuel and money; 4H mode is equivalent to full-time four-wheel drive, engaging all wheels for better stability on slippery roads; there's also 4HLc which locks the center differential for off-road traction, and 4LLc low-range mode for significantly increased torque when climbing. Full-time four-wheel drive, like Subaru's AWD system, always keeps all wheels engaged—its advantage being all-weather automatic response, though it consumes more fuel and lacks the fun of manual switching. Personally, I feel the Super Select 4WD better suits those who enjoy vehicle control, especially when playing off-road or during winter commutes where mode adjustment optimizes performance. Cost-wise, Super Select 4WD might be slightly more expensive to maintain but proves more economical in long-term fuel consumption.
