Hi all, I was never a car guy, but been learning a ton through my journey in searching for the next commuter car.
From what I've read, AWD is not really a safety feature as most advertising mislead us into believing it is. It is more of performance-related, in which you are less likely to spin/slip upon acceleration. It has no co-relation to traction and steering as that all depends on having good snow tires. (hence one article I read from an expert stating the example that you will see AWD vehicles in the ditch more often because of overconfidence) AWD definitely doesn't help to reduce stopping distance.
Would you shell out extra money to get AWD? would you not consider FWD vehicles? To me, I place snow tires much higher up than AWD.... but if an extra $2000 gets me the capability, i may consider it.
I won't be going off-roading (in that I think I'll need 4WD). the vehicle will be mostly for commuting all year long. I will have snow tires, and I'll be easy on the acceleration from 0 and slow down according to weather conditions.
What are your thoughts/opinion?
From what I've read, AWD is not really a safety feature as most advertising mislead us into believing it is. It is more of performance-related, in which you are less likely to spin/slip upon acceleration. It has no co-relation to traction and steering as that all depends on having good snow tires. (hence one article I read from an expert stating the example that you will see AWD vehicles in the ditch more often because of overconfidence) AWD definitely doesn't help to reduce stopping distance.
Would you shell out extra money to get AWD? would you not consider FWD vehicles? To me, I place snow tires much higher up than AWD.... but if an extra $2000 gets me the capability, i may consider it.
I won't be going off-roading (in that I think I'll need 4WD). the vehicle will be mostly for commuting all year long. I will have snow tires, and I'll be easy on the acceleration from 0 and slow down according to weather conditions.
What are your thoughts/opinion?