What is the difference between Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system and full-time 4WD system?
3 Answers
The difference between Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system and full-time 4WD system lies in their driving mechanisms. The Mitsubishi Super Select 4WD system allows switching between 2H and 4H modes at speeds below 100 km/h, while the full-time 4WD system keeps all wheels independently moving at all times during driving. Below are some relevant introductions about 4WD systems: 1. 4WD refers to a vehicle's four wheels moving independently during driving, which is a transmission method with higher cornering limits on roads. It can distribute optimal driving force to each wheel when the vehicle is turning at high speeds. 2. 4WD systems are categorized into part-time 4WD, on-demand 4WD, and full-time 4WD. Part-time 4WD is a system where the driver can manually choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, achieving the purpose of 2WD or 4WD by engaging or disengaging the transfer case according to driving needs.
The biggest difference between Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD (like the SS4-II system) and full-time 4WD lies in the flexibility of mode selection. Super Select 4WD offers multiple gear shifts: for example, 2H is a pure rear-wheel-drive mode, which saves a lot of fuel when driving on regular roads, with fuel consumption similar to that of a regular car; 4H is an all-wheel-drive mode with slight speed differences between the wheels, providing more stability but without locking the center differential; 4HLC locks the center differential, making it suitable for high-speed off-roading. Full-time 4WD, on the other hand, keeps all wheels constantly driving, with the center differential always engaged, making it safer on slippery roads but always consuming more fuel than rear-wheel drive. When driving a Pajero, I appreciate the flexibility of Super Select—using rear-wheel drive for fuel efficiency in daily driving, switching to 4H in the rain to prevent slipping, and locking up for off-road challenges on dirt roads. Full-time 4WD can't do this; it always keeps all wheels driving, resulting in higher fuel consumption in urban areas. It's more suited for all-weather conditions requiring constant all-wheel drive, like driving an Audi Q series. The clever design of Super Select lies in combining the benefits of part-time and full-time 4WD, offering lightweight driving without compromising performance—a smart evolution worth praising.
I've driven Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with Super Select 4WD, and what impressed me most was the practicality of mode switching. Full-time 4WD provides stable driving but always struggles with fuel consumption control, especially during daily commutes where it feels wasteful. Super Select 4WD allows manual adjustments: switching to 2H rear-wheel drive on highways shows noticeable fuel savings; when encountering rainy or slippery roads, engaging 4H mode instantly boosts wheel traction and safety; for muddy terrain or hill climbs, activating 4HLC or 4LLC with center differential lock enhances climbing capability. Full-time 4WD operates continuously without segmentation, automatically distributing torque – convenient for daily use but lacking precision in off-road control. Driving this system feels like the vehicle understands your commands and adapts on demand: fuel-efficient like a regular SUV when needed, transforming into an off-road beast when facing hazards. While full-time 4WD is versatile, it often feels slightly vague, whereas Super Select's logic is straightforward and practical – once experienced, its adaptability to variable environments becomes clear. Mitsubishi owners sharing such experiences frequently highlight this versatile and cost-saving advantage, which particularly appeals to family users.
