Whats better: AWD/4WD or FWD w/ Traction control.. and why.. if we get small/med amounts of snow?

Question

I am thinking about buying a new vehicle, but can't decide if I should get something that is 4WD/AWD or just a FWD vehicle with traction/stability control. 4WD/AWD vehicles usually have higher MPG and are usually a little more expensive... but I don't know alot about the newer traction/stability control systems and if they help out when there's a little snow on the ground.

Answer 1

I think your best bet is a FWD vehicle with traction/stability control. These vehicles have a weght advantage over 4wd/awd so you'll get much better gas mileage.

Also, a computer can think and act much faster than you ever could. Let it get you going as opposed to spinning all 4 wheels with 4wd/awd.

Another thing to acknowledge is that going forward isn't the most important thing to worry about in snowy conditions. It's the ability to stop that is important. The type drivetrain you have won't matter one iota when stopping in ice and snow.

Back on the subject of fuel efficiency, and added weight, 4WD and AWD add about 250 to750 lbs to your vehicle that you'll only use maybe 7 to 10 days in a bad winter at a penalty of a much reduced fuel economy the other 9 months of the year. You won't have that problem with traction/stability control FWD.

These are just my observations. I've owned 4WD, AWD, and FWD vehicles with and without traction/stability control. For the money, and payback, FWD with traction/stability control is the only way to go. Especially if you are doing only city or paved driving. Anything more is only making the manufacturers rich.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that 4WD doesn't mean 4-wheel stop. These vehicles have different limitations.

With 4WD, all four wheels will receive the same amount of power to each wheel. That is the best for getting you out if you're stuck, but if you're in something deep, the wheel that's stuck will continue to dig you in. That's why the Jeep guys have winches.

With AWD, all four wheels could receive power from the engine, but only one at a time. It's supposed to be on the wheel that has the most traction, but that doesn't always happen.

With FWD and traction control, if the transmission senses that a wheel is slipping, it will reduce power to that wheel and divert it to the other wheel. It's harder to lose control of the car because the weight of the engine is over the tires, but when you lose control, you can still skid or plow into things.

If you're looking for an SUV, I'd recommend a Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute. They are 4WD capable, but when they're in 2WD mode, it's in front-wheel drive. My wife has had one since 2002 and the 4WD has only kicked on 2-3 times. The hybrid version is 32 mpg.

Answer 3

Traction and steadiness manage are the main parameter. Traction Control stops your wheels from sliding an excessive amount of while you get at the gasoline in slippery stipulations. Stability manage lets you preserve manage over the vehicle in most cases. With just a little of warning, it's going to maintain you risk-free from sliding out of manage. Both Front-wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive are well for the snow, however an All-Wheel Drive vehicle is relatively most desirable, even though side time. The query is whether or not the All-Wheel force has higher Stability manage. Another primary side is how well and new are the tires on each and every vehicle.

Answer 4

I persaonallyl dont like fwd, i would go with a awd car, like an audi, subaru, or evo. If you live in a place with many mountains and with snow for a good long time in a year, i would go with a AWD. You could go for a fwd, just get good tires , and i dont know anything about traction control either.