Quote:
Originally Posted by riverc0il  I agree with the suggestions, such as Marc's that not all conditions are the same and in some conditions AWD could easily trump 2WD with snows. But overall, for those doing a lot of snow travel, I think the snows are more important overall.For types that didn't drive during snow storms constantly during the winter, AWD without snows probably are fine, pending there is no over confidence in the AWD. I actually need reality checks with over confidence in my snows. |
I have driven frontwheel drive for 25 years on all-seasons and always gotten to/fro the mountain safely. My new wheels are all wheel drive with all-season tires and I noticed a marked improvement in handling on snow. I am not much of a "car person" but even pedestrian-me could notice the grip.
The "squirlliness in back" that riverc describes is not there. I suspect it's because the new car has stability control, which is purported to eliminate fish-tailing amongst other ailments. It also has traction control, (another new feature for me) but I've not been in a wheel-stuck-spinning situation yet, so I've not experienced the downside (sometimes you need a little slip to "dig" for traction.) These new features can be disabled from the dashboard.
There is one very long, very steep hill at Stowe that a front wheel drive on 4-seasons cannot get up when snow-covered. My friend says he's never bought snows for his subie in Stowe (he's has his priorities, ski pass first, tires and food second..) In fact, the time my frontwheel got stuck, he walked back, got his subie and rescued us. At that point, his tires were nearly bald, kid you not....
I'm really enjoying it so far. Especially having back the heated seats which I had 10 years go and gave up last car.