Here is a test of AWD and 4WD.

[marktutone]

Check out these tests that a lab is doning for AWD and 4WD vehicles.
This video is an eye opener.
http://www.commonao.com/2014/04/26/watch-awd-vehicles-4x4/

 

[mrshish]

Great video and I agree it was eye opening. I always had a sneaking suspicion that some of claims made weren't as accurate as they should of been. I guess I'll stick with my old fashioned manual transfer case.

 

[Longtallsally]

Not a particularly fair test, but interesting nonetheless. What I would add that few will think about is do you really want all the power going to one tiny little half shaft? When they were talking about the Passat, and the one wheel traction deal, I wouldn't want to be on an incline giving it throttle and hope one wheel will et you rolling. That is begging for the shaft to snap, where you'll have a bigger repair bill than a towing bill.

By the same token, I wouldn't want a very heavy Jeep put in the same situation.

 

[Toyotero]

I happened upon this video recently, comparing a first gen Tacoma Prerunner with locker to a 4WD.


I was glad to see the fairly objective head-to-head comparison since I was shopping for a Prerunner when I bought my Tacoma, and I'm glad I bought the 4WD.
:-D

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

jeep rubicon

I believe a jeep rubicon would be able to climb with only one wheel getting traction. In fact I know it and unless the "ice was a really long patch a little bit of momentum will get you through it especially if the ice has any roughness to it at all. again based upon my own personal experiences.

 

[Longtallsally]

Yes, any locked up vehicle CAN make it through, but with too much skinny pedal, you will break. And yes, I too know this from experience. I'm just saying that if you are in an incline, and only one tire can get traction, odds are you may end up walking or replacing a half shaft on the trail. All the torque and power of the engine on a single half shaft= busted part unless you have some psycho D60, Rockwell, or other industrial strength setup.

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

nope just stock d-44

and a wimpy 3.8

 

[SiliconTi]

That was interesting, though a commercial for Subaru (which is OK). It does seem that Subie has the technology down (as well they should).

I had a Honda Element with the RT 4WD system - was fantastic in snow.

And yes, you need to be gentle with the skinny pedal.

 

[brianjwilson]

I had one of those 2008 Subaru Legacy GTs (2.5l turbo, manual trans and rear limited slip). The car was a real blast in the snow, got around very well. Too bad the car was a POS in general, full of squeaks and rattles and electrical problems, failing clear coat etc.

I don't know why this is in the jeep section though...?

 

[kojackJKU]

I wish they put an FDII patriot in this competition too. It would just go right up. BrianJwilson, I thought it was just my 2001 legacy GT. Mine had the exact same problems. 4 computers, wind noise galore, more than my JK, paint peeled off the front, Not to mention total lack of power. AWD in it was great, rest of the product was crap. I will never own another subaru because of such a bad experience the first time. Even tho I was close to buying a new outback in 2010, I bought the FDII patriot instead, I think I made the right choice.

 

[shays4me]

I for one would like to see the Jeep JKU in a similar test to see what it's traction control is capable of. From what I've heard the Grand Cherokee traction control is superb and I wonder if Jeep can get similar results with the JK, even though it's a different setup altogether. Great thread, I enjoyed all the videos posted!

 

[kojackJKU]

the jeep would just walk over that test.

 

[toylandcruiser]

the jeep would just walk over that test.

Anything with a locker would.


"I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people, except for a few public officials."
— George Mason, in Debates in Virginia Convention on Ratification of the Constitution, Elliot, Vol. 3, June 16, 1788

 

[Justincredible]

the jeep would just walk over that test.

A Rubicon, yes.
A Sport, Sahara, or anything else not locked, no. The open diffs would send power right to the slipping wheel.

Correction: In 4wd they would all pass the first test with only the front wheels on ice, but only the Rubicon (or Moab/Sahara with LSD) would pass the 1 wheel with traction test.

 

[jCubed]

I've gotta say I believe and agree with the AWD test. I had a 2010 Subaru Legacy and it was by far the best vehicle in snow and ice. Our 2012 Toyota Highlander is ok. Subaru just has the AWD down and it works awesome.

I saw this video a little after I got my Subaru, good stuff.