4 wheel drive or snow chains?

Question

Which would be better in snow less than 4" - a 4WD vehicle, or a 2WD vehicle with snow chains?

Answer 1

a 4x4 with posi and good tires will pull the 2wd with chains out of the ditch after it gets stuck..
and you don't have to install and remove chains in a snow or rain storm

Answer 2

I find snow chains to be far more effective on the road, with the increased clearance and suspension travel of 4WD more useful in rough, off-road terrain. I've been able to drive a three-ton, rear-wheel-drive '73 Lincoln Continental in pretty adverse conditions with chains, while many overconfident four-by drivers were trying to get themselves unstuck from the side of the road. I'm not knocking 4WD/AWD, but it's not a magic bullet that renders you impervious to conditions (although, many people seem to think so).

If you want definitive proof, go to any mountain pass where I live in Colorado, such as Wolf Creek Pass (or any high mountain pass in the country), during a serious snow event. The state troopers will be there, checking vehicles for snow chains, to the extent that they will watch you put them on. No chains, and you have to turn around. And they don't care one whit if your vehicle is four-wheel drive or not.

Answer 3

4" of snow - that is hardly anything to worry about.

My mom used to live on a road that was the last to be plowed.
I drove my 97 Intrepid - 2wd - with summer tires down that road - nearly 4 miles and there was snow coming over the hood of the car.

When I got to her house I had to leave the engine running so all the snow that was packed into the engine bay would melt.

Answer 4

Four inches isn't anything. For really deep snow, a two wheel drive pickup with weight in the back will go places a 4 wheel drive with weight can't go. If you really want to go somewhere and have only one set of chains, put them on the front of a 4 wheel drive, not the rear.

Answer 5

2 w d without snow chains. fact I live just south of lake erie in what is called the snow belt. we average 200 inches of snow a season, last winter we had 32 straight days of snow. I drive a 99 ford escort station wagon fwd with good tread all season tires from wal-mart and I'm able to go anywere I want. I have lived here almost 40 years and in all that time there might have been 5-6 times I couldn't make it to or from work

Answer 6

check you local state regulations here in wa state the following applies I have a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle. Do I have to install chains when signs indicate that chains are required? As long as your vehicle is equipped with traction tires, chain installation is generally not required on four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles. Under extreme weather conditions, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) can mandate that all vehicles chain up, including four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles. WSDOT posts signs to keep motorists informed of chain requirements. as far as why, 4x4 with good winter tires (m&s) have significantly better traction in 4wd that a two wheel drive vehicle. by using 4wheel drive (with open differentials) you have one front drive wheel and one rear drive wheel for ballanced traction and reduced torque to each drive wheel. our 4x4 has limited slip and electric locking differentials f/r which gives us even better traction (4 drive wheels) and our truck tracks like a tank in the snow. remember that a 4x4 will not stop any better than a two wheel drive. hope this helps hope this helps

Answer 7

Would the 2wd car be front or rear wheel drive? There are too many variables. Does cost of the vehical come into play? I would say 4wd, but then you have worse fuel economy and you have to pay more for the car/SUV.

Answer 8

I drove over the Derbyshire Moors via the Cat and Fiddle in blizzard conditions,I was driving a two wheel drive Ford Focus Estate and did it quite easily,no snow chains and passed 4x4s that were stuck,ITS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE BUT WHAT YOU DO WITH IT.

Answer 9

I would say the 4X4. Just be sure to get the posi-trac or limited slip rear end. Some 4X4's do not have the posi rear end and I can't understand why they would even make them like that.

Another option would be the AWD vehicles. Then you never have to worry about anything. If you need it, then it is already there and working. Snow or no snow.

Answer 10

4 wheel drive will still have beter traction. if you are going off road in the snow then you will want 4x4 but if you are driving onroad in the snow less than 4 inches all wheel drive is more predictable and will handel better.