Is an all wheel drive vehicle as good on gas as a 2 wheel drive?

Question

Im thinking about buying a Pontiac Vibe. Im curious about the gas mileage difference between a 2 wheel drive and an all wheel drive. Which is best? And how does an all wheel drive handle on snow and ice?

Answer 1

Generally, there is always some additional frictional loss in the drivetrain with AWD. However, the newer electronic systems (Infiniti, Mercedes) minimze this pretty well. 2WD will give you better gas mileage , if for no other reason than the car is lighter. If the 2WD car happens to be front-wheel drive, it will be fine in the snow, assuming good tires. AWD is best in the snow. No car or truck, unless it has studded tires is good on ice. If I were you, I'd consider the Subaru Outback Sport over the Pontiac. Pontiac service is not the best. The Subaru gets great mileage, and has heated seats (which are GREAT in the cold). Good Luck.

Answer 2

surely not