Quote:
Originally Posted by dcb
a small fwd handles waayyy more than most people can imagine, just takes practice. Also safer on slippery/icy conditions than 4x4 or rwd. And if it is small there is a very good chance you can unstick it yourself should it lose interest in the tarmac on some usually harmless corner by the field or whatever.
Keep some guiness on hand for the %0.2 of the year that you actually are snowed in  |
I'll agree with the FWD can do more in snow and ice than some realize. I will disagree (from my own point of view and perspective), that FWD is not always safer than a 4WD or RWD... For those unfamiliar with winter driving, perhaps. Even Subaru gets a lot of traction selling their AWD as a safety thing for winter. But, I can get my Jeep through snow that my Neon wouldn't stand a chance in. In my oh so humble opinion, it all comes down to driver training and education. I have a choice in my Jeep of RWD, which can be a bit spooky all by itself (or fun). But I can also choose between AWD and locked 4x4. I spend most of my street/highway snow driving in AWD. But once stuck, I shift into locked 4x4. But again, my opinion, and my own experiences. With my Jeep, I've pulled out more RWD than FWD, but more FWD than AWD/4WD...
I am contemplating the purchase of a very abused late 90s Impreza, no turbo. Strictly as a winter beater, and as a summer desert toy. Mechanically it is not in too bad of shape. But there isn't a straight panel on the body and some small rust areas. I know the owner, and it was used by various teens learning to drive, but it was at least maintained fairly well. Might be a fun alternative.