4WD vs 2WD for street race performance

05wannaBproject · Aug 7, 2015

So you're gonna build a boosted Expy (550+ RWHP) and surprise some folks on the street or maybe even make a few track trips a year. Assuming you could choose between 2WD and 4WD, which would you choose and why?

Some thoughts may be: 2WD Pro: lighter, less stuff to break, more actual total power to ground Con: Less traction. 4WD: I guess just the opposite of 2WD.

Understand this should be something that could be a DD and could tow ... (still working on getting it to make a sandwich)

k9education · Aug 7, 2015

Living in the NE, I would never even consider a strictly RWD vehicle again. As much as I loved my Crown Vic, I got stuck more times than I can count in the winter. Heck, my Expedition EL got stuck in the damn yard last month; I had to engage 4WD to get it out. Considering that you live in SC though, 4WD is probably largely a waste of money for on-road use.

Practicality aside and just focusing on the race aspect, I would opt for the 2WD simply because I think that any advantages gained by the 4WD will quickly be overwhelmed by the disadvantages (e.g. weight). This is especially true imho since we are talking about two of the same vehicle, which greatly simplifies the comparison. There's a good scientific discussion on the topic here.

05wannaBproject · Aug 7, 2015

Thanks K9! I'll read up on the details. True not much snow here and the App Mtns only come into the state a bit ... But many of us go play there. Some muddy campgrounds around but LS type RWD should suffice.

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black 4x4 · Aug 7, 2015

550hp at the wheels? 4 wheel drive for sure. :biggrin:

toms89 · Aug 8, 2015

The A4wd is a blast on the street. It comes out of the hole very hard for a 3 ton suv and surprises more than a few. So effortless to launch. Just digs in and goes.

Punching it in 2wd results in a lot of wheel spin of course.

At the track an identical 2wd would be quicker given a decent set of tires for the reasons you mentioned. Lighter and less hp losses through the drivetrain. But for the fun factor on the street I say 4wd.

Lostneye · Aug 10, 2015

toms89 said:
The A4wd is a blast on the street. It comes out of the hole very hard for a 3 ton suv and surprises more than a few. So effortless to launch. Just digs in and goes.

Punching it in 2wd results in a lot of wheel spin of course.

At the track an identical 2wd would be quicker given a decent set of tires for the reasons you mentioned. Lighter and less hp losses through the drivetrain. But for the fun factor on the street I say 4wd.

I agree with this. Haven't had a modded 4WD vehicle but I will say my exs Ram 1500 was surprising quick in A4WD off the line. In 2WD it was traction control or wheel spin.

Plus living up north I would never buy a truck that was 2WD

4WD vs 2WD for street race performance

05wannaBproject

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