Honda CRV (awd) versus Toyota Avalon (fwd) On an interstate drive, mostly level during snowy weather, is AWD substantially safer? Specifically, the main threat is spinouts. Real bad with RWD but that is not in this discussion.

No. AWD is handy for getting started from a dead stop when it’s slippery. Once you’re moving, AWD cannot defy the laws of physics by allowing you to stop faster than you could with FWD. Psychologically speaking, AWD is often more dangerous, because people with AWD think they’re invincible and drive…

[image] shadowfax: AWD is handy for getting started from a dead stop when it’s slippery. Once you’re moving, AWD cannot defy the laws of physics by allowing you to stop faster than you could with FWD. No, AWD can’t help you to stop in a shorter distance than FWD can, but when you come to a cu…

[image] melott: Specifically, the main threat is spinouts. Front weight biased cars naturally want to understeer. Understeer is when you need to turn the steering wheel more to negotiate the turn. This doesn’t matter if you have AWD or FWD. It only matters with RWD because the power goes to t…

I don’t like the top heavy feeling in sweeping curves with my awd equinox. I think once the front tires start to slip than the power transfer to rear does not really help as you sweep thru a curve. Would a lower CG sedan do better? Or maybe an awd sedan?

[image] Cavell: Would a lower CG sedan do better? Always will be better. Lower center of gravity vehicles don’t transfer as much weight from the inside tire to the outside tire in a turn. The more weight on the tire during turning, the less the ability of the tire to generate the lateral forc…

[image] Mustangman: Cars like Audi Quattro and Subaru AWD cars are essentially FWD cars with a transfer case and rear differential. The FWD versions of these cars… There haven’t been any FWD versions of Subarus since the early '90s.

[image] VDCdriver: There haven’t been any FWD versions of Subarus since the early '90s. Thanks for the info but not pertinent to the explanation. They still react the same as they did in the 90’s, 80’s and now. Physics hasn’t changed.

It’s Kansas, so curves are not very important. Spinning out when you hit a slick spot on the interstate is the main hazard. Stopping we understand.

… and Subaru’s AWD system has been “biased” to 60% RWD/40%FWD for about 10 years. The bias will vary, depending on traction, but the “normal/default” bias is 60% to the rear/40% to the front.

[image] VDCdriver: 60% to the rear/40% to the front. And the cars are still front-heavy, so the physics still applies.

AWD vs FWD on snow/ice

Safety

VDCdriver February 13, 2019, 10:28pm 7

There haven’t been any FWD versions of Subarus since the early '90s.

Topic		Replies	Views
AWD vs FWD on snowy interstate Maintenance/Repairs	9	655	February 14, 2019
Is AWD and/or 4WD SAFER in snow or ice General Discussion	35	3603	March 9, 2009
AWD vs FWD Driving/Drivers weather , volkswagen , winter	7	11937	February 22, 2011
AWD questions General Discussion	11	1361	October 28, 2010
Snow tires are better than having AWD/4WD General Discussion	28	5039	July 5, 2012

AWD vs FWD on snow/ice

Related topics