RWD + Snow
12-16-2005 | 11:19 AM
#41
Senior Moderator
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From: Swansea, MA
Originally Posted by Beltfed
With the worst snow conditions, you should probably try to make an effort to be off the road period (no matter what you drive).
Most of the time the plows have already been out and cleared the roads before I hit the road... Sometimes coming home it's been nasty out, but it really doesn't happen that often.
12-16-2005 | 11:24 AM
#42
Suzuka Master
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From: Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by AcuraFan
Unfortunately, crash statistics and road testing don't really agree with your lovely daydream. Sorry.
And good look steering with your rear wheels while you try to "power steer" and plow straight ahead anyway or kick the back end out so now your sideways or even backwards. People love to romanticize RWD when it's really not there.
And good look steering with your rear wheels while you try to "power steer" and plow straight ahead anyway or kick the back end out so now your sideways or even backwards. People love to romanticize RWD when it's really not there.
Maybe you should drive one before you knock it. Modern RWD cars are really a given a bad rap because of the past. A/S tire technology and Traction/Stability control really help.As for steering with the rear, I can drive sideways down my street if I wanted using both the throttle and steering. RWD IMO is better because of that. In a FWD car, if you lose traction the front end slides and you lose steering.
I won't even go into the numerous reasons why FWD is inferior in terms of perfomance and handling in the dry.
12-16-2005 | 12:25 PM
#43
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
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Originally Posted by AcuraFan
It's funny how Pro-RWD people say things like "add traction control and snow tires and it's just as good". Well, for one, that's not true. With traction control and snow tires, RWD becomes drivable. But it's still not as good as FWD. It's just physics. Sure, RWD has become a viable option in winter...but just as RWD has become viable, FWD has excelled. I remeber reading a report recently about how adding snow tires to FWD gives it more traction than AWD. But I don't remember seeing anything about RWD.
show me a reputable article making these claims with evidence to support it. How could 2 power driven wheels, whether front or rear, be better than 4 power driven wheels? How? Quit spanking off to your "Front Wheel Drive Monthly" magazing and get your head out of your ass.
12-16-2005 | 12:36 PM
#44
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: binghamton NY
Originally Posted by AcuraFan
Unfortunately, crash statistics and road testing don't really agree with your lovely daydream. Sorry.
And good look steering with your rear wheels while you try to "power steer" and plow straight ahead anyway or kick the back end out so now your sideways or even backwards. People love to romanticize RWD when it's really not there.
12-16-2005 | 12:54 PM
#45
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Hellertown, Pa. USA
Tires and the skill of the driver are certainly the most important things when driving in snow.
No matter if it’s the front, the rear or all four wheels driving.
Traction control and other electronic gizmos only substitute what the driver can’t already do with his right foot.
If you put the SAME DRIVER in the SAME CAR with four snow tires and could somehow adjust it from RWD to FWD to 4WD you’d get the best answer.
I still say 4WD will be first, FWD will be second and RWD while possible, will be the slowest and most difficult.
I have 22-years driving experience in the snow and have driven most types of vehicles.
I’ve enjoyed passing stuck and abandoned cars/trucks for the last few years in my FWD cars.
I feel even more secure in my Subaru even though it “only” has all season tires right now.
As they wear down it will probably get worse. But so far this is the most capable vehicle I have ever driven in the white stuff.
With four Blizzak’s I think it would be unstoppable.
Shawn S
No matter if it’s the front, the rear or all four wheels driving.
Traction control and other electronic gizmos only substitute what the driver can’t already do with his right foot.
If you put the SAME DRIVER in the SAME CAR with four snow tires and could somehow adjust it from RWD to FWD to 4WD you’d get the best answer.
I still say 4WD will be first, FWD will be second and RWD while possible, will be the slowest and most difficult.
I have 22-years driving experience in the snow and have driven most types of vehicles.
I’ve enjoyed passing stuck and abandoned cars/trucks for the last few years in my FWD cars.
