2 Wheel Drive v.s. 4 Wheel Drive

Abstract:

Do cars work better with 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive? For my project, I decided to test a makeshift car and test it’s driving capabilities with tests over different types of surfaces. I think the rover will be able to go forward, turn on and off with a switch, and be able to go over different terrains. Overall the 4 wheel drive with rubber bands was the best of the four.

I started by experiment with a precise procedure. First I had to make a base out of wood or plastic. Then I will glue on the motors, and then the wheels on the motors. After I will add the battery case, and then the wiring. Before soldering the wires together, I had to test the car and make sure everything was working and the wheels were spinning the right way. After doing the test to see if it works, I soldered the wires and then did the tests. After that I added rubber bands on the wheels to increase friction.

The averages for my experiments are as followed in chronological order of best to worst. The data is measured from a scale of one to three. A one on the scale means it didn’t work, a two means in worked partially and a three means it worked very well and was very efficient. Four wheel drive without rubber bands had an average of 2.45 out of 3. Four wheel drive with rubber bands got 2.283 out of 3. Two wheel drive without rubber bands got 1.75 out of 3. Lastly, two wheel drive with rubber bands got a 1.583 out of 3. Overall four wheel drive without rubber bands had the best average out of all the data.

My experiment outcomes or hypothesis was correct. My rover was able to go forward, turn on and off, and was able to go over different terrains. The experiment could’ve been better if the wheels were made out of a different material that could cause more friction. The four wheel drive was better by a little bit more. I learned how to build a robot and how to control it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fgklgae4YvFy1_tkiUioNWAda4dZSJokGazohufDRS4/edit?usp=sharing