your bongo also has LSD on the rear so the same set up mas a T2 we have a ford ranger (we did have 2 until recently) wich is as you know the same chassis, engine, and running gear as a bongo. Theoreticaly the bongo and a T2 should behave the same in the mud and snow, in practice they don't!
I would take a t2 where a bongo/ranger would fear to tread, i have backed out of situations in a ranger the t2 will handle with ease!
and as for 2wd in snow, with decen tyres the t2 is far better than most 2wd vehicles in snow, in fact i have driven in failry deep snow and not felt the need for 4x4 at all!
In conclusion if your 4x4 experience is basd on the mazda set up, which is to be fair pretty good, give a t2 a try you will be impressed :thumb2