You can only put so much force through the contact patch (the part of the tire that actually touches the ground) of two wheels. How much force that is depends on the surface the car is sitting on, the stickiness of the tires, and how much weight is over the wheels.
All that being equal (or roughly equal, since 4WD weighs more than 2WD), a 4WD has twice as much traction as 2WD, and, assuming the limit of the tires is lower than the total output of the engine, can put more power to the road than 2WD.
Also, in some really sophisticated AWD systems (a type of 4WD that is more complex, and offers more subtle improvement in handling, at the expense of generally not being able to handle certain extreme terrain situations, or as much brute force), it can aid with cornering, by adjusting how much power goes to a particular wheel.
Anyhow, the main reason for 4WD/AWD is for low-traction environments, where you might expect to get stuck. Either climbing uneven terrain where you won't always have all 4 wheels on the ground (4WD) or ice and snow and mud and sand where two wheels just can't put enough power to the ground to move the car around (4WD or AWD).
Unless you are going to be living on unmaintained roads, or driving off road in extreme conditions, you do not need to have a 4WD vehicle in Colorado, or anywhere. A 2WD car with good snow tires should be more than enough. For an inexperienced driver (particularly if you don't have a good awareness of what your car is doing, regarding wheels slipping or slight yawing motions), a front-wheel-drive car is probably best.
But if you get a 2WD SUV, even a CRV, that makes you a poseur.
edit: Also: 4WD does NOT help you stop! And not every AWD system is a great help in cornering (and NO true off-road 4x4 system is)! A lot of people get this sense of invincibility from their 4WD in inclement weather, and it puts them in the ditch.
2007-09-28 10:01:54
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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The best way to answer your question, is to go to Colorado, drive a car with 4WD, then immediately drive a car with RWD. You will immediately know your answer and never think twice about it.
I live in Maine, and right now I drive a FWD vehicle. And although it is possible to get by a Maine winter with FWD and even RWD, there is nothing like the luxury of have 4WD. You will hardly ever get stuck, you can make it up hills, and you will avoid fishtailing 90% of the time. 4WD is a very nice safety feature, and is almost a necessity for people driving in the snow who arent experienced in bad weather driving (and no driving in the rain does not count).. So in my opinion, if you are staying in Texas, safe some money, and a little bit of gas mileage and get the 2WD model, but if Colorado is even a possibility, get the 4WD model and you WILL NOT be sorry.
P.S. Even with 4WD, it is a good idea to get a set of 4 snow tires for increased traction and improved braking, remember 4WD does not help you slow down at all.
2007-09-28 17:19:34
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answer #2
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answered by c420wizzle 6
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A 4wd would definitely come in handy in Colorado, where Mother Nature routinely deposits large amounts of a white slippery substance called 'snow'. A 4wd basically operates giving traction to opposing wheels when the primary drive wheels lose grip. This does NOT mean you can drive 60 mph on icy roads however! I strongly recommend you take a winter driving course as soon as you arrive in Colorado so that your new CRV doesn't get in a fender bender the first time it snows. Go ahead, spend the extra money for the 4wd if you are indeed going to Colorado. If you are going to stay in Houston, you don't need it.
2007-09-28 09:27:18
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answer #3
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answered by bob_ber_down 4
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4WD means that all four wheels have power, and it helps when you are driving through snow, and slush. Since you are moving to Colorado I would suggest you get 4WD because the 2WD will make it an absolute pain to get up a steep hill. 4WD is only used in a bad situation where you are stuck and you can't get out. The 4WD can get you out of these situations where you are stuck in the snow. 4WD is not an excuse to go 60mph in a snow storm. When the roads are snowy and bad stick to 25-30mph. You can still slip and crash with 4WD if you drive recklessly.
2007-09-28 09:29:39
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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A 4WD in snowy conditions will track a lot better and handle a lot safer than a 2WD vehicle, because all 4 wheels are tracking there will be much less chance of getting stuck...
The name implies function....all 4 wheels drive...as opposed to 2
2007-09-28 09:26:58
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answer #5
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answered by RiverRat 5
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4WD gives you better traction and more control of your car. Its especially handy when you are driving in the rain or snow.
A 4WD will be really really handy in Colorado because Colorado gets a good amount of snow each winter.
2007-09-28 12:32:14
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answer #6
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answered by lildude211us 7
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To add to everyone else's thoughts here, if you decide to buy 4WD, buy it before you leave Houston.
4WD is totally useless in Houston, so 4WD cars there, should be cheaper than in Colorado, where there would be a higher demand...
2007-09-28 09:42:18
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answer #7
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answered by Sophie B 7
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well 4wd is better sometimes u have power in da 2 front wheels and the backs ones also, making it easier to drive out of a ditch or snow or anytthing like that
2007-09-28 09:29:27
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answer #8
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answered by *~@PpL3Sz~* 1
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Four wheel drive would be great in Colorado as it will give you better traction in the snow and ice.
2007-09-28 09:28:15
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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4wd honda crv? ha ha ha ha. if you want 4wd, get a jeep.
2007-09-28 11:57:05
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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