Quote:
Originally Posted by Leggynum  4wd is essential as the lanes are just nasty in the winter. That was one bonus of the Legnum  Ground clearance not so much of an issue I don't think as the worst it would go across would be a slightly bumpy field but never true 'off roading'. Oh I don't know, i'm getting to fussy now. |
I wouldn't rush at 4wd in the interests of handling on bad road surfaces alone.
It doesn't really make that much difference apart from off the line traction or applying heavy loads of throttle halfway through a bend. It does little to stabilise steady state cornering and nothing to stabilise braking at all.
A high sided 4wd will fail grip wise long before a standard car simply on account of its high centre of mass. Most makers of standard cars now use traction control and stability management as a cheaper (and arguably inferior) alternative to full time 4wd to deal with poor traction and lateral grip in poor conditions.
There is another point here though. If you really do struggle with bad roads in the winter (likewise, we do so here as well, it's the middle of nowhere) then fitting M+S (mud and snow) tyres to ANY car during the winter months will make an unbelieveable difference. Take 'em off after the winter 'cos they're noisy on dry tarmac and wear out bloody quickly as well.
This is turning into an interesting discussion so keep going.
Rgds,
P.