What is the name of the part in a rear wheel drive vehicle that transmits power to the differential?

The part in a rear wheel drive vehicle that transmits power to the differential is known as the drive shaft. The drive shaft is a crucial component in the vehicle's powertrain; it connects the transmission to the differential, enabling the transfer of engine power to the wheels at the rear of the vehicle.

In a rear wheel drive configuration, the engine sends power through the transmission, which then engages the drive shaft. The drive shaft turns and drives the differential, which splits the power to the rear wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. This is particularly important for the functioning of rear wheel drive vehicles, promoting their performance and handling characteristics.

Other choices represent different components within an engine or a vehicle’s systems. The camshaft, for instance, is involved in the operation of the engine's valves, while the connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft, and the drive train encompasses a broader set of components that includes the transmission, drive shaft, and differential—rather than the specific component that transmits power to the differential directly.