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[London]

   Actually I'm fairly well versed as to the differences.  I just want his explanation on the statement.  The only advantage I see is that with an AWD car you don't have to get out of your vehicle to lock the hubs (if your vehicle isn't equiped with autolocking hubs) and you don't have to actually switch the vehicle into 4WD.  AWD is always there.  As far as actual performance in the snow, well I am still waiting for his explanation.

i'd rather be in an Audi Quattro than my Land Rover in the snow any day and I dont' have to get out to lock the hubs.

[greggearhead]

Rich, my 3/4 Dodge has 4wd, not AWD, and I don't have to get out and lock the hubs.  That has nothing to do with 4wd.  

It can be very,very very true that 4wd with a transfercase and not a center differential isn't as good in the snow and ice.  Having the rear and front tires turning the exact same radius when they aren't covering the exact same distance causes the tires to slip and possibly a bit of understeer - more prevalent on glare ice.  

Of course 4wd is better than any 2wd so it "rocks in the snow."   :roll:   My old Toyota did great in the snow - it was fun in deep snow, but to be honest, my old Quantum Syncro Wagon (which is basically an Audi Quattro) was worlds better on-road.  I mean it could go faster and easier and better anywhere on the road.  Off road, the opposite is true.

[fitzlaughlyn]

Well once I get the call about the job, I'll start looking around.

Thanks for the info.

[kutark]

Actually I'm fairly well versed as to the differences. I just want his explanation on the statement. The only advantage I see is that with an AWD car you don't have to get out of your vehicle to lock the hubs (if your vehicle isn't equiped with autolocking hubs) and you don't have to actually switch the vehicle into 4WD. AWD is always there. As far as actual performance in the snow, well I am still waiting for his explanation.

Resurrection of a dead post, anyways thought i would enlighten.

There isnt really any way to say that AWD is better than 4wd as it is going to utterly depend on the AWD/4wd system.  Generally most 4wd trucks do not have any kind of locker or limited slip in the front differential.  Most 4wd cars do have at least a LS in the rear diff.  A transfer case found in a 4wd will transfer power at a 50/50 rate front/rear when it is engaged.

Most AWD systems have LS in rear as well, sometimes in front, and most of the time in the center diff as well.  Newer AWD systems also have the ability to sense for wheel slip and route power to other wheels, this is a capability that 4wd systems typically do not have.

AWD has this advantage over 4wd, though typically 4wd are going to have better ground clearance.  All depends on the situation.  Most city driving situations, the ground clearence provided by a car will be more than sufficient.  I did actually run into an issue getting high centered in the S4, but then again it is a bit lower than regular cars.  Either way, hope this helps.