Are 4 wheel drive passenger vehicles wasting precious resources?

[DifferentPointofView]

So if you are within the rated speed of the chains ~25-35mph and there is snow on the ground you won't get a ticket.

Yea, if I use them in-town then I'm not bothered. but it's hard to explain. I live in a VERY rural community. less than 550 people. If I have to go under 45, I just walk cause it's within walking distance. the thing is, when I do use my car when snow is on the ground is when I have to go out of town. which requires going on the highway.

Basically, i have where I live, the boonies, which I can walk anywhere within the village, but when I need to actually use my jeep, i have to go faster than 25-35. that means i'll never be able to use them unless i stay out of town. in which they clear the roads with plows and I won't need the chains.

I saw a guy that couldn't pull away. he was moving slightly but not enough traction cause only one wheel was trying to push it. if two wheels were then 2x the available traction would have gotten him going easily. he was driving a chevy impala, 04 or so.

[IndyIan]

Here is some data from the EPA mileage site (sorry for the brutal formatting)

2007 Ford Edge FWD vs. 2007 Ford Edge AWD


MPG Estimates from Drivers Like You

FWD
Average based on 10 vehicles. 17.7
Lo 15 Hi 22

AWD
Average based on 3 vehicles. 15.9
Lo 12 Hi 19

It seems that the extra AWD equipment costs about 1.8mpg versus front wheel drive in the real world in the ford edge. I looked up my 2003 tracker and according to the EPA ratings 4WD costs me 1mpg compared to the 2WD tracker(why someone would get a 2wd tracker I don't know...)
Now if we compare the 4WD Tracker to a Suzuki Aerio(they have the same basic engine) then 4WD costs 6mpg on the highway or about 20% more fuel.
I guess we could compare a dodge hemi 4x4 pickup with a dodge hemi wagon as well to see what the extra capabilities of the pickup cost you on the highway as well.
Ian

[Figjam74]

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