My neighbor asked me why I didn't get AWD on my F150 and be done with the 2wd/4wd ***** like her Ford Mountaineer

Then I was thinking...Is her AWD vehicle better in snow and sandy beach driving than my F150, being able to power all wheels when needed?

 

its nice for driving in snow on the road, but awd sucks in the sand. i see it alot at the dunes, guys with the autotrac 4wd chevys tank out there because they hit the autotrac button instead of full 4wd or low range. most AWD systems dont allow any wheel spin, something you need when off road, especially in mud or climbing hills in the sand. Not to mention there is no option of low range with most awd systems.

 

I've had both. Even a 04 AWD Mountaineer. The AWD is for the road period! The 4WD is definitely better for off road. I don't know about sand, but 4WD is the only way to go in mud or deep snow!

 

First off, you didn't get AWD on your F150 cause it's not offerred.

Had AWD in my '99 Explorer Limited 5.0L. My fathers '96 Explorer XLT 4.0L 4x4 was much better in deep snow than mine. I only opted for the AWD because I wanted the 5.0L and you could only get the 5.0L in 2WD or AWD. Never again will I have AWD. It is an option on the Expy/Gator & Exploder/Mountaineer for the soccer moms.

First off, you run through front hubs much quicker. Secondly, you have around a 35 front/65 rear (give or take a little) power split compared to a 50/50 in true 4WD vehicles. Plus you don't have Low in AWD for the extreme conditions.

If you stay on the road with light to moderate snow, you'll be okay with AWD. Once you get heavy snow, mud or sand, AWD is better than 2WD, but not as beneficial as 4WD. Now I wouldn't mind the auto 4WD function like some Chebby's have (for those light snow/icy conditions), but would still want 4WD hi/low capability.

Oh, and I'd deal with twisting a **** rather than getting stuck in an AWD.

 

awd is for ppl who dont know what to do with there selves. and its kind of an insurance policy for ford.