The difference between a 4×4 and a 4×2 bakkie

In South Africa, bakkies are one of the biggest selling vehicle types and for good reason. A bakkie combines the comfort of a passenger vehicle with the load carrying ability of a small truck.

This makes bakkies an ideal compromise for owners looking for a family vehicle that can also be used in a working environment or for leisure purposes if your hobbies require the transportation of large items like bicycles, motorcycles or sports equipment.

Furthermore, the increased ground clearance of a bakkie ensures a command driving position but also allows it to traverse bad roads with ease.

The model range of most bakkies available in South Africa is rather extensive and includes true workhorse variants as well as models aimed at the leisure market.

Bakkies are also generally available in three body styles namely single cab, extra cab and double cab. Lastly buyers have the choice between 4×2 and 4×4, from motus.cars, supported by Motus Ford (previously Imperial Ford).

What is the difference between 4×4 and 4×2?

In a 4×2 bakkie all the engine power is transferred to the two driven wheels, which are normally the rear wheels. A 4×2 bakkie is perfectly fine for 90 percent of driving conditions, but could leave you looking for traction if conditions become extreme.

On the other hand, a 4×4 bakkie has the ability to evenly distribute its engine power to all four wheels. In normal driving conditions the power is sent to the driven wheels just like on a 4×2 bakkie.

However, the driver has the option of selecting 4×4 mode, which will then send power or drive to all four wheels. This ensures better grip on slippery surfaces such as gravel, snow or during extreme off-road driving. 4×4 bakkies are also equipped with a low range transfer case that allows for four-wheel drive coupled to extremely low gear ratios, which is needed for extreme off-road driving at low speeds but when maximum power is needed.

Do you really need a 4×4?

Naturally the 4×4 technology has its drawbacks. A 4×4 vehicle will be considerably more expensive than its 4×2 counterpart and will also be slightly heavier, which will affect fuel consumption. The advantage is that you can literally drive anywhere, and your adventures or work assignments are not limited by the condition of the road.

Which is why when deciding which bakkie is right for you, you need to carefully consider your actual needs. If the bakkie is going to be used solely as a leisure vehicle in town and with occasional adventures onto dirt roads, then a 4×2 bakkie will be more than sufficient. If you long for life off the beaten track and do not ever want to be limited by road conditions, then the 4×4 is the right choice for you.

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