How well do AWD cars handle in the snow?

J

JaCkaL829

it was my first time...
Just as the title says how well do awd cars handle in the snow?? I'm guessing its better than a fwd car. Reason I ask has to do with all the snow we got. I was pretty sure I wanted an Infiniti G20, but now i'm thinking about an 97-98is Audi A4 for the spring. I've always liked the A4s and the quattro awd system really appeals to me. My parents are always considering getting rid of the van and are looking into like a Subaru Outback or Forrester. I especially would like to know because I work in a hospital and its pretty mandotary that I show up. SUVs just use way to much gas for us. The awd system seems like it'd be good in the winter, without sacrificing too much gas year round. I would like your thoughs on awd cars in the snow. I'm not expecting it be to an off-road monster, but how would you say they do in general?
 
awd with "go" better but not stop better, and it will turn a bit better too.

personally, in NJ I would not get a car just for the awd...how many days are there (really) where there is deep snow on the streets?
with snow tires on a fwd car you can get around no problem until you hang the chassis up on the snow (~8")
 
Yes AWD cars generally are the better vehicles in the snow than FWD or espesially RWD considering they all have the same type of tires. As i see that you too are in NJ, either the Audi or Subaru choices would be great all year round - actually the G20 would be real good too.

The thing to remember is you are only as good as the grip that you have. If you are able to invest in some good snow tires, that would REALLY be of benefit to you more so than AWD by itself. It's the compound of the tire as well as the specialized tread that makes it better in winter/snow driving. AWD will help in situations such as getting up a steep hill, slippery conditions. You can get going in the snow easier but stopping would be just the same / as bad as without the proper grip so keep that in mind. And best of all, keep it slow and don't make any sudden maneuvers and you should be ok.
 
Like someone else said, AWD is superior for getting you moving and keeping forward traction but it does nothing to help with stopping. Keep in mind that an AWD car with standard all season tires will likely not be any better than a FWD car with snow tires.
 
I know exactly what you mean about stopping. I was just wondering if the awd would make a real big difference. I'm sure it will make a difference but I don't see it as a reason to buy it. I'm still thinking the Subaru would be a good choice for my mom, but I was just looking at the specs with the Audi and it takes a premium gas, and judging by the pictures doesn't look like the most friendly car to work on. From what I understand the parts for the Audi will be a lot more too. I was just daydreamin to much at work about the Audi, but I would like to do so more research on the Subaru. Thanks for the helpful info :bigups
 
Tires (aside from skill) are the most important thing when it comes to winter driving, not which wheels are turning. My Focus I had went from the worst to one of the best vehicles I've driven with just snow tires. I live in WNY and have used the 4WD in my truck TWICE this whole year. Those two times were only moving from a complete stop, I have never driven in 4wd. Just yesterday I drove home with about 6in of snow in the road in 2wd. My parents Mountaineer (AWD) is horrible in the snow, and I drove an X-Type a few weeks ago and wasn't impressed with it's handling. Turning all your wheels is great for take off but that's about it. I feel that AWD, like ABS is mostly a marketing tool to make people think they can't live without it and they somehow make you a safer driver. Yes they work in some conditions but the majority you don't need them.
 
I have an altima and my wife has an outback, this is out first winter in nepa w/ awd, and I wouldn't own another car without after driving both.

I also like the gas mil. about 21mpg around town. Also AWD doesn't help you stop, but the anti lock brakes work like a charm and make stopping alot easier.
 
ABS is hardly a marketing tool. Not only does it allow you to steer while under maximum braking, it prevents the rear end from swinging out like can happen with standard brake lock-up.
 
I had a Civic with new snow tires and my new AWD Subaru with all season tires handles 100 times better in the snow that the Civic ever did.

As far as not needing AWD because you only get snow a few times a year I totally disagree. AWD is not made just for snow. AWD has benifits and advantages in snow, wet and dry driving conditions. You have all wheels turning all the time. This Impreza is the best handling car I have ever owned due to the AWD system. You will need premium gas in any turbo charged car. I went with the Impreza RS. Exact same as the WRX but I have a 2.5L vs the WRX 2.0 and mine is not turbo. If you went with the non turbo Subaru you would be happy. Trust me, go test drive an AWD car and get on the throttle around some corners or in the snow and then let me know what you think.
 
Being the owner of a new Subaru Legacy GT, I would agree that AWD is great, but there are also a lot of other factors like stated previously. This is the first AWD car I have owned and I bought it because a) I don't get off of work, no matter how much it snows, and b) my development is very hilly. So far (it has only snowed twice here in MD) I have not had a problem getting around. But even AWD isn't invincible. The stock tires (Bridgestone RE92's) suck. i can kick the rear end of the car out at will going around turns and slide it a little if I give it some gas (ok, a lot of gas) on a straight. I definitely plan on upgrading the tires before next winter. Of course, with 250 hp and a 45/55 torque split front/rear, anything will break loose if you slam on the gas. Common sense and good tires are a must, no matter what wheels are turning. Is AWD worth it? Yes, I think so. But you still need good tires also, and it doesn't help you stop any better or turn much better.
 
I hafta say Tires and the actual AWD system really matter! I run All Season Performance tires and when the snow compacts it doesn't have the best grip. (Best for rain and very light snow) However, if your working with a couple inches of snow, AWD + snow tires would be the best bet. Honestly I don't see how SUV's have huge advantages for driving 4 or more inches.

Driving is a huge factor also. Just be smart and understand the conditions.
 
i had and Eagle Talon TSI AWD when I lived in Columbus Ohio - It was awesome for snow (not ice - a slide is a slide :) ).
 
The Woob said:
Honestly I don't see how SUV's have huge advantages for driving 4 or more inches.
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Why do you think so many SUVs end up in ditches in the winter? People think they're capable of more than they really are. I'll freely admit that and I love SUVs.
 
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