Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28
Do differentials couple power more effectively when making turns or going around a curve?
The mechanical answer to this is, no, they don't. If anything, you're losing power due to friction inside the differential when the wheels turn at different speeds. Going straight ahead, and assuming a dry road, the ring gear spins the differential housing and both drive axles turn at the same speed. In a turn, the outer drive axle spins faster than the inner drive axle, and the spider gears inside the differential housing will turn to allow that to happen. Meanwhile, the entire differential housing continues to spin at the same speed (assuming a steady engine speed, etc).
An oldie, but a goodie:
