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Earlier quoted context omitted.
No it doesn't. I think you're just confused on fundamental mechanics.
That's rich. The lack of understanding of the fundamental mechanics is exactly what makes this article shit and your comment along with it. But do go ahead a school me on this PLEASE.
4WD/AWD are almost never necessary in USA and Europe today, to the extent that, if you buy 4WD/AWD you're likely suboptimizing and even taking a risk (for your drivers who aren't familiar with the quirks of 4WD/AWD). As Saab has shown for decades, FWD will get you almost almost anywhere a 4WD/AWD will in bad weather. But sales of 4WD and AWD cars have been a boondoggle for the auto manufacturers. Cost, complexity and…
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm
It doesn't matter what the studies say, 4WD is legally recognized as safer than 2WD in California.
Jesus what a SHIT article It gets so many things wrong I don't even know where to start. Why is this garbage spam on Hacker News?
I always find it suspect when people claim that something is so bad that they cannot find a single concrete thing to criticise it on. I'd suggest you start with the thing you believe they got "most wrong" and go from there. Otherwise this comment seems to lack substance.
I just don't see why I should be giving free editorial services and in effect encouraging what I consider to be blog spam infecting a site I love.
Subaru's higher end AWD system has separate output shafts from the engine for the front and the rear, with electronically-controlled clutches modifying the torque. Default is 60/40 front biased, but it can send 100% of the torque to either end of the car. Excellent performance with no manual mode switching needed, also manages good fuel economy at the same time. Best system in the business.
However, if you don't have locking differentials you can still get into the situation where one wheel slips and the wheel that grips doesn't get any power - as shown by the Subaru getting stuck on the hill in this video: https://youtu.be/hrdb_UVTa20?t=543
The video from the 30s was fascinating. It gave a perfect progression of complexity while explaining the concept of a differential. I'd like to see more of those kind of videos (from now our from clear back then).
I wonder why car manufacturers still use direct force transmission with hugely complex (and in case of ignoring the instructions, outright dangerous) like 4WD/AWD instead of diesel-electric or diesel-hydraulic systems like on locomotives. A computer could instantly shift torque with both of the hybrid solutions, you wouldn't need a clutch or a gearbox any more, not to mention cheap all-wheel-drive including the trail…
Cars generally suffer quite a lot if you add significant weight: both performance and fuel economy will be hit. That is why locomotive solutions are not very suitable for cars.
4WD/AWD are almost never necessary in USA and Europe today, to the extent that, if you buy 4WD/AWD you're likely suboptimizing and even taking a risk (for your drivers who aren't familiar with the quirks of 4WD/AWD). As Saab has shown for decades, FWD will get you almost almost anywhere a 4WD/AWD will in bad weather. But sales of 4WD and AWD cars have been a boondoggle for the auto manufacturers. Cost, complexity and…
> That’s why AWD ... helps you safely navigate both inclement weather
This is certainly how AWD/4WD etc is marketed to consumers, but it's worth remembering that every car has four wheel stop. Better acceleration really just helps you hit that snow bank first.
(Also this article loved to misuse the word "torque" when they really meant rotation or energy. Sigh.)
4WD/AWD are almost never necessary in USA and Europe today, to the extent that, if you buy 4WD/AWD you're likely suboptimizing and even taking a risk (for your drivers who aren't familiar with the quirks of 4WD/AWD). As Saab has shown for decades, FWD will get you almost almost anywhere a 4WD/AWD will in bad weather. But sales of 4WD and AWD cars have been a boondoggle for the auto manufacturers. Cost, complexity and…
I live in Utah where we regularly get snow measuring feet deep. Driving up the canyon to go skiing, or doing anything in the state during winter or in all the wilderness, it is required by law to have 4WD.
All over the west there are roads that are impassable without 4WD. I use it all the time.