When is a RWD sports car better in the snow than a 4x4 truck?
01-07-2018, 03:43 PM
#91
Senior Member
No, there's people that swear dedicated snow tires put you in far more control than all season Goodyears on an F150.
I'll ask again, when was the last time you drove a dedicated snow tire, what kind and what vehicle. deep snow a 4x4 will win, yes. as said all along by multiple people. A snow covered road where traction is what rules? Snow tires will win every time. So you can spin 4 wheels and get going maybe, and I do mean maybe a tick or 2 faster, but that's very little in the grand scheme when turning and stopping are also a pretty important part of the equation.
and BTW, there are more than a few people around here that do in fact plow around here with 20+ year old trucks with 2wd and big ol plow on the front with snow tires and some weight in the back. They don't have any issues. Just a cheap old dedicated plow truck.
I'll ask again, when was the last time you drove a dedicated snow tire, what kind and what vehicle. deep snow a 4x4 will win, yes. as said all along by multiple people. A snow covered road where traction is what rules? Snow tires will win every time. So you can spin 4 wheels and get going maybe, and I do mean maybe a tick or 2 faster, but that's very little in the grand scheme when turning and stopping are also a pretty important part of the equation.
and BTW, there are more than a few people around here that do in fact plow around here with 20+ year old trucks with 2wd and big ol plow on the front with snow tires and some weight in the back. They don't have any issues. Just a cheap old dedicated plow truck.
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toddstang (01-07-2018)
01-07-2018, 03:46 PM
#92
Senior Member
And the OP asked about a rwd SPORTS car vs.4wd truck. Sports cars will (generally) non winter tires too. 4wd's will (generally) have all season tires.
01-07-2018, 03:59 PM
#93
Senior Member
If all possible conditions are otherwise equal, I don't think anyone would argue that RWD is better than 4WD for winter driving.
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2015rubyFX4 (01-07-2018)
01-07-2018, 04:04 PM
#94
Senior Member
In light of the snowstorm today up and down the east coast, I was debating this topic with a few co-workers today.
I love my 2015 XLT FX4 4x4 truck...
It has the stock Goodyear (crap) tires on it, and I have about 28k miles on them, so they aren't "new".
I also have a 2008 BMW 3-series (not a 'true' sports car, but you get the idea). However, for the past 6 years I always switch to my winter/snow tires/wheels... I run Bridgestone Blizzaks ... which are amazing, and arguably the best winter tire you can buy.
It is RWD, not the AWD, and has the sport package so it sits lower than the standard 3-series car... so if the snow is deeper than say, 6" or so, my front bumper turns into a snow plow haha.
So... other than the F150 offering 4x4.. which, in reality is only really good for getting un-stuck or getting moving; has zero effects with turning or stopping.
Is my RWD "sports" car with proper snow tires actually a better choice to drive in bad conditions than my truck?
I live in a smaller city; I don't travel rural roads, the roads are always "plowed" to some degree, a lot of city/highway driving even when it snows bad.
My truck is OK in the snow... the rear end definitely slides around a little... i have NOT added any weight. I didnt the last 2 winters, and Im not sure if I will this winter.
In my opinion, tires are hands down the biggest difference in winter traction/handling than any other factor... much, much more than having 4x4 or AWD in my opinion.
I personally think there is a misconception about a 'truck' being the best vehicle in the winter - unless the snow is deep, or it is REALLY bad out - a truck might not be the best vehicle.
Which would you drive?
Which is "safer" ?
What are your other thoughts and comments on this subject?
I love my 2015 XLT FX4 4x4 truck...
It has the stock Goodyear (crap) tires on it, and I have about 28k miles on them, so they aren't "new".
I also have a 2008 BMW 3-series (not a 'true' sports car, but you get the idea). However, for the past 6 years I always switch to my winter/snow tires/wheels... I run Bridgestone Blizzaks ... which are amazing, and arguably the best winter tire you can buy.
It is RWD, not the AWD, and has the sport package so it sits lower than the standard 3-series car... so if the snow is deeper than say, 6" or so, my front bumper turns into a snow plow haha.
So... other than the F150 offering 4x4.. which, in reality is only really good for getting un-stuck or getting moving; has zero effects with turning or stopping.
