Difference Between Overdrive and Drive

Overdrive vs Drive

Overdrive and drive relates to the power train and transmission of a car. In today’s automobiles, overdrive and drive options are available in both manual and auto transmission. In simple words, overdrive can be said to be higher gears and drive means lower gears.

Generally the top gar is called as the overdrive. Drive refers to the other gears that come just below the top gear. Drive, which comes in a high torque, can also be called a one to one ration whereas overdrive can be called as .66 top one ratio. While drive operates at a higher rpm, overdrive operates at a low rpm.

When comparing the spinning of the wheels and the engine, the automobiles turn at the exact speed as that of the engine in drives. On the other hand, the wheels of the automobile will turn more than the spinning of the engine in overdrive.

When talking of the speed, drive means going in a slow pace where as overdrive means going in high speed. Drive means more power and more gas. On the other hand, overdrive means less power and less gas. When talking of fuel economy, overdrive has an added advantage to that of drive. When compared to drive, overdrive has a quieter operation.

While traveling on the roads, it is better to go for overdrive for fuel economy and a quieter ride. However, if you are going up a hill or towing something, drive is the best option as they use power gears. On the other hand, overdrive is not a power gear.

When traveling in the city, drive is the best and when in the highways, overdrive will be the best option.

Summary
1. Top gar is called as the overdrive. Drive refers to the other gears that come just below the top gear.
2. While drive operates at a higher rpm, overdrive operates at a low rpm.
3. Drive means going in slow pace where as overdrive means going in high speed.
4. Drive means more power and more gas. On the other hand, overdrive means less power and less gas.
5. When compared to drive, overdrive has a quieter operation.
6. When traveling in the city, drive is the best and when on the highways, overdrive will be the best option.
7. If you are going up a hill or towing something, drive is the best option as they use power gears. Overdrive is not a power gear.