Fred W. wrote:

> "Wolfgang Pawlinetz" > wrote in message
> ...

>> Imad Al-Ghouleh schrieb:
>>
>>> I dont know why people keep insisting that BMW is bad in winter.
>>
>> Because it is. Especially compared to a FWD saab or a quattro Audi.
>> :-)
>>
>> BTDT.
>>
>> The rearwheel drive is fun and with all the electronic gimmicks it
>> will really do it's job. However at a certain climb angle or even
>> slipperyness of the road, the rearwheel drive gives in, then the FWD
>> and then the quattro.
>>
>
> Sorry, no. This is contrary to the laws of physics. If you assume
> equal axle weights, as the car climbs it places more weight over the
> rear axle and less over the front. So a rear wheel drive car would
> have an advantage over a FWD in climbing. Obviously, an AWD car with
> the same weight and tires would be better than either.

This is true.

> I have never found a FWD car is better than a RWD car in the snow in
> general. The reason people think that is because at the point that
> they *do* lose traction (and they all will eventually), it is easier
> for the inexperienced troglodyte driver to control the FWD's inherent
> front end plowing understeer than the RWD, which can be made to
> either under or over steer with judicious input on the fun pedal.

I think you're right. The best handling snow car I ever had or drove was my
Alfa GTV6 -- w/ RWD. I liked it even better than the original Audi Quattro --
which had gobs of traction, but wasn't particularly nimble. The only problems
the Alfa had in winter were low ground clearance, and a poor defroster.

My old 2002 never kept me from getting first tracks on a powder day, or home in
time afterward. I drove right past plenty of 4WD cars stuck in snowbanks and
ditches.

Around here we have ice storms, which are so bad it's dangerous to walk. Yet
somehow the old farmers manage to get by in their old pickup trucks, without
yuppie 4WD or highfalutin' Finnish winter tires. We're talking bargain basement
1982 Ford Rangers and Toyotas. Geez, how did people get around before Quattros
and Xi-s?

Matt O.