I feel even more secure in my Subaru even though it “only” has all season tires right now.
As they wear down it will probably get worse. But so far this is the most capable vehicle I have ever driven in the white stuff.
With four Blizzak’s I think it would be unstoppable.
Shawn S
12-16-2005 | 01:26 PM
#46
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by Maximized
Another person whom can't properly drive RWD Maybe you should drive one before you knock it. Modern RWD cars are really a given a bad rap because of the past. A/S tire technology and Traction/Stability control really help.
As for steering with the rear, I can drive sideways down my street if I wanted using both the throttle and steering. RWD IMO is better because of that. In a FWD car, if you lose traction the front end slides and you lose steering.
I won't even go into the numerous reasons why FWD is inferior in terms of perfomance and handling in the dry.
Maybe you should drive one before you knock it. Modern RWD cars are really a given a bad rap because of the past. A/S tire technology and Traction/Stability control really help.As for steering with the rear, I can drive sideways down my street if I wanted using both the throttle and steering. RWD IMO is better because of that. In a FWD car, if you lose traction the front end slides and you lose steering.
I won't even go into the numerous reasons why FWD is inferior in terms of perfomance and handling in the dry.
In the rare instances my car has started sliding, since it's FWD, I just point the steering wheel in the direction I want to go and give it gas. The tires get some grip and pull me back into the lane. It's winter 6 months of the year here. I think I know how to drive in the snow.
So I'd just like to say that although YOU might be able to drive a RWD car better in the winter, that doesn't mean that everyone can. FWD is simply the better platform for the masses. It's more intuitive and it doesn't surprise anyone who makes a mistake. Hardly anyone has your supposed skill.
12-16-2005 | 01:32 PM
#47
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Lenexa, KS
Originally Posted by youngTL
These "proper drivers" you speak of are maybe 1/1000 people, if that. I drove RWD for almost 3 years and I still had trouble driving it "properly". Steering with the rear is extremely dangerous. One mistake and you're sideways. Besides, if you have traction control ON, you can't even do that!
In the rare instances my car has started sliding, since it's FWD, I just point the steering wheel in the direction I want to go and give it gas. The tires get some grip and pull me back into the lane. It's winter 6 months of the year here. I think I know how to drive in the snow.
So I'd just like to say that although YOU might be able to drive a RWD car better in the winter, that doesn't mean that everyone can. FWD is simply the better platform for the masses. It's more intuitive and it doesn't surprise anyone who makes a mistake. Hardly anyone has your supposed skill.
In the rare instances my car has started sliding, since it's FWD, I just point the steering wheel in the direction I want to go and give it gas. The tires get some grip and pull me back into the lane. It's winter 6 months of the year here. I think I know how to drive in the snow.
So I'd just like to say that although YOU might be able to drive a RWD car better in the winter, that doesn't mean that everyone can. FWD is simply the better platform for the masses. It's more intuitive and it doesn't surprise anyone who makes a mistake. Hardly anyone has your supposed skill.
FWD is just as useless as RWD with 3 season tires. Most RWD vehicles come with 3 season tires make them useless in the snow.
Try driving a FWD with sport/3 season tires in the snow and them come back to this thread with the" FWD is a better platform" answer.
Unfortunetly most people comapre RWD with 3 season tires to FWD with all season tires. That's pretty unfair.
My CLS is usless in the snow with my summer/3 season tires on it. Absolutely useless. I can't make it up a 5 degrees incline if there's snow on it. I go backwards...
12-16-2005 | 01:46 PM
#48
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by SiGGy
FWD is just as useless as RWD with 3 season tires. Most RWD vehicles come with 3 season tires make them useless in the snow.
Try driving a FWD with sport/3 season tires in the snow and them come back to this thread with the" FWD is a better platform" answer.
Unfortunetly most people comapre RWD with 3 season tires to FWD with all season tires. That's pretty unfair.
