If you end up buying a Subaru like everyone suggests, get one that's like 10 years old, they don't change. Subaru hasn't touched a motor or interior since 2007... I'm surprised people still buy them new, they have probably the lowest end interiors of any manufacturer.
lolz.
Subaru, the Lesbian's choice.
There are a number of different AWD systems out there so there is no black and white answer. Some AWD systems are better than others. The press loves to harp on the non-safety aspect of AWD but they're wrong because they focus on braking and ignore steering benefits in many of the premium AWD systems and designs; while AWD obviously helps with acceleration and doesn't make a difference in braking many of the better AWD systems are also capable of torque vectoring which will help in steering. Any time you can transfer some of the "driving" force from the front tires to the rear tires you can free up available traction for steering. It's also why RWD>FWD for speed/handling performance cars. Shame on the press for such poor reporting (which has been parroted over and over). As for winter tires, they are a great upgrade from mountain or all season tires for overall winter traction (be it for acceleration, steering, braking or any combination of the three).Hi all, I was never a car guy, but been learning a ton through my journey in searching for the next commuter car.
From what I've read, AWD is not really a safety feature as most advertising mislead us into believing it is. It is more of performance-related, in which you are less likely to spin/slip upon acceleration. It has no co-relation to traction and steering as that all depends on having good snow tires. (hence one article I read from an expert stating the example that you will see AWD vehicles in the ditch more often because of overconfidence) AWD definitely doesn't help to reduce stopping distance.
Would you shell out extra money to get AWD? would you not consider FWD vehicles? To me, I place snow tires much higher up than AWD.... but if an extra $2000 gets me the capability, i may consider it.
I won't be going off-roading (in that I think I'll need 4WD). the vehicle will be mostly for commuting all year long. I will have snow tires, and I'll be easy on the acceleration from 0 and slow down according to weather conditions.
What are your thoughts/opinion?
If you're only commuting and have a good set of snow tires, you won't notice much difference.
If you end up buying a Subaru like everyone suggests, get one that's like 10 years old, they don't change. Subaru hasn't touched a motor or interior since 2007... I'm surprised people still buy them new, they have probably the lowest end interiors of any manufacturer.
You got it all wrong.lolz.
Subaru, the Lesbian's choice.
If I’m having trouble with FWD or RWD with winter tires, I’m not going to travel anyways
I guess I will be the odd one with enjoying RWD in snow . Survived the horrendous snow storm on Dec 24 last year. Seen so many cars/suvs in ditch. But I just kept going. Michelin X ice winter tires ftw.
heh, it will be my first winter in a sport RWD car.. already got winter tires for it. Hope I will enjoy it too..
FWD + winter tires is perfecto, AWD is NOT required
AWD is a performance feature
/thread
GL GreenPlane. I drove a V8 mustang with performance all season tires year round in the GTA for a few years and it's doable outside of some bad storms. In one storm I remember almost not making it up an on ramp on a hill there was so much snow. It was a terrible weather drive but I managed to still do it.
I guess I need to put something in my trunk as @LePhillou suggested.. maybe bags with sand?