What car is better in snow? My Front Wheel Drive w/ Stability Traction Control or part time 4 wheel drive?

I just bought two brand new 2011 cars. The first is a Chevy Traverse Front Wheel drive with stability traction control. (whatever that is!) and a Honda CRV four wheel drive but the 4 wheel drive is part time. We use the chevy traverse for the large family and I use the honda crv to go back and forth to work. We are planning a family trip from Mass to New Jersey on a weekend in winter. I am worried about snow though. Which car would be better in the snow? I know AWD is the best but we did not get that so which is better of the two we have? Thank you.|||Well, the truth is that both of your vehicles have front wheel drive and stability + traction control. Just about every vehicle manufactured after about 2004 or 2005 has stability control as standard equipment. The Honda CRV with part-time 4WD is actually a front wheel drive car until you engage 4WD. So, both will have the same characteristics in the snow unless you engage 4WD on the CRV.





However, there are some slight additional differences due to the weight differences between the two cars. The Traverse is a bit heavier, so will have perhaps slip a bit less while accelerating up slippery hills, but the downside is that it will have more momentum while trying to turn or brake, so you'll have to go a bit slower. The CRV , being a little lighter (and built on the Honda Civic chassis) will be a little easier to turn and brake in slippery conditions.|||Traction and stability control are the most important parameter. Traction Control stops your wheels from sliding too much when you get on the gas in slippery conditions. Stability control helps you to maintain control over the car in general. With a bit of caution, it will keep you safe from sliding out of control.





Both Front-wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive are good for the snow, but an All-Wheel Drive car is somewhat preferable, even if part time. The question is whether the All-Wheel drive has better Stability control. Another important part is how good and new are the tires on each car.|||I'd go in a 4x4, even if part-time (especially if it engages automatically the rear axle). It also has a better clearance which helps in snow. Consider taking along snow chains - when the going gets rough, they're the only solution with any traction layout.|||I would drive the Chevy because stability control systems are particularly effective in inclement driving conditions, where the roadway may be covered with rain, ice or snow and the normal friction between the tires and the road is reduced..