FWD, AWD Or RWD: Which Do You Trust In The Snow?

With winter rapidly approaching, some of us will have to do some regular driving in the snow for the first time in a while.

Not too long ago , FWD or 4WD were the rational choices of anyone living in snowbound areas. But has anything changed with traction control that would make an RWD car a viable or even better choice?

Also what would be you dream car for the snow?

Discuss

drpesq - 12/7/2012 4:51:52 PM

+2 Boost

Rear wheel drive works for me in New England, but you need good snows and it helps to have your engine over the rear wheels :))) - otherwise you better get some sand bags -

Also, a manual makes starting off easier.

AWD rocks in the snow, almost too much. Put snows on a 3 series xi and remember the speed limit still applies in 12 inches of powder!

reaganeatbrains - 12/7/2012 6:48:41 PM

+2 Boost

as another New England resident, I fully agree. rwd + clutch is fun and does the job.

i do fine in awd, but many drivers get too confident, and don't realize awd does nothing to make you stop quicker

PUGPROUD - 12/7/2012 6:59:11 PM

+2 Boost

4 good snow tires a must no matter what you drive in snow ! AWD safest, RW most fun, FWD smewhere between the two.

atc98092 - 12/7/2012 7:42:58 PM

+2 Boost

I drove front wheel drive for years, and the right tires really do make a difference. However, I bought a AWD Tiguan the summer of 2011 and we had a major ice storm in the Seattle area last winter. My Tig went everywhere without a hint of a problem. My Jetta would never have been as comfortable in such conditions.

As noted above, it's the people that think AWD means they can still do the speed limit and run up to lights and stop signs the same as on a dry road that cause the major problems.

commander104 - 12/7/2012 10:13:36 PM

+3 Boost

I can't wait to put my new Michelin X-ice tires on my 00 civic and drive past the stuck luxury cars with summer tires.

irishmike - 12/8/2012 10:06:53 AM

+4 Boost

FWD w/winter tires are all 90% of us need. If you live in the boonies, 4wd can come in handy. It's amazing that so many opt for 4wd and only really need/use it a few times each winter. Kinda like wearing boots year around.

RWD is more of a challenge in snow conditions, but more fun. Since I have a 25 one-way commute everyday, and truly need to be there, I have to stick to the FWD. (Civic + Michelin X-ice on all four)

jeffgall - 12/8/2012 1:38:30 PM

+2 Boost

My 06 Mustang GT used to be my daily driver. Living in New Jersey with a high torque rear wheel drive is no fun in the snow. It is now my weekend car (gets put away in the winter). I now rely on Audi Quattro for both of our other cars. Works great in the snow. I agree with the comments on a manual. My 12 A4 with a stick really allows for better control.