Looking to by myself a new vehicle, probably mid size SUV. Most have either front wheel or all wheel drive, difference can be 5000$. I have never owned, not sure I have even driven either.. Any opinion on best way to go is helpful, is all wheel worth it for someone who stays home in the snow.. Thanks
Front or All Wheel
- Thread starter rgkv
- Start date
All wheel drive with winter tires will give you a better ride in the winter conditions but if you stay home when its snows then perhaps no point on waisting your money on all wheel drvive.
FWD also tend to have better fuel economy. If you mostly drive in the city in good conditions and use winter tires it makes sense. If you drive on unmaintained roads or in bad weather (still get winter tires) go with AWD. I've driven both and you can feel a bit of a difference even on dry roads but I doubt it would result any additional safety in all but the worst conditions. But it does sound cooler to say you drive AWD 
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I got an AWD about 6 weeks ago and so far I like it. Corners good. And a little better in the rains.FWD also tend to have better fuel economy. If you mostly drive in the city in good conditions and use winter tires it makes sense. If you drive on unmaintained roads or in bad weather (still get winter tires) go with AWD. I've driven both and you can feel a bit of a difference even on dry roads but I doubt it would result any additional safety in all but the worst conditions. But it does sound cooler to say you drive AWD
Shopping for snows. I gotta go a little narrower than what's on it.
Much better then what? For deep snow I agree it AWD is useful, but in Toronto its not necessary. It adds a lot of mechanical complexity for very little added value unless you drive in rural areas or tow. A wise person once said "awd will make sure you get to the scene of the accident, and when you arrive it will make sure you are going faster"
Personally, I find AWD to be luxury not worth it's cost. It doesn't provide substantial benefit except in the worst of conditions. If you stay home in heavy snows, don't spend the additional upfront costs and sacrifice fuel economy for AWD.
If you live in a flat city such as Toronto - FWD with snow tires will do the job. AWD with Snow tires is a nice bonus.
As stated before and can't be stressed enough - AWD helps to get you moving!!! Stopping and steering is all in the tires - always wear protection in the winter!
As stated before and can't be stressed enough - AWD helps to get you moving!!! Stopping and steering is all in the tires - always wear protection in the winter!
I have both
FWD Rav4 & an AWD Venza
both are just as good in winter if in the city or highway roads.
If you are doing back country or up north then AWD might be an option. But don't but AWD for that 1 or 2 times a year trip.
the other thing to consider is All Season tires. they have been around for several years & major manufacturers are now getting onto them.
Michelin & Goodyear & Nokian have them. They work great if you are in an area that stays above -20C.... if colder than winter tires are a better option.
I use them on several fleet vehicles that do under 25,000kms annually with great success.
If you do lots of driving, (over 35,000kms) then use all-season & winter tires.
You mean winter rated 4 seasons tires...yes they are a very good option, even if you have a separate set of snows I would consider the 4 season tires on separate rims as they do a good job in the type of weather we get in the GTA, which is mostly driving on dry pavement with little snow accumulation, they will do decent in actual snow as well. And if you get lazy you can change them back really late spring with no serious wear.
This is good, thanks,, I can't remember the last time I bought winter tires, always all season, always just thought that's what there for..
Now I have been driving in winter for almost 50 years so I have a little bit of experience
Another point to remember is that all wheel drive gives benefits for traction (acceleration) not stopping in slippery conditions. ABS will do much more in terms of stopping on slippery road surfaces.
I remember taking a run at the Hwy 6 hill just north of Hamilton and 403 in a major snow storm right at 5pm when the road was packed. It was a fucking war zone with cars sliding down the hill sideways, slamming into the barrier, spinning their tires. I made it up with front wheel drive and snow tires only, while also having to dodge vehicles. You're right, AWD may help you get going, but it's incredible what you can accomplish with the right momentum.
Both my landcruisers are AWD all the time, they are tanks and can't be stopped. I wouldn't even think twice in a norther climate.
AWD is a marketing ploy that really does nothing in real world
Numerous tests and write ups have proven this yet some people claim otherwise (look in this very thread at peoples claims)
The idea it will ever add anything to safety is absurd and documented as false
There ARE technologies that help in winter that appear similar to AWD (eg traction control which many bundle with AWD) but the extra weight, fuel cost, and mechanical complexity of a AWD vehicle just are not worth it
Numerous tests and write ups have proven this yet some people claim otherwise (look in this very thread at peoples claims)
The idea it will ever add anything to safety is absurd and documented as false
There ARE technologies that help in winter that appear similar to AWD (eg traction control which many bundle with AWD) but the extra weight, fuel cost, and mechanical complexity of a AWD vehicle just are not worth it
