With an open differential (all the power goes to the wheel that spins easiest) the front end would give no extra power to climb over an obstacle when one wheel is in the air
Both tires are on the ground giving much more traction
Once again here is IFS
And here is solid axle.
As you can see there is quite a difference in performance off road, and not to mention better ride since the suspension is able to follow the terrrain. The IFS however maxes out its suspension travel and consequently there is more body roll.