4x4 vs. AWD

So it is snowing a lot right now in NorCal and my buddy is heading up there in his Subaru, which is AWD. I told him to be careful on the summits and joked with him that he might wish he had 4x4. He then told me that AWD is better that 4x4.

Is AWD better that 4x4 in the snow? Aside from he fact that he always has power going to all wheels so he is less likely to slip before folks like us need to turn on 4x4?

I thought 4x4 was way better for plowing and all that than AWD.

 

From my experience I would take AWD in compact snow and ice and 4x4 in "snow."

 

AWD is much better in typical snow. 4X4 is meant for harsh off road conditions and is helpful in normal snow. But if you're talking about really deep snow, over 1' then 4X4 might be better. AWD systems are smart systems that sense which wheels have traction and send power to those wheels while limiting power to wheels with poor traction. 4X4's send equal amounts of power to all wheels regardless of where it is needed.

 

I would take AWD in variable conditions, and 4x4 in deeper snow. Not sure if that's "right" - but that's how I feel about it

 

I'd go with the truck simply for ground clearance personally. AWD would be very sure footed until he got stuck in a snow drift over the road.

 

Or high centers his subaru in 6 inches of snow, spinning all wheels and getting nowhere. Totally not speaking from experience with my '02 WRX (awesome car, horrible ground clearance)...

 

But I constantly see videos all subarus having fun in the snow and I get jealous
I do agree with people above that 4x4 would be more helpful in deeper snow where as AWD would work better on snow covered roads.

 

This all makes sense to me. Sounds like they both serve their purpose and have their unique limitations. I get super sketch about kicking on 4 HI until the snow is packed on the ground just so I do not bind around turns. Even though there is a good amount of ice and snow on the road, it is just very patchy.

 

You should be just fine. If its a bit icy it won't bind, and that only applies when you're making sharper turns.

 

AWD is fabulous on snow provided the center differential is limited slip or lockable. The 4Runner Limited might be the perfect solution if ground clearance is an issue.

 

I'll add to above with a reminder:

Neither AWD nor 4x4 changes the coefficient of friction between tires and snow/slush/ice. Also remember that everyone has four-wheel-brakes.

 

Subarus & Land/Range Rovers have the best AWD systems on the planet. He might have you beat on that one even though the Toyota 4x4 system is very good.

 

With a couple Quattro vehicles also in the garage, unless it's so much snow it becomes a clearance issue or I plan on going offroad, or hauling something, I will take the Audis every single time over the Taco in the snow.

 

Subie Outback only has 0.9" less ground clearance than the 4runner (8.7" vs. 9.6"). Not a drastic difference when talking about snow.

 

I have no idea what you just said but it sounded fucking awesome.

 

LOL!

Translation: 4x4 and AWD vehicles do better at getting moving in slippery conditions. They're the same as everyone else for stopping and turning though, subject to any differences due to the tires.

 

Gotcha. Dammit, quit soundin' so smart, smarty pants! Now that makes sense!

 

If you got stuck in 6" on snow in a Subaru you don't know how to drive, thats perfect drifting depth right there.

 

My WRX Wagon lifted on rally springs would whip the hell out of a Tacoma up to about 9 or 10 inches of snow. So well balanced. 4 wheel drifts were easy and predictable. No worries of driving from dry pavement to snow and having to manually engage FWD. It was the absolute best winter car I have ever owned. The manual transmission was 50-50 split front to rear.

In the deep stuff, yeah, the ground clearance is gonna be paramount.

 

AWD = more stress free on longer trips on plowed roads, U aren't constantly having to choose between 4hi n 2hi lol

Plus subarus are fng tanks.


The most important question I think is which has better tires