My CLS is usless in the snow with my summer/3 season tires on it. Absolutely useless. I can't make it up a 5 degrees incline if there's snow on it. I go backwards...
Try driving a FWD with sport/3 season tires in the snow and them come back to this thread with the" FWD is a better platform" answer.
Unfortunetly most people comapre RWD with 3 season tires to FWD with all season tires. That's pretty unfair.
My CLS is usless in the snow with my summer/3 season tires on it. Absolutely useless. I can't make it up a 5 degrees incline if there's snow on it. I go backwards...
, at least not that I know of! It's either 4 season or Winter tires, with some people opting for summer slicks during the 4 short months of summer we get. But you can be ensured as soon as the first snow hits that those will be exchanged with Blizzaks or something. So I wasn't comparing them with unfair tires. My 4Runner arguably had better tires.
12-16-2005 | 02:09 PM
#49
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From: Swansea, MA
Originally Posted by SiGGy
FWD is just as useless as RWD with 3 season tires.
Since I probably don't know how to properly drive a FWD car in snow I really believe that I'm better off with a RWD car with all seasons vs. a FWD with all seasons. I've only got like 4 years of FWD experience, but almost 20 years of rwd experience.
FWD started to become a popular way to package vehicles in the early 80's, so you'll also find the preferences for rwd vs. fwd being drawn along age demographics too. If you remember a time when there was no MTV, you might also like RWD
12-16-2005 | 02:33 PM
#51
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From: Chicago Burbs
Originally Posted by AcuraFan
It's funny how Pro-RWD people say things like "add traction control and snow tires and it's just as good". Well, for one, that's not true. With traction control and snow tires, RWD becomes drivable. But it's still not as good as FWD. It's just physics. Sure, RWD has become a viable option in winter...but just as RWD has become viable, FWD has excelled. I remeber reading a report recently about how adding snow tires to FWD gives it more traction than AWD. But I don't remember seeing anything about RWD.
Unfortunately, crash statistics and road testing don't really agree with your lovely daydream. Sorry.
And good look steering with your rear wheels while you try to "power steer" and plow straight ahead anyway or kick the back end out so now your sideways or even backwards. People love to romanticize RWD when it's really not there.
Unfortunately, crash statistics and road testing don't really agree with your lovely daydream. Sorry.
And good look steering with your rear wheels while you try to "power steer" and plow straight ahead anyway or kick the back end out so now your sideways or even backwards. People love to romanticize RWD when it's really not there.
You talk about reading this and that, got sources or better yet real experience?
You do realize most RWD cars come with either all seasons or more likely summer tires. The average driver of RWD doesnt know to swap them out for snow tires. So those statistics are moot to me.
I know i cant be the only one who tries to steer in a FWD but just end up going straight anyways. NO CONTROL.
We have this type of thread at least twice a year... :
12-16-2005 | 03:18 PM
#56
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by youngTL
These "proper drivers" you speak of are maybe 1/1000 people, if that. I drove RWD for almost 3 years and I still had trouble driving it "properly". Steering with the rear is extremely dangerous. One mistake and you're sideways. Besides, if you have traction control ON, you can't even do that!
In the rare instances my car has started sliding, since it's FWD, I just point the steering wheel in the direction I want to go and give it gas. The tires get some grip and pull me back into the lane. It's winter 6 months of the year here. I think I know how to drive in the snow.
So I'd just like to say that although YOU might be able to drive a RWD car better in the winter, that doesn't mean that everyone can. FWD is simply the better platform for the masses. It's more intuitive and it doesn't surprise anyone who makes a mistake. Hardly anyone has your supposed skill.
In the rare instances my car has started sliding, since it's FWD, I just point the steering wheel in the direction I want to go and give it gas. The tires get some grip and pull me back into the lane. It's winter 6 months of the year here. I think I know how to drive in the snow.
So I'd just like to say that although YOU might be able to drive a RWD car better in the winter, that doesn't mean that everyone can. FWD is simply the better platform for the masses. It's more intuitive and it doesn't surprise anyone who makes a mistake. Hardly anyone has your supposed skill.
