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The Water Cooler
General Discussion
FWD vs 4WD vs AWD for Snow?
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<blockquote data-quote="Hawkman" data-source="post: 2686093" data-attributes="member: 29933"><p>FWD/RWD is 2WD, just FYI <img src="/images/smilies/smile.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-shortname=":)" /> </p><p></p><p>'Generally' when comparing FWD and RWD (with disregard to the complicated traction/stability controls and/or LSDs that come on todays vehicles), most people say that people less in tune with their vehicle (aka, less skillful drivers) are better off with FWD in the snow/ice because there is significant weight over the drive wheels, and the drive wheels can also steer (plus the fact that because the front wheels both drive and steer, they find traction sooner than if the rear wheels were driving assuming the ice in question begins and ends in a uniform manner, simply because they are closer to the nose of the vehicle). A skilled driver will be able to effectively pilot any 'drive' vehicle effectively in snowy/icy weather, and more importantly will know the limits of said vehicle in such conditions.</p><p></p><p>AWD vehicles (usually SUVs and crossovers) are better in ice/snow. Selectable 4WD vehicles are just as good, the only thing is the driver has to consciously engage 4WD, and disengage it when the road becomes driveable. AWD has an advantage in that, if a road is slick, but only in patches--where 4WD would be impractical to use as it could negatively impact handling. Most AWD systems, as stated previously, are not suitable for bona fide off-roading.</p><p></p><p>Obviously, a fully locked (front and rear lockers) 4WD vehicle with grippy weather-appropriate tires (in this case--snow) would be ideal. Keep in mind most 4WD vehicles are trucks, and trucks naturally have very little weight on the rear wheels (drive wheels) which is not an ideal set-up when faced with adverse road conditions. A few sandbags or something similar in the bed can make a lot of difference. Tires are the only part of the vehicle that makes contact with the ground, and are therefore crucial in maintaining traction.</p><p></p><p>Just my $.02 <img src="/images/smilies/biggrin.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":D" title="Big Grin :D" data-shortname=":D" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Hawkman, post: 2686093, member: 29933"] FWD/RWD is 2WD, just FYI :) 'Generally' when comparing FWD and RWD (with disregard to the complicated traction/stability controls and/or LSDs that come on todays vehicles), most people say that people less in tune with their vehicle (aka, less skillful drivers) are better off with FWD in the snow/ice because there is significant weight over the drive wheels, and the drive wheels can also steer (plus the fact that because the front wheels both drive and steer, they find traction sooner than if the rear wheels were driving assuming the ice in question begins and ends in a uniform manner, simply because they are closer to the nose of the vehicle). A skilled driver will be able to effectively pilot any 'drive' vehicle effectively in snowy/icy weather, and more importantly will know the limits of said vehicle in such conditions. AWD vehicles (usually SUVs and crossovers) are better in ice/snow. Selectable 4WD vehicles are just as good, the only thing is the driver has to consciously engage 4WD, and disengage it when the road becomes driveable. AWD has an advantage in that, if a road is slick, but only in patches--where 4WD would be impractical to use as it could negatively impact handling. Most AWD systems, as stated previously, are not suitable for bona fide off-roading. Obviously, a fully locked (front and rear lockers) 4WD vehicle with grippy weather-appropriate tires (in this case--snow) would be ideal. Keep in mind most 4WD vehicles are trucks, and trucks naturally have very little weight on the rear wheels (drive wheels) which is not an ideal set-up when faced with adverse road conditions. A few sandbags or something similar in the bed can make a lot of difference. Tires are the only part of the vehicle that makes contact with the ground, and are therefore crucial in maintaining traction. Just my $.02 :D [/QUOTE]
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FWD vs 4WD vs AWD for Snow?
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