ArcaMax

Truck-type 4WD is great on gravel, fabulous in snow. But on dry, paved roads what you probably want is FWD. Better yet, AWD. Because it provides a handling as well as a traction advantage.

Some of the newest AWD systems can selectively power (or de-power) individual wheels independently of the others, maximizing lateral grip and stability. For example, the tendency of the car to slide toward the outside of the curve can be counteracted by automatic transfer of engine power one side of the car to the other. Acura's SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system (not offered with the ILX, incidentally) does exactly this.

Which is why the "SH." It stands for Super Handling All Wheel Drive. Several other manufacturers offer similar systems, including Subaru and Audi. And most of the latest AWD systems can also can split the power, front to rear, from 0 to nearly 100 percent (either way).

They can effectively go from FWD to RWD - to something in between - as conditions indicate. Truck-type 4WD, in contrast, can only send the power in a fixed proportion (typically, 50 percent to the rear and 50 percent to the front when the 4WD is engaged). And when not engaged, 100 percent of the power goes to the rear wheels. Slip-sliding away.

The other significant thing to know is that the truck-type 4WD system usually cannot route power to individual wheels, independently of the others. So there's no handling assist to be had. Truck-type 4WD is all about traction. In a (relatively) straight line. It's meant for uphills - and downhills. But not for the curves.

So, to sum up: If you don't want to get stuck, skip the 2WD truck. But think carefully before buying the 4WD truck. And give some thought to FWD - or better yet, AWD. It might be the better way to get where you're going.

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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.