Hi all. I am getting a new 2004 V8 4Runner Sports. In my area (Texas) there is a very limited supply on 4X4. I think there are only like 5 avaliable in the state. My current vehicle is a Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 4X4. Will I notice the difference between a 4X4 and a 4X2. It does not snow around here, and I do not go offroading that much. But I want something that is safe when I am driving fast in Rain and maybe the beach. What are the main differences between a 4X4 and a 4X2(not the obvious please, I am not that dumb).

 

Its less expenisive and you will potentially get better gas mileage...if your primary concern is wet traction I would just get some nice on-road tires that are good in the rain and be done with it.

However, I live on a dirt road and work off-road doing landscaping and stuff so a 4x4 is a MUST.

Go with 4x2 if its more readily available, cheaper and you won't even use 4x4 that much.

Just my $.02 man

Fink

 

Well besides the obvious, the 4x4 will drink more gas. As far as driving fast in the rain, that's not a good idea in a 4x4 or a 2wd. Anyway, other than that there isn't that much of a difference. If you don't go off-road or drive in snow then a 4x4 is pretty pointless to you.

 

I don't think you should be speeding in the rain no matter if you have 4X4 or 2wd!!

2WD are a little lower, the springs are usually softer. It will weigh less, so you MIGHT be able to tell a difference in acceleration...

Personally, I would get a 4x4 just in case you want to go somewhere that you may need it.

I have a 1978 F250 2WD and I wish it was a 4x4 for the snow. But there are also times during the summer when I could use it, for example; pulling my boat up a slippery ramp. But I have my 4Runner to pull the boat now!!

 

Depends on your personal interests. Are you an outdoorsman? Do you ski during the winters? I used to own a 4x2 Expedition, and I regretted buying a 2wd. I love the outdoors and I snowboard in the winter. I always feel unconfident when I am driving on fire road or wet or snowy mountain drive.

When I bought the 4runner, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted a 4x4. So, now I am a happy 4x4 owner, and I feel like I can go through anything.

But if you plan on hauling kids to the soccer game and hauling large loads from the mall, I'd say stick with 4x2, it just cost less:

1) Purchase Price
2) Maintenance
3) Gas