The ______ is made up of the transmission, driveshaft, axle, and differential or transaxle.

• A. Drivetrain
• B. Powertrain
• C. Suspension
• D. Cooling system

Answer: (A)

The drivetrain is the system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, and it includes the transmission, driveshaft, axles, and differential or transaxle. The transmission changes speed and torque, the driveshaft carries that power to the axle, the axles deliver power to the wheels, and the differential or transaxle distributes torque while allowing wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially during turns. This set of components is distinct from the powertrain (which also includes the engine itself), the suspension (which handles ride and handling), and the cooling system (which manages engine temperature). In many cars, especially front-drive ones, a transaxle combines the transmission and differential into a single unit. Drivetrain is the best fit.