Tyres are the principal determinant of icy or snowy performance - although whether 2WD on winter tyres is better than 4WD on summer tyres is debatable.
But there are two issues to consider:
1. Traction gets you going - 4WD is always going to be better than 2WD on the same tyres
2. Braking and cornering - same tyres on the same number of wheels - little difference?
Better traction is pointless if, having deployed it, you can't then stop!
In the mostly temperate south west of UK it is rarely snowy or icy (unlike today). On the 1 or 2 days every few years when there is more than 50mm of snow - just stay home till it's cleared. Not worth the risk to car, insurance, and me to go out.
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