Quote:
Originally Posted by Cd
Let me add to the question : Does a 4WD handle any better than a 2WD in snow ?
For example, when going around corners.
Main concern is safety.
My friend up in Canada is looking at buying an suv - a new Honda CR-V , a Jeep Puberty ...er Liberty , and other smallish suvs.
My question mainly pertains to SUVs.
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The only time 4WD improves cornering ability is when applying throttle while in the actual corner. Basically, 4WD is only an advantage when more traction is needed to go, but does nothing for coasting and braking.
As far as the Puberty is concerned, the 2WD can get unskilled drivers into trouble quickly on slick surfaces because it is rear wheel drive. The back-end will toss out and put the car sideways, especially with the torque that the Liberty motor has. It would be a good idea to engage 4WD in the Liberty whenever conditions are slick to keep the rear end from trading places with the front end.
For best handling in snow, choose the lightest vehicle. My Liberty AWD could run circles around my friend's Ranger 4x4. A CUV or sedan would handle better, but have less ground clearance. Ground clearance is only a concern when traveling on roads that do not get plowed. There is a trade-off of having a low center of gravity (better handling), and being able to drive over taller obstacles (deep snow). My legacy had low clearance but could still push uphill through quite a lot of dry snow.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ksa8907
Only if it is fulltime 4wd (locked) or a good awd system.
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Locked differentials will handle corners worse than unlocked. It will have more traction for straight line acceleration, but will give a bit less traction if powering through the corner because the wheels will be forced to slip.