On vehicles: what's the difference between a 2x4 and 4x4??

Question

I want to buy a vehicle but my friends say I women can't "handle" a 4x4. What's the difference from a 2x4 to a 4x4?

Serious answers only please.

Answer 1

First off, when driving the average 4x4 that people buy, you wouldn't know if it was a 2x4 or 4x4 while driving it.  So who ever told you that women can't handle a 4x4 is not the sharpest tack in the drawer.  

Next.....  98% of cars labeled as 4x4 are not driving all 4 wheels, they are driving one in the front and one in the back, because they have "open" differentials which are capable of driving on one wheel.

I do a lot of offroading and we are continously having to pull stuck yuppie 4x4's out.  The average 4x4 should stay on dirt roads only or they'll get stuck if they try to go in a true offroad situation.

From How Differentials work:  http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differenti...

Off Road

Another time open differentials might get you into trouble is when you are driving off-road. If you have a four-wheel drive truck, or an SUV, with an open differential on both the front and the back, you could get stuck. Now, remember -- as we mentioned on the previous page, the open differential always applies the same torque to both wheels. If one of the front tires and one of the back tires comes off the ground, they will just spin helplessly in the air, and you won't be able to move at all.

This will explain open and limited slip type differentials:  http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differenti...

Answer 2

Add to the above, about $3500 to $4000 for 4 X 4

Answer 3

to make it simple for you...imagine if you put the car on a lift and hit the gas the 2X4 will only have the front wheels moving. On the 4X4 when you hit the gas all four wheels will pull.  4X4 gives you more traction and are mostly used in off-road type conditions. Yes, women can handle a 4X4. Most 4X4 nowadays are 2X4 and then if you want the 4X4 you can turn it on. They are good for snow and off-road terrain like when you see the jeep commercials and they are going over rocks and things.

Answer 4

4x4s do handle differently. Better.

If you are putting power to all 4 wheels you are getting better traction and so you are way less likely to get stuck off road or slip in the rain.

Answer 5

A two wheel drive isn't as easy to drive as a four wheel drive. Some people prefer a two wheel drive. When driving in the winter if given the option, the four wheel drive will give you better traction.