is it possible to have 4 wheel drive installed onto any car?

[alexmurphy]

Im a little bit into offroading, but i cant find a car with 4 wheel drive that works for me. I like the Mazda Mazdaspeed3, but its only 2 wheel drive, which won't get me far off the streets. would it be possible to convert one to 4 wheel drive?

for the answer, you dont have to be specific about the mazda, i was using it as an example

[MagicRat]

It's possible to convert any car to 4wd, but it is highly impractical to do so. It is far, far cheaper and easier simply to buy a car that was manufactured with 4wd or all-wheel-drive. (AWD)

Most AWD cars have very limited off-road capabilities. They are designed primarily for slippery on-road conditions, and/or for high-performance use. They are not intended for off-road use.

Some cars, like Subarus and some AWD Volvos and Mitsubishis have modest off-road capabilities. But they are no substitute for a SUV or crossover.

That being said, I have had good luck off-roading some small, light front wheel drive cars. Large snow tires, aired-down to low pressure, and some care allows you to get quite far off road. But I would only do this with an old car, not something that actually had any real value.

[shorod]

Are you planning to run 'shine or something?

As MagicRat suggested, there are a few options out there that already seem similar to an AWD Mazdaspeed3 with limited off-road capability (Subaru in particular). If the Subaru isn't off-road capable enough, then you'd be looking for a dedicated off-road vehicle with high ground clearance, or an old AMC Eagle. But the Eagle won't have sports-car like handling on-road. A Rothman's Porsche 959 may serve your needs, but would not fall in to really anyone's "affordable" category for daily use.

-Rod

[gremlin96]

i have seen a 4x4 mods ,done by using a truck that was all ready 4x4 and putting the body on it.

[mcmalloy]

skid plates and good tires and RPM make for good off roading in a two wheel drive

[maguire0011]

hi,
might be possible even if you do it,all this car will need now is better brakes like the EBC brake pads I found at http://www.buycock.com/ebc/