Really, beating a dead horse here, but tires folks. Tires. Rear wheel drive with snow/winter tires will out-perform even 4x4/awd on all-seasons in every aspect, except, maybe, initial take-of.
No doubt tires do make a difference but still think 2wd is not comparable to 4wd. Maybe a 4wd with tires that are in need or replacement vs a well set up rear wheel drive with snow tires.
The portion of my post you quoted, taken a bit out of context but anyways, was in response to yours above with which I disagree. If you lived near me I would love to put this to the test. I would be willing to be the unfortunate 4wd on all season radials guinea pig.
Except for initial get-go and perhaps a little stability, an AWD / 4x4 with, say, All-seasons, will stop and turn no better than a 2wd with the same tires.
Sounds a bit more toned down from your original statement.
Once you up to speed, have momentum on your side and not negotiating an incline you would see no disagreement from me here on that one! Your basically coasting after all
Should be common sense.. Both share the same brakes and front wheel steering.
But by the same logic in your reply I can claim my mustang handled just as well in the snow (once up to speed) but that's certainly misleading and would not wish that experience on anybody.
The ability for 4wd to get up to speed
and maintain that momentum regardless of terrain is simply unmatched by Rwd in questionable conditions. Where I live between the hills and traffic Rwd sucks butt in significant snow and it doesn't come down to just the initial take off. Constant spinning / fishtailing trying to negotiate hills and accelerate from stops if it can even do so.
There may also be some slight handling differences due to the front wheels supplying power. Can help pull the front wheels through the turn. Engine braking would also be applied to all 4 wheels. But not claiming this makes any significant difference.
In the end I understand the point your trying to make about tires. Tires do significantly effect available traction and I said so.
But saying a Rwd with decent snow tires will out perform a 4wd on all season radials in
every aspect is a bit much. My experience with snow tires on rwd was it was a slight to moderate improvement but no comparison to 4wd. Admittingly and not surprisingly though it did coast, stop and turn nearly the same. I certainly would not claim it out performed 4wd in any aspect.