Does FWD handle like AWD in snow?

[Tim]

I'm asking this because I'm not sure if my awd is working again for some strange reason. The tires don't seem to spin in the rain when it was front wheel drive only.

I went into a parking lot and did a quick drift to see what would happen and it seemed like the svx behaved exactly how it did when I had functioning awd and was very predictable.

Do the front wheel drive and all wheel drive handle the same in the snow? (except for the traction part and not getting stuck)

I think you answered your own question. FWD is like AWD except for the traction and not getting stuck

Seriously FWD is pretty good in the snow. If it wasn't, no one living in the snowbelt would buy a FWD car (and think about it...most of the cars on the road are FWD). The difference that AWD makes is that you are less likely to slide, slip, or get stuck than your are with FWD alone. But no vehicle, not even the Hummer, is completely immune to all that Mother Nature can dish out.

We here in MA are due for quite a snowstorm tonight. I wouldn't go out if I only had a FWD vehicle, but I wouldn't hesitate to go out in my AWD Outback.


Dave

[n00b on demand]

teh outback is like a truck...i love it!

[UberRoo]

The difference is pretty subtle. It also depends on what type of AWD system you have. The SVX feels a lot like FWD, and on super-slippery surfaces it's traction isn't substantially better; smooth, wet ice for example. Fortunately, surfaces like that are unusual. AWD systems with a healthy rear bias will behave a fair bit differently than a FWD vehicle.

If you want to compare the SVX vs. a FWD vehicle, put the FWD fuse in and take it for a spin.

Originally posted by soobiesvx93
the outback is like a truck...i love it!

Funny that you say that.......the 05 Outback is classified as a light truck by the EPA.



Dave

[n00b on demand]

Originally posted by red95svx




Funny that you say that.......the 05 Outback is classified as a light truck by the EPA.



Dave

haha Dave you corrected the "teh" to "the"

[Earthworm]

If your AWD is working you should be able to do donuts in a snowy parking lot. Without AWD you're just going to go straight.

[n00b on demand]

Yeah because if its not working the front tires will spin. With AWD all 4 are going so its easier to do donuts...at least ive found it to be easier.

[oab_au]

Originally posted by UberRoo
The difference is pretty subtle. It also depends on what type of AWD system you have. The SVX feels a lot like FWD, and on super-slippery surfaces it's traction isn't substantially better; smooth, wet ice for example. Fortunately, surfaces like that are unusual. AWD systems with a healthy rear bias will behave a fair bit differently than a FWD vehicle.

If you want to compare the SVX vs. a FWD vehicle, put the FWD fuse in and take it for a spin.

Well we don't get snow, But
Yes I have found that the Liberty/Legacy, is not able to drive through the slippery goo that the summer rain makes, like the SVX.
The Liberty got stuck, with one front and one rear wheel spinning. The limited slip diff in the back of the SVX, makes the difference, it just drives through like, no problem.
Could be the different AWD that the two models have, like you say.

Harvey.

Originally posted by soobiesvx93


haha Dave you corrected the "the" to "the"

Look! I did it again!!!



Dave