4X4 vs 4X2

[darktiger]

I have decided on a 2004 4Runner Sports. Now my next problem is V8 4X4 are hard to find here in Texas. The dealer did a search and we only found 5 in Texas, last Friday I made another dealer did a search and it was only 4 in Texas. Damn. My current vehicle is a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 4X4. I guess my question is what difference will I notice going from a 4X4 to a 4X2. I really want to feel safe going 80 when it is raining. In my Jeep I do get a sense of secureness.

 

[Thai]

I think you answered your own question...get the 4x4.

If you want all-out stability, then 4x4 is the choice. However, 4x2 is not slouch either. It has stability control along with brake assist and traction control (on rear axle). At highway speed, the most important safety feature is the VSC (stability control). Therefore, it's not a big big lost if you get 4x2.

4runner 4x2 with VSC is probably safer than Jeep GC 4x4 withOUT stability control at highway speed in rain. It is pretty much known that IF you have QuadraDrive in your Jeep, then it is not that effective in traction around a corner. QD can cause "oversteer" in corners in the wet/snow. QD is a mechanical system; therefore, there is a delay in reaction as the pumps work...some say, around 2-3 seconds delay! So, i think that 4runner's VSC system is far better for highway safety, even if you have a 4x2.

If you want to off-road, then 4x4 is the choice as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[peter78]

I think you answered your own question...get the 4x4.

You want to feel safe going 80 in the rain so you get a 4X4. Hmm, I think I won't be driving with both of you guys.

When we have a snow storm here in Georiga, the only people stuck on the side of the roads are 4X4's. Ever wonder why?

 

[toyogirl]

Not that it's quite the same, but I was going 80 in the rain in a '96 Tacoma and I ended up upside down in a ditch...needless to say I'm one of those awful people who slow down to 40 now when it drizzles...be safe, I watched plenty of people fly by the same spot where I hydraplaned and it was just luck of the draw. Sorry, had to add my input.

 

[Thai]

You want to feel safe going 80 in the rain so you get a 4X4. Hmm, I think I won't be driving with both of you guys.

And your point is??:driving: We have airbags, don't we??:biggrin2:

 

[toyogirl]

I wouldn't count on that. I have horrible luck with new cars, here's the result of a drunk driver, the airbags did not deploy and I was going about 50... Neither did the ones on my tacoma. I'm not picking on you guys, just giving you a hard time.

 

[peter78]

OK, OK I will grant you it is safer driving a 4X4 in the rain instead of a 4X2. The extra traction will surely help, also side air bags, anti-lock brakes, VSC (vehicle skid control) and don't forget Toyogirl's front airbags, but it is OK to, Well You Know, slow down a little.:

 

[Thai]

Guys and gals...i was just kidding....:jk:

 

[toyogirl]

Sorry to get off topic, I say go for the 4x4 and post some off roading pics!!

 

[juandixon]

remember the v8 doesn't have a 4x2 option. =/

 

[jharris2]

remember the v8 doesn't have a 4x2 option. =/

Actually, it does offer a 4X2 option. It doesn't offer a part-time 4WD -- it's full-time.

 

[Thai]

Just a clarification:

4x4 = 4wd (full-time in V8 or full-time with 2wd option in V6)

4x2 = 2wd only (rear axle gets all the power; no power to the front axle)

 

[Thai]

For more explanation of VSC, please see these threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1227

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12

Hope this helps.

 

[thunderpaw]

First off, 4wd vs. 2wd will not help you going 80 in the rain. And doing 80 in the rain is almost never "safe".

Really your tires are everything.

4wd is really best for slow moving in snow/slush/mud/rock climbing/sand. It also provides a good 0-30 kick off the line.

2wd is fine for all but the most extreme situations. Heck, last winter I took one of our mr2's out in 6" of snow with high performance tires on - had a blast goin sideways everywhere. I think I scared a few people though LOL.

But really, 4wd is great, but not designed for high speed usage. (as opposed to AWD which is)

 

[Thai]

Actually, the 4runner's full-time 4wd system is more effective than most AWD system and is equal to the best of them. Don't forget that the 4runner's Torsen can vary torque depending on traction (much like the best of AWD systems).

Many AWD systems are not very good. For example, the Acura MDX system requires slippage BEFORE transferring power to the rear axle (in highway driving)...this is REACTIVE, thus meaning that there is a delay in power delivery.

For the 4runner 4wd, power is ALWAYS going to both axles. Thus, it is a PROACTIVE system that does NOT rely on slippage before working.

The 4wd system in the 4runner is about as good as it gets. There is none better in the world...including those with AWD systems. There are a few equals (Land Crusiers, new Range Rovers, GX470, Mercedes ML/G500, etc.). But, even among these elite SUVs, only the 4runner and GX470 have the latest Torsen center differential (T-3), which allows you to vary torque distribution depending on traction.

For more on Torsen T-3 center diff, see this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

Thanks.