2 wd vs 4 wd

murphy · Post by **murphy** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:38 am

I am looking to buy a bongo -
should I go for 2 wd or 4 wd
read on this site that there is little difference in fuel consumption but that 4 wd drive corners better ?
Any advice would be appreciated

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:52 am

This has been discussed many times before if you do a search but I think the summary goes something like:

If you anticipate doing much sliding around in mud, wet grass or ice then go for the 4WD. If you live near the south coast etc where you don't get much inclement weather then go for the 2WD. Less to go wrong and marginally better mpg.

Incidentally I inadvertantly found myself doing a bit of offroading at the weekend. A bit of sliding around in the mud but never any fear that I wouldn't get out of it. The 4WD coped admirably. I would probably still be there if I only had 2WD.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:12 am

I don't know how I managed before I got 4WD

I do know that I got stuck regularly on the verges of the narrow country lanes around the Lake District when pulling over to let other traffic through and often stuck on steep hills in ice/snow or mud/leaves.

No souch problems since I got the bongo.

I suppose if you only ever intend to use the vehicle on motorways or for urban driving then 2WD will do...but I for one would not go back.

I also recon that the cornering is better.

cheers

H

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:53 pm

I've just recently bought a Bongo after much research, test driving and fretting. In the end I opted for 2WD. If I'd have had to, I'd have accepted a 4WD to get the 'right one'.

I did a lot of asking about 2WD vs 4WD before making up my mind, but finally said to myself: Although I'd love to have the 4WD capability, it will cost more in fuel and there is more to go wrong (including issues over have the manufacturers recommended wheels and tyres on in order to avoid 'wind up' between the differenetials). I was also told along the way, and bought into:

- 4WD feels better when cornering etc
- 2WD gives smoother/quieter drive on motorways and one member coaxed his up to 35mpg by sticking to 55mph
- It is a fallacy to think even a 4WD drive Bongo will get you out of everything - I spoke to an experienced 4WD driver whose latest mount had been a Bongo. Whilst he loved it, he said it did not have the full 4WD capability of the jeep like things he had owned.

All of the above has been gleaned from Bongo Forum and Jap importers / dealers.

I expect a lot of lively discussion on the above

Mike

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:06 pm

mikeonb4c wrote: - It is a fallacy to think even a 4WD drive Bongo will get you out of everything - I spoke to an experienced 4WD driver whose latest mount had been a Bongo. Whilst he loved it, he said it did not have the full 4WD capability of the jeep like things he had owned.
Mike

How a 4wd performs (for example in mud) is down to a number of things including:

Drivers skill (Auto box compensates for delicate clutch control needed to some extent, but reading the ground and taking the right line are paramount)
Ground Clearance (poor on Bongo)
Tyre Pattern (Road tyres are poor at self-cleaning = less grip)
Torque (Bongo has plenty)

I am a Landrover trained off road driver, who has owned several Landies

I have driven a Ford Ka in snow that defeated inexperienced 4wd owners, so I reckon I would be fine in my Auto 4wd Bongo!

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 2:27 am

Although the ultimate reason i chose my bongo had nothing to do with 4wd,i ended up with a fourby,i test drove numerous bongos before purchasing (all 2wds) and i felt a definite pull/push sensation on the twisty bits as opposed to just being pushed with the twobies. i,d have found a 2wd more than acceptable though...

murphy · Post by **murphy** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 1:31 pm

thanks for all the advice - I am now the proud owner of 4 wd bongo - picked it up yesterday - what fun !

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:10 pm

Congratulations murphy. Great arent they

Dabs · Post by **Dabs** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 4:42 pm

Congrats Murphy and Welcome

What a cracking Christmas pressie!

All the best and ENJOY!!

Cheers Dabs