AWD or 4x4?

LondonBridge

I'm in the market for a SUV and was wondering what the advantages/disadvantages to AWD and 4x4? I live in Northen VA and we get some snow and my job requires me to be in rain, snow or shine.

Manning'sEquation

4x4 spins all tires at the same speed. That is ok as long as you are on snowy pavement. However if you have 4x4 on and are driving on a dry road and there is a curve there is a high chance that you will flip your car.

All wheel drive adds a extra part in the back of the drive train. This part allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. You CAN ride safe on dry pavement with all-wheel drive.

Basically 4x4 is old Tech.

Lawnboy360

Manning'sEquation is describing "Part-time 4WD" which cannot be turned on on dry pavement.

"Full-time 4WD" can also be switched on & off, and is fine on dry pavement.

AWD is the same as full time 4WD except you can't turn it off.


See: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/Articles/index.cfm/act/featuredarticles/article/your-ride-4wd-vs-awd-cga.html

Fats

Manning'sEquation wrote: »

4x4 spins all tires at the same speed. That is ok as long as you are on snowy pavement. However if you have 4x4 on and are driving on a dry road and there is a curve there is a high chance that you will flip your car.

All wheel drive adds a extra part in the back of the drive train. This part allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. You CAN ride safe on dry pavement with all-wheel drive.

Basically 4x4 is old Tech.

You won't flip the car, but you'll get all sorts of fun wheel hop and generally wear things out. This is because part-time 4WD locks the front and rear axles together, which makes it great off-road (and certainly not old tech), but not so great when you're trying to turn on pavement. Full-time 4WD adds a center differential, allowing the front and rear axles to spin independently. Decent full-time systems will let you lock the transfer case back into part-time for off-road stuff. AWD is pretty much full-time 4WD, sometimes with added electronics to send torque to certain wheels. The downside to AWD is that most systems don't let you lock the axles together, and you lose the incredibly useful low range that comes with 4WD.

Anyway, I'd say you're looking for AWD. Is there some reason you need an SUV? A Subaru wagon would be perfect for your situation.

stigweard

Where I live, we get some strange winter weather. It isn't uncommon to get 6 - 12 inches of snow, then rain, and then freezing rain leaving everything in thick sheets of ice. I can count the number of times where I've actually absolutely needed 4wd / awd in the last ten years on one hand. A good set of studded winter tires (or a walnut winter tire like those from Toyo or Yokahama) will do as well in most on road situations than a 4wd with all season tires. I'm not saying it isn't a useful feature (I've driven them off an on for 15 years or so from exterior locking hubs up to the latest in awd), but most people will never need it.

No matter what, a good set of winter tires should be the top priority. An emergency kit with chains, sand, a shovel, first aid, blankets, food, etc... is next, and 4wd / awd after that. Also keep in mind 4wd doesn't do anything for lateral or stopping grip. It only helps keep you moving in a forward / backward direction. They are also generally heavier, and harder on gas. The biggest difference between 4wd / awd are the electronics and the differentials.

PirateJon

Fats wrote: »

Anyway, I'd say you're looking for AWD. Is there some reason you need an SUV? A Subaru wagon would be perfect for your situation.

Win.

powerss

Get a Subaru or an Audi wagon (if you want some lux) you'll be set.