As for steering with the rear, it's very easy to control. I have 300rwhp at tap and I don't simply got WOT. My dad taught me how to drive a high powered RWD in the snow when I had my learners permit. He took me to a church parking lot and let me play around with the car. I do this with every car I have owned since. You learn how to actually control the car in a controlled environment.
Americans simply have forgotten how to drive RWD cars, simple as that. Manufacturers have implemented technology to make RWD confident in all conditions. You will see a lot more RWD cars on the road in the next few years. Technology has bridged the gap btwn FWD and RWD in the winter.
In closing, Americans in general can't drive. Go to Germany and watch then drive on the Autobahn. I go to the drag strip and attend HPDE's. I have found that even Enthusiasts have trouble driving their cars near the limits.
12-16-2005 | 03:24 PM
#58
Suzuka Master
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From: Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
:
I know i cant be the only one who tries to steer in a FWD but just end up going straight anyways. NO CONTROL.
I know i cant be the only one who tries to steer in a FWD but just end up going straight anyways. NO CONTROL.
My mom drove around for 3 winters in a 330i with wide max performance tires. She never got stuck. She just drove cautiously and took her time. What a concept isn't it?
12-16-2005 | 03:27 PM
#59
Suzuka Master
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From: Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by vp911
^ Now that makes me confident in buying a RWD.
Plus in the majority of the year when it's not winter, you will enjoy RWD much more.
12-16-2005 | 03:33 PM
#60
Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by Maximized
Any of your friends have a RWD car? Just ask them to borrow it and take it to a large open parking lot. Drive it around in the snow and see how confident you feel. It's not as bad as everyone here(FWD drivers)makes it out to be.
Plus in the majority of the year when it's not winter, you will enjoy RWD much more.
Plus in the majority of the year when it's not winter, you will enjoy RWD much more.
The only person I know with RWD has a Ford Ranger.. not much of a comparison to a sedan. He drives fine with it - usually doesn't even put anything in the bed of the for weight to be on the rear wheels.
12-16-2005 | 03:47 PM
#61
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From: Chicago Burbs
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1
So What's the Bottom Line?
Four-wheel drive helps get cars going. When it comes time to brake or change direction on low-traction surfaces, the extra mass of the driveline becomes more of a detriment. Folks who live in hilly places that get snow may need the climbing capability of four-wheel drive. If it snows a lot in those hilly places, they should probably invest in winter tires, too. Even flat-landers who happen to have steep driveways may wish to consider a four-wheel-driver.
Almost everyone else will most likely be better served by using winter tires. Acceleration takes longer, but in an emergency, the handling behavior and improved lateral grip of two-wheel drive and winter tires -- in the slippery stuff -- are the safer bets.
Winter tires boosted the rwd Benz's acceleration times more than they did the fwd Audi's, but in almost every other test, the inherently front-heavy Audis derived more benefit from the winter rubber than did the more evenly balanced Benzes. This finding certainly suggests that front-drive cars benefit from winter tires as much or more than rear-drivers do.
And finally, unless snow or ice covers your roads many times in a winter, the snow benefits of winter tires may not outweigh their drawbacks on dry pavement.
There, Nevin. And don't ask which came first, the chicken or the egg.
Four-wheel drive helps get cars going. When it comes time to brake or change direction on low-traction surfaces, the extra mass of the driveline becomes more of a detriment. Folks who live in hilly places that get snow may need the climbing capability of four-wheel drive. If it snows a lot in those hilly places, they should probably invest in winter tires, too. Even flat-landers who happen to have steep driveways may wish to consider a four-wheel-driver.
Almost everyone else will most likely be better served by using winter tires. Acceleration takes longer, but in an emergency, the handling behavior and improved lateral grip of two-wheel drive and winter tires -- in the slippery stuff -- are the safer bets.
