Powertrain and drivetrain are common terms you’ll always hear in the auto industry. But not all car owners and lovers know what these two mean, and those who know might not know the difference between powertrain and drivetrain.
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Is the powertrain different from the drivetrain, or are they the same?
It’s important to know the various terms that are common in the automobile industry, whether you are reading about a certain vehicle as a potential buyer or planning to take your current vehicle into the shop for maintenance. Knowing and comprehending some of the basic terms is very beneficial in either situation.
The words drivetrain and powertrain are widely used, and before explaining their similarities or differences, it’s important to understand what they mean. Also understanding these terms can also help you with your next visit to the mechanic shop. Additionally, the more you understand the way in which any vehicle is powered.
What is Powertrain?
A basic way to understand a powertrain is by looking at it like if the bones of a car as its chassis, then the muscles, ligaments, and other components of mobility within the body are the powertrain.
The powertrain includes all the pieces and parts which convert combustion from the engine into actual motion to propel the vehicle. The powertrain works with the power from the engine to put power on the wheels. According to Gene Messer Volkswagen, “its sole objective is transforming kinetic energy into propulsion motion.”
What is Drivetrain?
The drivetrain isn’t a singular part of your vehicle, meaning it isn’t a stand-alone part. It’s several parts that all work together and move your car’s wheels. Drivetrain parts literally drive a car into motion.
There are quite a few parts that you have also heard many times before. In fact, there are many common car parts that are included in the drivetrain. Drivetrain parts include familiar components such as the transmission, the differential, axles, wheels, CV joints, and driveshaft.
Wait, so what’s the difference between a powertrain and a drivetrain?
Powertrain and drivetrain are two different terms. The powertrain includes the engine. If the term powertrain is used, it should refer to the power going to the wheels. The drivetrain includes the kinetic parts but not the engine. The drivetrain is the term for all the parts your vehicle’s mechanics employ to move. But it doesn’t mean the actual power that is generated.
The mechanics of both the drivetrain and powertrain vary greatly. This will depend, of course, on how your vehicle is configured. The powertrain and drivetrain for a rear-wheel-drive vehicle are different than a front-wheel-drive car.
Conclusion
Additionally, they are differences between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It’s also important to remember that, as far as the warranty is concerned, the powertrain and drivetrain are whatever they are defined as in the text of a warranty.
