Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I live in Connecticut, where it snows a lot in the winter. I have started considering getting a slightly used car such as the G37 coupe. I have test driven the G37x (AWD) but really like the look of the G37S, but that is RWD. is it very dangerous to own a RWD car in the snow? I am coming from a FWD car. Just for kicks I drove a CLK550 and the guy told me it probably isn't the best idea to have one of these in the snow.
i have driven RWD cars in a variety of conditions, including snow, and have had few issues, most of them due to my own stupidity. as indicated good snow tires, and proper driving technique will get you through nearly every condition you will normally encounter. if however you are really worried about it, then opt for an AWD car instead.
It's truly a personal question and decision.
I grew and started driving in a country, where winters were 40 below C, for 3-4 mths, and in very very hillocky city. Roads were mostly paved with polished granite rocks and ALL cars were manual and RWD. Top it with crappy tires and only chosen ones having studdies.
Yet, we drove everywhere. It was quite an experience, esp when you sit uphill on a 10% slop, on those polished stones, waiting for green, with several cars bumper to bumper behind you.
Here it's much much different. Studdies are readily available, and automatic trannie changes everything. You simply shift into low gear, feather gas pedal, and off you go. Also, you may consider attending a designated driving course.
I'd say, if not attempting stupid stuff, as then you simply turn from any wheel drive into all wheel slide, proper tires, and a bit of practice - you should be good.
Btw, having AWD S type vehicle only makes it better. You WILL miss AWD cornering stability and grip.
I have owned and drove several RWD cars pickup and trucks. I've hardly had any issues in snow or ice. It takes some practice but as a whole it I prefer RWD to front wheeled drive. Worst case I want a true 4x4.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,568 posts, read 81,147,605 times
Reputation: 57777
Quote:
Originally Posted by snofarmer
How did we ever get around before all these awd cars and 4wd suvs?
Use the proper tires for the season and put 200lbs in the trunk.
You'll be surprised at what just adding the weight will do.
Personally I'd rather have a rwd that a fwd any day.
True, front drive was rare until the 1980s, and people managed. Of our 3 vehicles 2 are rear drive and I still prefer it except for the economy commute beater which I would not drive in the snow.
Rear wheel drive certainly is better then front wheel drive in snowy and icy conditions. Front wheel drive is the worst in snow and ice.
Really, because the lack of weight over the drive wheels helps how?
I have a rear drive car and a front drive car and the rear drive car stays in the garage in snowy or icy weather. I guess I've be doing it wrong all along.
Rear wheel drive certainly is better then front wheel drive in snowy and icy conditions. Front wheel drive is the worst in snow and ice.
On the contrary. FWD is a great improvement over RWD for driving on snow and ice. But you can help a RWD gain some traction by adding weight to the rear of the vehicle, specially pickup trucks. Since the motor sits on the front end of a vehicle, a FWD system benefits from this added weight of the motor.
AWD (or 4WD) with traction/stability control is the best for normal driving on icy roads, and FWD is second. But if you have enough practice with a RWD and can afford a set of tires that provide the most traction possible, you still can do fine most of the time.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
