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Old 04-17-2008, 03:01 PM   #5 (permalink)
trebuchet03
MechE
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 1,151

The Miata - '01 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trebuchet03 View Post
I'm going to be a stickler for words, for a moment....

Saying "better traction" is a misnomer. Traction is the friction between the tire and road which is a function of the coefficient of friction and the weight normal (pointing straight out) to the ground (which may be inclined). Assuming the same weight for a 2wd and 4wd (I know, 4wd is a little heavier, just bear with me). Both vehicles have the same amount of traction...
Following up on my own comment

For that reason - tire selection is paramount. I'm not going to drive a snow tire in summer and I'm betting no one here drives summer tires in the snow. Similarly, I don't drive summer tires because of the volume of rain (and how quickly it falls) in my region.

Tires are key - plus, we have excellent roads just about everywhere.
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