I've lived in Minnesota for 49 years, and there is a situation most people up here are familiar with in the winter: one of the drive wheels is spinning freely, and the other wheel is stationary, much like the rest of the car: stuck.
This will be my first winter with a non- 2 wheel drive vehicle, namely, I now have a '04 Forester. What can I expect? I fear it is naive to think this vehicle really has 4 wheel power (just a a 2 wheel drive vehicle reverts to 1 wheel drive when you need it most.)
Any people from the snow belt can answer my questions?
I'm in a snow belt area of Ontario, and can confirm, it's still quite possible to get stuck! However, I had to work considerably harder to achieve that state in my Impreza. Because of the centre limited slip differential, you have two wheels working for you, one at each end of the car, in slippery conditions.
Not as effective in the deep stuff as a locked-up FWD vehicle, but much more flexible in operation.
Hi from Finland (yes, we have snow). I believe you will be surprised of the performance. I got my first 4 wheel drive 4 years ago (Golf 4 motion) and after that experience, I simply dont have any choice no more (Golf, Audi S4 and now Subaru Impreza). It will not be as a jeep or similar, but the level of getting stuck is far higher that with 2 wheel drive car. I believe, you really will ne amazed of the difference it makes.
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Subaru has made several distinct 4 wheel drive systems over the year. They range from the basic lever operated 4x4 system of the old Subies, to the highly advanced VDC systems available today.
IIRC, in 1999 the Forester was available with a rear LSD. (Limited Slip Differential) I can't remember if it was standard or optional, but my mother's Forester (also a 1999) has the LSD. The front is still open, but in a snowy situation both rear wheels should be powered. Keep in mind that it is LIMITED slip, there will still be some slip but it won't be totally one wheel as with a open differential.
I've driven an older Outback for over 4 years now, and have only been stuck once. I've driven in deep snow, mud with a pudding-like consistency, and through a partially frozen floodplain. The only time I've gotten stuck was when I was goofing around on a snowy two track and slammed sideways into a snowbank. The vehicle rocked as if it were about to flip, but I'm thinking the low center of gravity kept me stable and instead my car bounced up in the air and landed on a pile of compressed snow and ice. With all four wheels off the ground and the suspension at full drop, I wasn't going anywhere. I had my friend tow me out, and HE even got stuck with his dad's GMC snowplow. Since the tow rope was still attached, I gave his truck a tug with the Subaru and my tiny Outback pulled it out. :)
I am also from good old Minnesota and only have one way to put this, you will be amazed at the difference. Winter is tamed, I am not in love with the stock tires but snow is no problem.
My 04 OBW is in my opinion the best snow car I have ever driven.
Welcome to the world of enjoying driving in snow storms.
As you've indicated, a 2wd drive car is really a 1wd car. Most 4wd cars are really 2wd cars, with at least one front & one rear wheel spinning.
That makes a big difference. I have had various 4wd's for about a dozen years now & I don't even think about getting up early to shovel so I can get to work. I just get in, use my bumper to bash down whatever drifts are in my driveway & drive to work.
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