Is 4WD really worth it?

Question

I like off-roading a lot (2002 Jeep Wrangler), but recently rented an AWD vehicle to go skiing in inclement weather. We passed more than a few true 4X4s in the ditch in areas of patchy ice. I guess the part-time 4WD doesn't work well in that type of environment. I'm thinking about making a change.

Answer 1

4wd are really great off road rough terrain vehicles however when you encounter black ice on pavement  it doesnt matter what you drive slow down avoid sudden turns or abrupt stops  you are in control

Answer 2

4wd is better than AWD if you know how to drive, most AWDs deliver a % of power to front and a % to rear, 40% to the front is common, not good for real off roading, i've used my 4wd towing a 10000 lb trailer on a snow packed road at 40mph, i don't know of an AWD that can tow that big of a trailer, so i would say AWD drive for snow and ice when you drive on good roads, everything else would be better done in a 4wd

Answer 3

AWD is often better in snow for one reason or another...  but it really has a lot to do with the driver... Typically, chumps with 4x4's think they're invincible... and I end up making the park in my FWD Jetta whilst the city boy in his monstertruck spends his time shoveling.

Answer 4

There is a very large difference between 4WD and 4X4. All wheel drive or 4WD only deliver partial power to either the front or rear wheels depending on what type of transmission platform your vehicle rest on. A 4X4 delivers the equal amount of power to all wheels when activated. Some manufacturers claim their vehicles are 4X4 but in reality they are not and if they are the system can only be activated at speeds below 10miles per hour or 17km per hour and those are extreme speeds for a 4X4 system. Also many new vehicles I am not sure about the one you rented but also incorporate Slip differential technology, Electronic brake distribution, Stability control and many other computer gadgets with the transmission system. They help reduce mistakes by drivers. Though you might have seen 4X4 written on the vehicle you saw they were using their 4WD system more likely because I have yet to see a 4X4 operate at speed in excess of 17km/hour or 10mile/hour. They were in the ditch because they don't consider the conditions, just because the vehicle has 4WD it does not mean the driver cannot make mistakes. Don't get me wrong a 4WD is much better than a 2WD vehicle in harsh weather but it cost more to operate in normal driving conditions.

Answer 5

ALL ABOUT TIRES...IF YOU DON'T HAVE GOOD TIRES 4-WHEEL DRIVE IS BASICALLY USELESS