I am thinking of committing murder by selling my 100HP in exchange for a new Panda 4X4.

Can anyone tell me what these are really like to srive on icy winter roads. As the car is used by my other half its really extar security on muddy and icy Norfolk roads that I am looking for. I am still not convinced this would make an appreciable difference.

I know I would have fun with the car and occasioanlly I have had long trips in snow where it would be good. Its whether there is much difference in the normal run of things?

Look at the 0-60 time... I have the old climbing (with a new motor)... its scarily slow, slowest car Ive ever tried (love it), dont know with the new new 4x4 though, should be faster and more economical...

Big fan of both. 100hp is a real hoot.
4x4 is also a real hoot, but in a completely different way. With the right tyres they are nearly unstoppable in snow (I said nearly!) but then again a 2wd with winter snow tyres is pretty good too.
I could see where a 100hp with sporty wide (-ish) summer tyres may struggle a bit though.
And I think the culture shock of 100hp to sedate (well, slooooooooow) might be a wrench too. And they are a bit thirsty when driven quickly (relative term)
I'd keep the 100hp.
And invest in..
Winter tyres? On steel wheels?
Or
Snow socks? AutoSocks are good (although not tried them on a Panda yet. Maybe on Thursday if forecast is right!). Even legal in the Alps now.
Can be got for £25 ish for a pair. Keep in boot for when needed.

We have a 2010 Cross and the best way to describe it would be "it's like a mountain goat".
Nimble, economical, extremely agile and sure footed.

petercresswell said:

I am thinking of committing murder by selling my 100HP in exchange for a new Panda 4X4.

Can anyone tell me what these are really like to srive on icy winter roads. As the car is used by my other half its really extar security on muddy and icy Norfolk roads that I am looking for. I am still not convinced this would make an appreciable difference.

I know I would have fun with the car and occasioanlly I have had long trips in snow where it would be good. Its whether there is much difference in the normal run of things?

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I've run a 4x4 Climbing in the alps for 5 years now. With winter tyres it's never let me down and I'd say is better on snow and ice than the Defender, Navara and Outlander I've driven in the same conditions. Definitely more capable than Range Rovers and Audi quattros as she's rescued a good dozen of them over the years.

If you stick with the 100hp I'd recommend winter tyres over snow socks. I see a lot of 2 wheel drive cars with socks struggling, often the wheels just spin inside the socks and wear through. If winter tyres are too pricey then chains over snow socks any day. I'm running Nokian tyres at the moment but I think my old Avon Ice Touring were better. Had Vredesteins on the Outlander which were excellent too but a lot more expensive than the Avons.

Chamonix yep, Panda 4x4 pretty much unstoppable in snow with the right tyres.
As a bonus, it really annoys the drivers of the large 4x4s with low profile wide tyres when an ordinary Panda 4x4 gets up a hill, while they are going nowhere. I've been both... the Discovery on normal tyres was well hammered by an 06 Panda 4x4 in moderate snow despite me knowing how to use it properly. Heavy car, fat tyres, icy snow, and moderate slope against lightweight car with m+s tyres. Not even close!

Winter tyres are definitely the best option, but real snow socks (not the cut price junk) of the right size work very well for me. Better than old-school chains sometimes. They have limitations, but most of the problems I've seen with them is entirely down to driving ability (or lack of). Usually from impatient people driving large engined german cars, although that could be coincidence.
Gentle acceleration and braking, low speed and concentration has worked so far for me.

I own a Fiat Panda 4x4 2007 1.2 petrol.
Is this a permanent 4x4 vehicle or does it cut in automatically when needed.
if so, in simple terms, how does this function work?

danhall6565 said:

I own a Fiat Panda 4x4 2007 1.2 petrol.
Is this a permanent 4x4 vehicle or does it cut in automatically when needed.
if so, in simple terms, how does this function work?

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No, it uses a viscous coupling. See the above web page for how it works.

Thanks for that it makes interesting reading.
I recently picked a 07 4x4 with no prop shaft. I located and fitted a second hand one expecting to hear bad noises from either the front or rear but as yet nothing has raised its ugly head and it drives great. I now understand the principle of how the viscous coupling works but what's the best way to establish if mine is functioning correctly.
Rgds.

danhall6565 said:

Thanks for that it makes interesting reading.

I recently picked a 07 4x4 with no prop shaft. I located and fitted a second hand one expecting to hear bad noises from either the front or rear but as yet nothing has raised its ugly head and it drives great. I now understand the principle of how the viscous coupling works but what's the best way to establish if mine is functioning correctly.

Rgds.

Click to expand...

Good question. I suppose the only way would be to find some slippery stuff and get someone to film the rear wheels while you attempt a Colin McRae standing start. Unless it’s sheet ice I’m not sure how successful that would be with the Panda 4x4’s 0-60 time though [emoji6].

Or else do this (found elsewhere in the forum)

The coupling can be tested easily by doing the following:
1) put the car in 1st gear
2)chock the front wheels, release the handbrake.
3) jack up one rear corner of the car until one rear wheel comes off the ground.
4) grab the airborne wheel and try to turn it by hand. If it doesnt turn at all then your coupling has failed "closed" which is bad. If it turns very easily and fast then your coupling has failed "open", which means you are 2wheel drive. If you can turn the wheel slowly with a lot of resistance then your coupling is fine.

danhall6565 said:

Thanks for that it makes interesting reading.
I recently picked a 07 4x4 with no prop shaft. I located and fitted a second hand one expecting to hear bad noises from either the front or rear but as yet nothing has raised its ugly head and it drives great. I now understand the principle of how the viscous coupling works but what's the best way to establish if mine is functioning correctly.
Rgds.

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Wheels spin in grass and get someone to observe from the outside to see if the rear wheels spin up.

The old Prop was probably removed due to a failed centre bearing.

Wet grass and road tyres will show if the 4x4 is working. Then take it to one of these.

https://mudmayhem.co.uk/en/venues/4x4-off-roading/norfolk/oTown-146748

The 2007 Panda 4x4 that I bought for my daughter about 5 years ago and has had light use as a daily driver Is just about to come up for sale. Despite an issue it still reliable and in use. Drive away a bargain from HP 5 postcode ?

I often wonder what the 100HP engine would be like in the 4x4. I guess the gearing and fuel consumption would kill the idea.

Toshi 975 said:

The 2007 Panda 4x4 that I bought for my daughter about 5 years ago and has had light use as a daily driver Is just about to come up for sale. Despite an issue it still reliable and in use. Drive away a bargain from HP 5 postcode ?

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The car will be available from Thursday onwards. The issue I mentioned was the prop shaft gave up about 4 weeks ago so my mechanic pal removed it which has made the car 2 wheel drive for the moment. I have also bought a brand new prop shaft which will restore the 4 x 4 when fitted. Can give all the details if you message me. Possibly will be the best cheapest Panda 4x 4 going.

Toshi 975 said:

The car will be available from Thursday onwards. The issue I mentioned was the prop shaft gave up about 4 weeks ago so my mechanic pal removed it which has made the car 2 wheel drive for the moment. I have also bought a brand new prop shaft which will restore the 4 x 4 when fitted. Can give all the details if you message me. Possibly will be the best cheapest Panda 4x 4 going.

Click to expand...

I will have the car and all the details soon. I know it has a tow bar.
You can drive the car away in 2WD form for £425 or with the brand new prop shaft (unfitted) for £625.