4WD may give the OP starting traction but it isn't going to give him winter driving skills or confidence.

That said, there are many good reasons for picking 4WD or all wheel drive over two wheel drive vehicles, especially cars. Cars, notably, lack ground clearance, and just won't go when snow is more than 4-5" deep. A 4WD vehicle is also much more likely to have chunky all-terrain tires (think Tahoe) vs. highway-biased all-season tires (think Buick Enclave or any sedan). Unlike Germans and Quebecois (law), most Americans just won't bother with winter tires; rental agencies follow that lead.