![]() The car was powered by two 4-cylinder Toyota engines: the 1ZZ-FE and the more powerful, Yamaha-tuned 2ZZ-GE. We’ll also explore why this version of the Vibe was so popular and the reasons why it is no longer in production. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the all-wheel drive versions of the Pontiac Vibe, including their features, performance, and availability. So the answer to the question, “Is the Pontiac Vibe all wheel drive?” is yes, but only in certain trim levels and model years. While the Vibe was primarily offered in front-wheel drive, there were several models that were released with all-wheel drive. But with quality winter tires, it would leave the Grand Am behind.The Pontiac Vibe is a sporty, compact car that was produced by General Motors under the Pontiac brand from 2002 to 2010. The Civic, with all-seasons, was difficult to go straight in at all. The Grand Am was a beast in the snow, even with all-season tires. My Grand Am had a curb weight of 2835 lbs while my GF's Civic was 2108 lbs. But real winter tires on a light vehicle tend to kick the crap out of all seasons on a heavier vehicle. Heavier vehicles bite harder into the snow. I think the differences you feel are primarily weight. But I noticed that the Taurus tends to track and "feel" more stable in snow. I have only driven a few winter miles in the Vibe, it handled ok. I have a 94 Taurus FWD and 2005 FWD Vibe. Curious how much the feel of the car changes with the proper rubber on the ground.ĭerf wrote:With winter well on the way, this topic sparked my curiosity. This year I purchased a set of snow tires. Last Winter I had just gotten the car, so toughed it out with the all season tires that were on it. The Taurus and Yukon track ok, I noticed the Vibe tends to float just a bit on worn roads and tire tracks in heavy snow. Since tractor trailers and box trucks apply the most weight they tend to create wear patterns in the road/snow. An 18 wheeler has a width of about 94" on the outer wheel about 68" on the inner wheel. On the Taurus I had a rear caliper seize up, trip in snow brought it to my attention.Īlso I think the wheel width, outer tire edge to outer tire edge makes some difference. If your brakes are out of adjustment, snow and ice will cause strange things. Not sure if the Vibe's ABS computer simply compensates for slipping where in 1994 they found it easier to use a mechanical link into a proportioning valve to help the ABS system. I have not found anything similar on the Vibe. It is a mechanical lever that adjusts the rear braking based on the suspension travel of the car. Also, the Taurus's rear brakes use a load sensing system. Looking back I figure the softer compound was acting more like a winter tire,increasing the "feel". I do not put a lot of miles on year to year, so I have always gone with the lower rated tire. I think the cheaper tires on the Taurus made the difference. Tires winter truck tires, these are are on the verge of all seasons 70k rated Tires All Season middle upper spec rated for 60k tires (harder compound) Tires, All Season lower spec rated for 30k (softer compound) With winter well on the way, this topic sparked my curiosity.
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