Direct Drive: The motor is located in the head and transfers 100% of the power directly to the attachments. It offers great durability and torque for heavy doughs (bread, sweet bread), quiet operation, and a long lifespan while consuming very little electricity.
Belt Drive: The motor is located in the base of the appliance and drives the head via a belt. It requires more watts to deliver the same power, but offers excellent speeds for whisking/mixing and a more affordable purchase price.