Grand Himalayan Road Tour (GHiRT)- What to Visit?

puchoo

For many inexperienced drivers even driving in a a place like Shimla might be tough...and Shimla has many of these turns...i know the area inside out so i manage my launch speed accordingly (except in the winters when there's ice and it can be a bit of a brainer)...but for someone who does not...well...

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Sidharth

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Dilliwala

Again I agree, puchoo, but then who goes and buys a 4wd simply becos of inexperience on hill roads?

The problem I encounter most is guys taking on more than they are capable of. Hill-driving is no different than trekking - start light and easy, before moving on to the tough stuff. Wonder why people forget that just becos they're behind a steering wheel.

Aishah

in fact, Dilliwala - back to your previous post before this last one, those little Maruti's manage extremely well, much better than heavier jeeps and trucks as you point out!

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puchoo

You would be surprised ! , some people use the logic that if they have a 4WD they know how to drive on the hills....!

Because they think they are 'cats' !

ks_bluechip

Guys .... from your discussions on 2WD Vs 4WD .... can I conclude that a well-powered 2WD (with high clearance) is adequate for my purpose?.... Particularly, since GHRT is going to be mostly on motorabale Ghat roads and in places may be pretty bad, pot-holed roads or even dirt tracks (e.g. like some stretches between Leh - Manali)? ... Or in some short stretches even on snow perhaps (anyway not planning tour in winter)? ... KS

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puchoo

i dont think you should have a problem unless the roads have really become bad..been to leh a couple of times in different cars...gypsy , ambassador and an 800 and we did not have a prob with any.....just be carefull and dont hang the suspension up , or punture the fuel line on a stone or something on the dirt bits...!!

Dilliwala

Heheh, yes very true.

ksb sir, right conclusion. 99% of the time 2wd is fine. It's that lousy 1%...... Can't plan for everything though.
Mahindra's dealer has told me that 4wd will burn more fuel even in the plains, and has lower bhp. Can't comment, maybe puchoo, Avid or someone else can throw light.

puchoo

burn more fuel as compared to what...higher altitudes or just..!?

A 4WD will not consume more simply because it's a 4WD...compare it other similar cars and the 'more fuel' is a bit of a myth in my opinion.... some 4WD's might but then that's also because of the weight factor..additional set of differential gears etc

And though i am not an automotive engineer it would not seem logical...the 4WD system simply allows all 4 wheels to get toruque from the engine at the same time through a drivetrain to increase grip.... this is distribution of the same power to 4 points instead of 2 ...not an increase..and if there is no power increase then where would the additonal 'fuel burn' come into the picture anyhow...?

Thats my logic but then like i said not an expert on this stuff...so will wait for some more knowledgable members to put in their input...

shashank.aggarwal

Puchoo, the difference is in weight...4wd enabled cars are around 100-200kg heavier than their normal counterparts..

And for others reading this thread : 4WD should never be engaged on metalled roads..

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puchoo

Thats one of the things i mentioned -

"some 4WD's might but then that's also because of the weight factor..additional set of differential gears etc"

shashank.aggarwal

I am sorry I didn't notice it earlier, did you add that later ? anyways, its not about some cars, but all 4wd are heavier...

puchoo

Nopes..was there in the original post....

With respect to weith yes they are heavier....the point i was trying to make was that when comparing fuel consumption of a 4WD with another car...that other car needs to be similar i.e weight being the same as well...

shashank.aggarwal

A 4WD Capable Safari VS 2WD Only Safari is what is logical comparison...(you can substitute Safari for any other car)...

puchoo

Why would you compare a 4WD to a 2WD?? Different units alltogether... just because there are from the same stable and model range does not mean they are similar...it would more apt and fair to compare it to the mahindra 4WD....

shashank.aggarwal

No, when you plan to purchase a car that you want to drive in Himalayas OR something similar, you have to make a lot of decisions, it depends from person to person, in which order he does...

He might want to evaluate brands first and then make comparison between 2WD and 4WD...or he might simply decide that he wants a 4WD and then look at the brands...

The only given in this scenario would be that two similar cars, would have a difference in FE if they are compared on 4wd vs 2 wd..