4WD vs 2WD launch, which is faster?

[5point7]

I've heard that 4wd quarter mile sprints are actually slower than 2wd in the end with the same vehicle. I would imagine this might be true because of the extra driveline components sucking up power and offsetting the initial traction gain. Could someone please confirm, deny, or link me to some reading on this?

While I'm at it... and not that I would actually do it 'cause I love my Tundra too much but I read somewhere that launching in 4wd then switching to 2wd nets the best time. There are reports of low 14's in a stock 5.7 4x4 Tundra. I don't know if this is true but I do know this can't be good for the internal mechanisms. Any comments?

THANKS,

5point7

[mhadden]

In my eyes, you don't race a 4x4... and even then, the Tundra limits a lot of things in 4WD...you can't shift in or out of it unless you are below 62mph. There's no reason to launch in 4x4 either...just added stress on the components and the brake limited slip does a great job of grabbing to pavement.

[wonger]

if it was a 4wd truck vs just a 2wd only truck.. the 2wd would win cuz it is lighter.. and why would u launch or even race in a 4x4?? 4x4 tundra was made for off roading.. not for speed .. unless they make a awd tundra

[5point7]

I don't race my Tundra. I'm moreso asking a technical/mechanical question. Thinking about it, it's clear that any 4wd truck would run slower if 4wd was utilized the entire quarter mile compared to running in 2wd mode. The 4wd would cut some time in the initial launch but would ultimately add more time to the ET as an end result because of the extra drag in the 4wd driveline. Since 15% of the engine's HP is being lost to a 2wd driveline, I'd imagine that 4wd would suck up at least 20%. By the same principle mentioned, launching in 4wd then switching to 2wd immediately after the launch would net the best ET because you get the best of both worlds.(initial maximum traction followed by minimum drag)

To the comment that "there's no reason to launch in 4wd"... you're right, unless a best ET was being attempted. And to the comment that "the Tundra wasn't built for speed"... you're right, unless you consider that the average production car(not truck) doesn't even run mid 15's while our 2500lb + heavier trucks run a whole second faster.

[Mick44]

Originally Posted by 5point7

I've heard that 4wd quarter mile sprints are actually slower than 2wd in the end with the same vehicle. I would imagine this might be true because of the extra driveline components sucking up power and offsetting the initial traction gain. Could someone please confirm, deny, or link me to some reading on this?

While I'm at it... and not that I would actually do it 'cause I love my Tundra too much but I read somewhere that launching in 4wd then switching to 2wd nets the best time. There are reports of low 14's in a stock 5.7 4x4 Tundra. I don't know if this is true but I do know this can't be good for the internal mechanisms. Any comments?

THANKS,

5point7

Because it is heavier. I personally launch with VSC and Traction Control off. Just hold down the button for 4 seconds.