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Old 11-26-2011, 06:23 PM
 
2,080 posts, read 3,905,466 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kidyankee764 View Post
Not even snow tires. As long as you have tires with good tread and you're defensive driving in the snow, you'll be fine.
I don't know about that Kid...as a loooong time subie driver, I can blow by the "front wheel drive" people with absolutely no problemo. I run Kumho KR 21 tires and the thing pulls like a tank in all snow conditions. That goes for 12" too...I've been through it all with my Impreza and she gets 32mpg all week long (Highway). Nothing like the security of an awd car on a long snowy commute when you're confident you can take the back roads with relative ease.
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Old 11-27-2011, 07:18 AM
 
Location: New England
8,155 posts, read 20,931,709 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimazee View Post
BTW, although not yet mentioned, the Audi A4 turbo 4 AWD is a great overall package that gets decent mileage. It also comes as a wagon. Though not cheap, it is very 'CTish' .
While not mentioned specifically, that was certainly one of the cars I considered when mentioning "Audi". However, it doesn't classify as "small" per the OP's request. And heck, if I'm going there, I'd just get the Allroad and have the 2.7TT to play with.
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Old 11-27-2011, 04:06 PM
 
336 posts, read 1,019,770 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tetto View Post
I don't know about that Kid...as a loooong time subie driver, I can blow by the "front wheel drive" people with absolutely no problemo. I run Kumho KR 21 tires and the thing pulls like a tank in all snow conditions. That goes for 12" too...I've been through it all with my Impreza and she gets 32mpg all week long (Highway). Nothing like the security of an awd car on a long snowy commute when you're confident you can take the back roads with relative ease.
You might be able to "blow by" people, but you can't stop or turn any better than a FWD or RWD car with equivalent tires.

A good set of snow tires will help you accelerate, turn, and brake better in the snow. AWD only helps with acceleration.

All-season tires might be okay for your typical winter commute, but they aren't going to cut it during an actual snowstorm where the roads have not been fully cleared. If there's one investment you should make for your safety in the winter, it's snow tires.
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Old 11-27-2011, 06:10 PM
 
2,080 posts, read 3,905,466 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bomgd3 View Post
You might be able to "blow by" people, but you can't stop or turn any better than a FWD or RWD car with equivalent tires.

A good set of snow tires will help you accelerate, turn, and brake better in the snow. AWD only helps with acceleration.

All-season tires might be okay for your typical winter commute, but they aren't going to cut it during an actual snowstorm where the roads have not been fully cleared. If there's one investment you should make for your safety in the winter, it's snow tires.
Aw come on, I don't really drive crazy like that, it was only hyperbole...geez. but FYI I have 170000a miles on the Impreza and drove home fro New Haven in the worst snow storms last year. That's a long way for me and I took back roads all the way; no problemo. Relax, I am well aware of my and the cars capabilities
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Old 11-27-2011, 09:53 PM
 
Location: Coastal Connecticut
21,536 posts, read 27,783,815 times
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Would really need more criteria to make solid recommendations without going all over the map. I agree the TDI Audi and VW's are really nice, just for the fact that they get incredible fuel mileage without a compromise in drivability/acceleration. The new Jetta is a huge step forward in styling IMO. My only advice, never own a VAG (Volkswagen-Audi) car without a warranty. That is from personal experience.

Subaru makes some very nice reliable, AWD options in the Legacy and Impreza families.

I'm partial to the BMW 3-series. It really is one of the best cars in the world and the benchmark for most sedans. You can get a really nice Certified Pre Owned 328xi (AWD) with a 6-year/100k warranty for not a lot. They also hold their value extremely well. If handling and driving feel/fun is important, they are fantastic.

Volvo should be considered if safety is very important. They do invest a ton in safety and it's often their #1 priority. The new XC60 SUV is very nice, as is the new S60 (which comes in AWD).

Toyota and Honda make good cars if you want something that's no-nonsense and aren't really a "car person". They're a bit more vanilla, but some people like that. The CRV and RAV4 are great, small SUV's with AWD and reasonable gas mileage.

I still can't recommend American cars over their foreign counterparts, but Ford and GM do make some nice vehicles - especially if you're not picky and just want something basic for transportation. Although the Fusion was highly rated and I HATED it.

I also really like the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, they did a great job on it.
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Old 11-27-2011, 09:57 PM
 
Location: Coastal Connecticut
21,536 posts, read 27,783,815 times
Reputation: 6669
Quote:
Originally Posted by bomgd3 View Post
You might be able to "blow by" people, but you can't stop or turn any better than a FWD or RWD car with equivalent tires.

A good set of snow tires will help you accelerate, turn, and brake better in the snow. AWD only helps with acceleration.

All-season tires might be okay for your typical winter commute, but they aren't going to cut it during an actual snowstorm where the roads have not been fully cleared. If there's one investment you should make for your safety in the winter, it's snow tires.
This.

AWD doesn't do much for "safety" vs. FWD, it's more for not getting stuck.

I will say though, that RWD can be dangerous in the snow if you don't know what you're doing. Easy to spin out/fishtail/oversteer, even with snow tires.
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Old 11-28-2011, 06:45 AM
 
879 posts, read 1,650,780 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stylo View Post
This.

AWD doesn't do much for "safety" vs. FWD, it's more for not getting stuck.

I will say though, that RWD can be dangerous in the snow if you don't know what you're doing. Easy to spin out/fishtail/oversteer, even with snow tires.
Totally agree. I would never buy a RWD car in CT.
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Old 11-28-2011, 07:29 AM
 
21,547 posts, read 30,966,661 times
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In my FWD Altima last year, I did just fine in the multiple 20" snowstorms we had when I had to go to work.
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Old 11-28-2011, 07:56 AM
 
Location: Coastal Connecticut
21,536 posts, read 27,783,815 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lintu View Post
Totally agree. I would never buy a RWD car in CT.
I would and have. No problems in the snow. Knowing car control helps.
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Old 11-28-2011, 08:02 AM
 
879 posts, read 1,650,780 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stylo View Post
I would and have. No problems in the snow. Knowing car control helps.
For me, personally, I don't see the point in buying something that will require even more skill/caution than I already use when driving a FWD car when there are tons of alternatives. But you have to realize that this is coming from someone who happily drives a Civic
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