Is my RWD "sports" car with proper snow tires actually a better choice to drive in bad conditions than my truck?
I live in a smaller city; I don't travel rural roads, the roads are always "plowed" to some degree, a lot of city/highway driving even when it snows bad.
My truck is OK in the snow... the rear end definitely slides around a little... i have NOT added any weight. I didnt the last 2 winters, and Im not sure if I will this winter.
In my opinion, tires are hands down the biggest difference in winter traction/handling than any other factor... much, much more than having 4x4 or AWD in my opinion.
I personally think there is a misconception about a 'truck' being the best vehicle in the winter - unless the snow is deep, or it is REALLY bad out - a truck might not be the best vehicle.
Which would you drive?
Which is "safer" ?
What are your other thoughts and comments on this subject?
I agree number one factor is tires, with that said if you put equal tires on both vehicles the 4x4 truck will have better acceleration (which is very handy around town at slick intersections) but won't stop any better. It will also give you more clearance for deep snow.
I drove a 2001 mustang for 4 winters (yes up here in snow country) with blizzaks...I couldn't get that thing around a parking lot without sand bags for weight on the rear tires. With blizzaks and sand it 'wasn't bad'...but that is about it.
Now with my truck with duratracs and 4x4 I would say it is about 'equal to my mustang'.......now if I put blizzaks on my truck it would smoke that car any day of the week.
So to answer your 'what is safer' my opinion is a truck with 4x4 with winter tires with driving with a brain is the best option and what I would pick.
01-07-2018, 04:08 PM
#95
When is a RWD sports car better in the snow than a 4x4 truck? When the RWD sports car has some of the best snow tires in the business at all 4 corners, the 4x4 truck has stock good years tires with 30,000 miles of wear, and the conditions are plowed roads that still have a thin coat of snow and ice on them! - Do I get a prize!! 
I can't believe how many people didn't get this... (hint: the answer was in the OP's original post)
I can't believe how many people didn't get this... (hint: the answer was in the OP's original post)
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01-07-2018, 06:13 PM
#96
Member
change the RWD sports car with a NEW RWD sports truck with (2WD RCSB F150). Put on new winter tires (like blizzak WS80) or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.
Race that on a twisty road with packed snow with some ice (very realistic country road) against a new 4WD F150 with stock all season.
Race that on a twisty road with packed snow with some ice (very realistic country road) against a new 4WD F150 with stock all season.
01-07-2018, 06:24 PM
#97
Super Moderator
change the RWD sports car with a NEW RWD sports truck with (2WD RCSB F150). Put on new winter tires (like blizzak WS80) or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.
Race that on a twisty road with packed snow with some ice (very realistic country road) against a new 4WD F150 with stock all season.
Race that on a twisty road with packed snow with some ice (very realistic country road) against a new 4WD F150 with stock all season.
Put the same tires on both and run them down the same road ......
4wd will do better in the snow !
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2015rubyFX4 (01-07-2018)
01-07-2018, 06:44 PM
#98
Member
It is drivtrain vs tires.
Point 1 4wd and all season can be a dangerous Combo
Point 2 2wd and Winter tires is a safe Combo and give enough forward traction.
If You cant Afford both USE money on tires instead of 4WD
Point 1 4wd and all season can be a dangerous Combo
Point 2 2wd and Winter tires is a safe Combo and give enough forward traction.
If You cant Afford both USE money on tires instead of 4WD
01-07-2018, 07:06 PM
#99
Super Moderator
I'm thinking i f you can afford a "sports car" you should be able to manage the cost of a set of decent tires for your truck....... Lol
01-07-2018, 08:41 PM
#100
Senior Member
Please stop and think for a second. No more attacks, just think.. IF rwd is better then 4wd.. Isn't 4wd really rwd PLUS the added traction of the front wheels? So again i ask. How can rwd (by itself) be better then 4wd? Leave tires out of the equation. That of course brings up a whole different flavor and tire change everything. Just purely rwd vs. 4wd.. Same tires.
Some people just like to argue for the sake of arguing.
On the way home tonight we drove through a sleet/snow mix. My truck made it home fine, but a few RWD's decided they liked ditches better than roadways.