“do differentials … only power one wheel …” No.
In fact, an open differential **always** supplies the **same torque** to both wheels. There is a common misconception that a locked differential splits the torque 50/50. This is basically exactly wrong. The open differential splits the torque 50/50. The locked differential can have any torque split form 100/0 to one side to 0/100 to the other side — a 50/50 split is possible with a locked differential, but would be very uncommon and only likely for an instant. A bit like balancing a pencil on its point — not impossible, but it’s not likely to stay balanced for long.
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