Best picks for 4wd?

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by darcane

The #1 factor for snow driving is tires. Not FWD/RWD/AWD.

I'd disagree slightly. Tires are #2: #1 is knowing how to drive in snow.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

I'd disagree slightly. Tires are #2: #1 is knowing how to drive in snow.

Ditto. Actually, many accidents in critical road conditions happen when unskilled drivers are over-confident about some technical resources such as 4WD/AWD or snow tyres...

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by baldlobo

Not too sure about everyone else here; but those summer tires don't look like all-seasons, which most north americans should have on their vehicals

those summer tires look like high performance tires.

when is all-wheel drive actually all-wheel drive?

All wheel drive is when there is not an off method, like locking hubs, or a switch. Most trucks have 4 wheel drive, which is a 2 wheel drive with the option of four wheel drive. All wheel drive does not turn on/off by user control, although many systems do not fully use both.

All wheel drive Subaru, system does not disengage.
4x4 F-150, is two wheel drive until four wheel drive is engaged.

All wheel drive Zephyr, is front wheel drive, but will shift as much as 20% of the power to the rear wheels. BMW 5x, is rear wheel drive until needed, and power shifts to the front wheels.

[bestclimb]

On the most basic level all wheel drive is all wheel drive when power can be transmitted to all the wheels.

Some people like to make the distinction for when it is selectable or has multiple speed transfer case but various manufactures have used the terms interchangeably.

If I am going to make a distinction it is a limited slip center differential of some sort in an AWD vs a transfer case for a 4wd, though some manufactures have marketed various systems with either lable.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by Mad Adder

Yea, it would cost much less than owning a boat

I believe the word boat is really and acronym that stands for:
Bring Out Another Thousand (dollars)

I have also been told that the best 2 days of a boat owners life are they day they get the boat and the day they sell it.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by VX Fuego

haha, those trucks are BEASTS! I've had about 5 of them and they're huge (which I love) but they're the LAST thing I would think you could save gas in. But, I'd certainly love to have one with a turbo diesel if I could get 20+mpg out of it.

I get around 20 in my suburban pulling my little utility trailer.

[Mad Adder]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

I believe the word boat is really and acronym that stands for:
Bring Out Another Thousand (dollars)

I have also been told that the best 2 days of a boat owners life are they day they get the boat and the day they sell it.

100% true on both accounts.


Im looking to spend 3000 or less on a civic or up to 5000 on a 4wd. Leaning towards civic with good tires and tire chains in the trunk

[Rick323]

I've lived in NEPA for 40+ years never needed chains. I rarely use 4wd. Snow tires are about all you'll need for getting around Pa in the winter (front or rear wheel drive). Pa schools delay or close for a forcast of bad weather (which may or maynot materialize). Pretty much any vehicle can tow 600# boat. $0.02

[baldlobo]

knowing how to drive for the given conditions is #1

most all-wheel drive vehicals have open diffs front and rear; lsd's are generally options.

you can have 4X4 or awd and you'll still end up stuck