re: I've never driven a 4WD vehicle.
With either standard or automatic transmissions one uses it quite a bit in slowing down when in snow or ice. And, frankly, it's a bit easier with 4WD than 2WD, BUT people tend to believe the ease of going will also relate to the ease of whoa-ing.
And it doesn't.
I prefer a standard transmission in snow and ice simply because of the very positive and instant control. I don't know if I am safer I just feel safer. But really, either is fine as long as one knows they aren't going to stop easily.