Choosing two Wheel Drive or four Wheel Drive
To buy or not to buy... four wheel drive. Safety is such a large concern of motorists, and having a four wheel drive vehicle certainly gives the impression of being safe. There's also that notion of power, authority... the ability to drive anywhere. Are all these things necessary?
The first question to ask yourself is, "Will I use it?" If you cannot answer a definitive, "Yes!" then you do not need to buy a four wheel drive vehicle. If you live in a mountainous, snowy climate, you can justify having four wheel drive. If you live an adventurous lifestyle, which will require you to drive over boulders and through rivers, you can justify having four wheel drive. If you live in Miami, save your money, and buy a two wheel drive vehicle.
Four wheel drive vehicles work by having the front axle work in concert with the rear axle. Power is delivered to both, and consequently, four wheels power the vehicle forward, or backward. Front wheel drive vehicles only deliver power to the front axle, leaving the rear tires to simply roll on their own as the car moves forward. Rear wheel drive works similarly, however, the power is delivered to the rear axle.
I mentioned safety earlier, as many people claim that four wheel drive vehicles give better control in tough conditions. While this is true, the increase in control is not terribly significant. Four wheel drive will not prevent a spin out. Unfortunately, many drivers feel that it will, and find themselves in snowbanks and ditches. (Thankfully, if the crash isn't too bad, the four wheel drive WILL help you get out said ditch or snowbank.) The fact of the matter is, a front wheel drive vehicle is adequate for any conditions a sane drive would attempt to travel in. The other type of two wheel drive vehicle, rear-wheel, is not nearly as safe. Consider pulling a wagon in a straight line, vs. pushing a wagon in a straight line. Now, which would you rather do if your life depended on keeping the wagon under control on a slick surface?
Four wheel drive vehicles are nice, but they cost more money. Ask yourself again, "Will I use it?" If you said, "no," then there is no reason for you to buy a four wheel drive vehicle.
