2WD or 4WD

wjputt · Oct 24th, 2011, 20:57

In the midst of contemplating a downsize from XC90 to XC60. AWD has been useful on XC90 especially during the snow & ice. Not sure about XC60 though. Please share your experiences.

darbs · Oct 24th, 2011, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjputt

In the midst of contemplating a downsize from XC90 to XC60. AWD has been useful on XC90 especially during the snow & ice. Not sure about XC60 though. Please share your experiences.

massively useful for getting going. the xc60 uses a more advanced haldex system than the xc90.

Brodick · Oct 25th, 2011, 12:38

Rant coming up...

I have never understood the theory behind offering what is essentially a off road vehicle with 2WD. The only reason that some manufacturers do it is to sell a few extra vehicles to persons who want to look cool thinking they look great in their SUV vehicle looking down at the persons in their estate cars and MPVs.

If someone does not require 4wd then go and look at estate cars or mpvs etc
They have similar amount of cabin space and same off road capability as a
2wd SUV.

Rant over...

So in answer to the OP's question If you need a vehicle with AWD capability then go for the XC60. As darbs said in his post the AWD system is more advanced than that in the XC90 and I have found it quite capable.
If you do not require AWD then look at the V60 / V70 as alternitives to the
2wd XC60

XC60MY12 · Oct 25th, 2011, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodick

Rant coming up...

I have never understood the theory behind offering what is essentially a off road vehicle with 2WD. The only reason that some manufacturers do it is to sell a few extra vehicles to persons who want to look cool thinking they look great in their SUV vehicle looking down at the persons in their estate cars and MPVs.

Try telling that to Nissan, who have sold more Qashqais (made in Sunderland) than any other British manufactured car. Part of the reason I changed from a Qashqai to an XC60 is that Qashqais are becoming too common. The Qashqai/XC60s are NOT SUVs, they are Crossovers. This is a matter of personal choice, not wanting to look cool or any other of your derogatory perceptions (at 68 I'm well beyond any desire to look cool). That's my rant over!

To address the subject of the thread, I'd had the Qashqai Tekna with the 4wd option for 4 years. Never went off road, used the 4wd option only about 6 times but it was there if I needed it. I opted for the D3 (2wd) XC60 because, at the time I bought it, the AWD version was only available on the D5 and I do not want a 2.4l engine (not caring about looking cool). I believe that they are now going to produce a D3 (2.0l) with AWD and I would definitely have opted for that. Do bear in mind, though, that AWD will make no difference to grip in icy weather. For that reason you may wish to consider winter tyres, which have been discussed widely elsewhere in this forum.

If you like the Crossover style, 2WD or AWD, don't be put off by the Clarkson fans. If you prefer the higher driving position with it's superior performance in floods, deep snow (with winter tyres), over cushion speed-bumps, better visibility and ease of getting in and out as you advance in years, go for it.

Clarkson says he hates Crossovers so I know I'm on the right track

darbs · Oct 25th, 2011, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by XC60Fan

that AWD will make no difference to grip in icy weather

err.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdvBqEwEfWU&t=2m35s

XC60MY12 · Oct 26th, 2011, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by darbs

err.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdvBqEwEfWU&t=2m35s

Yes, great for moving off, not for stopping. Should have made that clear. Thanks Darbs.

XC60MY12 · Oct 26th, 2011, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by XC60Fan

If you prefer the higher driving position with it's superior performance

Should read "its superior performance". I hate wrong apostrophes!

Slickfingers · Oct 26th, 2011, 15:32

I live in Germany and over the last 2 years I have owned a XC 60. My neighbour had the 2WD version and in a nutshell we had a lot of snow and he was not impressed. I on the other hand experienced no problems with the car ploughing through the snow. My only recommendation to anyone is to purchase M&S tyres (they do provide a better grip), I did experience the car sliding on the ice because I took the corner to fast.

Oct 24th, 2011, 20:57	#1
wjputt New Member Last Online: Oct 24th, 2011 21:27 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nantwich	2WD or 4WD In the midst of contemplating a downsize from XC90 to XC60. AWD has been useful on XC90 especially during the snow & ice. Not sure about XC60 though. Please share your experiences.

Oct 25th, 2011, 12:38	#3
Brodick Master Member Last Online: Jan 9th, 2019 16:15 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Dunblane	Rant coming up... I have never understood the theory behind offering what is essentially a off road vehicle with 2WD. The only reason that some manufacturers do it is to sell a few extra vehicles to persons who want to look cool thinking they look great in their SUV vehicle looking down at the persons in their estate cars and MPVs. If someone does not require 4wd then go and look at estate cars or mpvs etc They have similar amount of cabin space and same off road capability as a 2wd SUV. Rant over... So in answer to the OP's question If you need a vehicle with AWD capability then go for the XC60. As darbs said in his post the AWD system is more advanced than that in the XC90 and I have found it quite capable. If you do not require AWD then look at the V60 / V70 as alternitives to the 2wd XC60 __________________ 2015 V40 se Lux D4 manual, Bright Silver 2012 XC60 se Lux D5 geartronic, Inscription silver.(sold 03/15 - gone but never to be forgotten) 2010 XC60 se Lux D5 geartronic, Bright Silver (sold)

Oct 26th, 2011, 15:32	#8
Slickfingers New Member Last Online: Jul 20th, 2012 19:18 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bielefeld	I live in Germany and over the last 2 years I have owned a XC 60. My neighbour had the 2WD version and in a nutshell we had a lot of snow and he was not impressed. I on the other hand experienced no problems with the car ploughing through the snow. My only recommendation to anyone is to purchase M&S tyres (they do provide a better grip), I did experience the car sliding on the ice because I took the corner to fast.

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