kbroderick

From the Team O'Neil Rally School:

2WD vs 4WD braking

Side-by-side test w/Cherokees (one in 2, one in 4WD)

The explanation:

I wouldn't have believed it, but apparently 4WD does allow you to stop more quickly.

Kingofwylietx

I saw that last night on Jalopnik. It seemed to have something to do with keeping all tires spinning or stopped at the same time and speed.

WXman

Yes, engine braking in 4WD is great for snow and ice. Also, having all 4 tires pulling gives much better vehicle control. The people who say "4x4 helps you go but does nothing for stopping or handling" obviously don't know what they're talking about. Maybe they're not "car guys"? I dunno...

Mastercraft1981SnS

Wouldn't the 2wd f250 be going a faster speed at 3,000rpm then the 4wd test? I would think the engine would have more of a load on it in 4wd then in 2wd. I do agree that 4wd would stop faster, but I think the distance would be a little smaller then in the video.

isthatahemi

Anyone who drives a lot on ice and snow knows this, it's cool that someone took the time to empirically test it. The difference used to be more extreme back in the day of rear wheel ABS only.

4WD use settles the vehicle, especially trucks, with the low traction / light weight over the rear axle.

96grimreaper

This statement is more reserved for the idiots doing 70 on the highway in a snow AND ice storm thinking because they have 4wd the vehicle will stop like it normally does. It gives people a false sense of security and no amount of drive tires are going to help when there isn't enough friction to stop the vehicle from moving.

AK49FordTruck

I've said this for years, people never understood the 50/50 braking power. Maybe it's because I drive on ice rink streets/highways 6 months out of the year but I learned very early on you have much more control in 4x4. Combine that with great dedicated snow tires and you can drive along at highway speeds in the worst conditions so long as you're paying attention and watching out of the other guy.

Blue2016XL

This blew my mind. When I saw the first video I thought, how is that possible? You got the same amount of traction in 4wd as you do in 2wd. That third video in the first post made me think about something I never thought about and makes perfect sense when you think about it.

Another thing to watch is that, the vehicle behind you won't be able to stop as fast as you.

I still wouldn't drive like I am on dry pavement on ice/snow covered roads even in 4wd though.

2015rubyFX4

He left it in second gear

isthatahemi

Another person who doesn't get it.....
I have an hour commute both ways every day. about 100 days a year there is snow on the road. Cruise set, every day, (except when I can't see) 110kmh / 70 mph. 1,000,000 kms accident free. I have studded tires on my work rig, but it's one wheel drive. The point is that because you can't go 70 and not crash, clearly others can.

Those driving cars on crap ***** tires need to keep in the right lane and not CAUSE others to have to stop for them.