In Reply to: Avoiding snow chains in California..., Mike Lynch [Profile/Gallery] , Mon, 1 Aug 2005 16:53:12

I wouldn't quite call AWD a gimmick. Having lived in Michigan the majority of my life I can attest to the effectiveness of AWD. During those Michigan winters, I drove front wheel drive (FWD), rear wheel drive (RWD), four wheel drive (4WD), and all wheel drive (AWD)vehicles. In terms of traction, the FWD vehicles performed better than the RWD vehicles. Then with the advent of traction control, the handling characteristics of FWD in the snow became even better. 4WD vehicles are a step up from FWD only if the roads are not cleared. For unplowed roads or off roading the 4WD is an obvious plus (4WD on pavement isn't so hot on the turning assembly and tires). AWD through snow is like a hot knife through butter. Of all my driving experiences in the snow, I found AWD delivered the best traction all around because it constantly adjusts to road conditions. Even with the improved traction of AWD or even 4WD, this does not equate to having the ability to fly through the snow as so many people seem to think. Once you start to slide, no matter the drive train, your pretty much screwed. But AWD probably gives you the best chance of regaining control...given your not doing 360's or flipping or anything. Traction is the bottom line.

posted by 64.191.141...

• Benefits of AWD for us in mild climates?, Geoff, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 14:25:53
  • AWD car companies......& gimmicks..., Mike Lynch , Tue, 2 Aug 2005 13:27:47
    • SAAB's gimmick is not turbos but..., Street, Sat, 6 Aug 2005 07:38:02
    • hahahhaha n/m, SaabSpeed, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 14:34:30
  • Depends on how and where you drive., WFVIGGEN, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 09:51:28
    • Where in MT?, PGAero , Tue, 2 Aug 2005 10:12:03
      • Re: Where in MT?, WFVIGGEN, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 10:30:18
  • Depends on how much power you make and how you drive, Chad, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 09:07:38
  • AWD/4WD in snow and ice, Erik, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 08:09:40
  • You forgot a negative., saw, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 21:19:21
  • Avoiding snow chains in California..., Mike Lynch , Mon, 1 Aug 2005 16:53:12
    • No chains for us..., Scott Paterson , Mon, 1 Aug 2005 19:01:30
    • AWD a gimmick?, Noel G, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 17:52:37 <-- Viewing This Message
      • AWD all year long lets you put the power to the road>>, elGT, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 08:48:56
      • AWD is not a gimmick, but a nicetie..., jimtimkim, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 06:05:02
      • Re: AWD a gimmick? Mostly...., Noel, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 04:41:14
      • yep - pure marketing gimmick, nt moore, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 20:13:26
  • Traction with higher power, AdamB , Mon, 1 Aug 2005 14:30:04

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