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all wheel drive vs. electronic stability control (Sienna)

All wheel drive (AWD) and electronic stability control (ESC) have different purposes. AWD provides better traction than front wheel drive (FWD) or rear wheel drive (RWD) in conditions where traction may be marginal, like on snow, ice, or mud. If the vehicle is operated where snowfall is moderate or roads are kept pretty clear, good snow tires may provide adequate traction for most drivers.

ESC helps the driver maintain control if one or more wheels loses traction while the vehicle is in motion, reducing the chances for the vehicle to spin out of control.

In other words, AWD helps the vehicle go, and ESC helps prevent spinouts.

In day-to-day use, ESC probably provides a greater margin of safety than AWD.

Reply to
Ray O
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Hi--

The Sienna comes in either AWD for FWD. For the later, you can get electronic stability control. For you engineering types, what would be the difference between having an AWD vs. a FWD w/stability control minivan? Lots of consumer groups seem to be pointing people to stability control; I haven't heard as much these days about AWD. Which might be better for day-to-day use?

Thanks! Bert

Reply to
Carla Denner

I'm not sure if there is a difference in fuel economy between either of the Sienna models you mention, but it may be something to consider.

Reply to
user

My understanding is that "Stability Control" uses the breaks, not putting more power or less power to the wheels. AWD can change power and also use the brakes...

There are so many ways that this can work, combinations, that you have to get the specific details for the vehicle you want - I've seen 4WD described three different ways, and then you have 4WD with multiple different traction methods, it's like a puzzle.

I bought my first part-time 4WD vehicle about 6 years ago, live in Ohio, and after my first winter I determined that I would never again be without

4WD.
Reply to
Leythos

AWD does not use the brakes.

Reply to
Ray O

You misunderstood - the AWD vehicle can use power and the brakes to provide "Stability Control" - to all 4 wheels. The 2WD vehicle can use brakes on all 4 but only power on 2.

Reply to
Leythos

This article explains 4WD and AWD:

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Because 4WD and AWD involve more parts that experience friction, there is almost always an efficiency hit, because there are two more differentials needed (to split the power to go from the front and back axles, as well as an additional differential so there are one in the front and the back, instead of just one in either the back or front), as well as two extra CV joints, an extra U-joint and the extra weight of the additional parts. This should also cause a peformance hit.

Here is some info about stability control:

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It uses brakes to help the driver remain in control. It does nothing to help with traction (like AWD does). It doesn't hurt efficiency or mileage much (the only effect is related to the very little weight and mass that components have).

Jeff

Reply to
Jeff

Stability control does not enhance traction like AWD does, and they serve different purposes.

A better comparison would have been AWD and traction control.

Stability control helps prevent the vehicle from spinning, and it does this by selectively applying the brakes to individual wheels as necessary, regardless of whether the drivetrain is powering 2 wheels or 4.

Reply to
Ray O

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