It doesn't matter how many wheels are driven if you're sliding down a snowy hill unable to stop.

See post #22!!

I have been debating about 2WD vs 4WD myself. Just came across this useful video that shows how ABS, TCS and ESP systems help in slippery road conditions.

I have been debating about 2WD vs 4WD myself. Just came across this useful video that shows how ABS, TCS and ESP systems help in slippery road conditions.

Is that a Yeti in the background at 09:10?

Is that a Yeti in the background at 09:10?

No, it's not.

It doesn't matter how many wheels are driven if you're sliding down a snowy hill unable to stop.

Actually yes it does, if you are engine braking and that is applying to all 4 wheels it gives you a big advantage, 2WD will lose traction more quickly (Although to be fair I don't know how the yeti 4WD system works in this situation), as it does if you are steering too.

In my suzuki Jimny the difference in directional control when switching from 2WD to 4WD in the snow is night and day (as long as you are not braking and losing traction of course), but that doesn't have a central diff so power is distributed to front and rear evenly...

Agreed that tyres probably account for a bigger percentage of control though....

I think the AWD-bashing is getting a bit out of proportion.

Yes, a 2WD car with winter tyres is pretty capable, but AWD means more traction, better weight distribution, better control when cornering under power, better engine braking... I'd say the only downside of AWD is that you have to put up with all the people who don't have it telling you how bad it is and banging on about "invincibility" and how having AWD makes people worse drivers!

+4(wd)

if mpg is of no concern I'd go for a lovely 1.8tsi 4x4 before they stop making them.

if mpg is a concern then the 110 2wd is a cracker my chum has one and gets well over 50mpg all the time!

PS: 50mpg! I wish! maybe I can get that lead weight surgically removed from my right foot on the NHS

if mpg is of no concern I'd go for a lovely 1.8tsi 4x4 before they stop making them.

Yes exactly so. My mileage is low enough to make Dpf diesels problematic and the smoothness of the 1.8 is worth some smiles per gallon.

Having just come back from Crete, I can confirm that a 2 wheel drive hire car can go anywhere a 4x4 can!!

We had a swim here:

http://dionyssos-preveli.gr/map_en.php

after having lunch at the Taverna here:

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=35.173984,24.466401&hl=en&num=1&t=m&z=17

The whole way down is rough gravel with MANY hairpin bends, and all we had was an Atos!!

Having just come back from Crete, I can confirm that a 2 wheel drive hire car can go anywhere a 4x4 can!!

We had a swim here:

http://dionyssos-preveli.gr/map_en.php

after having lunch at the Taverna here:

https://maps.google....&num=1&t=m&z=17

The whole way down is rough gravel with MANY hairpin bends, and all we had was an Atos!!

We will be in Crete the end of next month for my sons wedding, we will be in the north of the island in Georgioupoli. Will probably have a quad bike though.

Beware Graham if you see a bus load of OAPs in you village next week my mother will be on it , only Monday till Friday so you will be safe to go out again after Friday

We were staying with friends in the village here:

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Skepasti,+Rethymno,+Greece&hl=en&ll=35.413816,24.723186&spn=0.082262,0.110378&sll=35.359936,24.263306&sspn=1.317063,1.766052&oq=skepasti&hnear=Skepasti,+Rethymno,+Greece&t=m&z=13

No way would I ride a quad out there; it was much too hot for me in the last couple of days!!

I can recommend the Taverna above. Excellent food and reasonably priced.

Warning noted!!

We were staying with friends in the village here:

https://maps.google....Greece&t=m&z=13

No way would I ride a quad out there; it was much too hot for me in the last couple of days!!

I can recommend the Taverna above. Excellent food and reasonably priced.

Warning noted!!

Will probably be trying out a lot of watering holes around the area, have 3 nights before the wedding to fill and 3 nights after. so will be a bit all week