Winter tires boosted the rwd Benz's acceleration times more than they did the fwd Audi's, but in almost every other test, the inherently front-heavy Audis derived more benefit from the winter rubber than did the more evenly balanced Benzes. This finding certainly suggests that front-drive cars benefit from winter tires as much or more than rear-drivers do.
And finally, unless snow or ice covers your roads many times in a winter, the snow benefits of winter tires may not outweigh their drawbacks on dry pavement.
There, Nevin. And don't ask which came first, the chicken or the egg.
12-16-2005 | 04:05 PM
#62
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From: Swansea, MA
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
I know i cant be the only one who tries to steer in a FWD but just end up going straight anyways. NO CONTROL.
I drove up on a curb last friday... Wanted to take a 90 degree turn, but didn't make it up all the way...
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
We have this type of thread at least twice a year... :
But it's still fun
12-16-2005 | 05:09 PM
#64
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From: OR
Four-wheel drive helps get cars going. When it comes time to brake or change direction on low-traction surfaces, the extra mass of the driveline becomes more of a detriment.
12-16-2005 | 09:06 PM
#67
Registered Abuser of VTEC
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Yea i dont get that statment they made. Are they talking about weight of AWD car? What mass they talking about. 
An RR car would be better than an FR car, in other words.
12-18-2005 | 01:22 PM
#68
Sold but not Forgotten...
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Mississauga, ON
On my G35 with a 18" staggered winter setup w/dunlop wintersports m3 I have had no issus. The last two storms were 4" and 6.5" and had no trouble. Yes had to light up on the gas medal, and prefer to start in 2nd gear from a dead stop.
Last edited by babyblue; 12-18-2005 at 01:26 PM.
12-18-2005 | 01:37 PM
#69
While everyone is making compelling and valid arguments (for the most part), the one thing people are failing to realize and factor in is that most of the American populace sucks at the skill of driving. In fact, most of the American populace would likely get themselves killed driving a FR setup in the snow. This is why FF and AWD are considered better for snowy conditions and why snow tires are a necessary investment.
Of course, not everyone is a terrible driver. The majority of people on this board are probably above average drivers. They will probably be better able to control a FR car in poor weather conditions than the average American driver. So all of you guys that are advocating FR, no one is saying that you can't do it. We're just saying that the average American driver is not skilled enough to do it.
Of course, not everyone is a terrible driver. The majority of people on this board are probably above average drivers. They will probably be better able to control a FR car in poor weather conditions than the average American driver. So all of you guys that are advocating FR, no one is saying that you can't do it. We're just saying that the average American driver is not skilled enough to do it.
12-19-2005 | 11:33 PM
#70
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
Answer me this, how many RWD cars have you owned ??
23 year of driving in New England, and the CLS is only the 2nd FWD car I've owned (briefly had a early 80's Olds ciera FWD station wagon). We didn't have traction control back in the old days :killer:
Sure, RWD is the WORST platform in snow, but even without traction control and snow tires, I got around fine. Saying that RWD needs traction control and snow tires to be "driveable" is just inaccurate. I've driven 65 miles (Braintree, MA to Warren RI) in 8 plus inches of snow with a rwd Ford Tbird too many times to count without traction control and with regular all seasons without too much difficultly. Just have to pay attention to what you're doing... Oh, and you should have seen the hill I had to drive up to get up to the office park I worked in...
I'll never say that RWD is better in the snow then AWD or FWD, and anyone who does is just plain stupid. BUT, that doesn't mean that you can't drive a rwd car in the snow (if you know what you're doing).
23 year of driving in New England, and the CLS is only the 2nd FWD car I've owned (briefly had a early 80's Olds ciera FWD station wagon). We didn't have traction control back in the old days :killer:
Sure, RWD is the WORST platform in snow, but even without traction control and snow tires, I got around fine. Saying that RWD needs traction control and snow tires to be "driveable" is just inaccurate. I've driven 65 miles (Braintree, MA to Warren RI) in 8 plus inches of snow with a rwd Ford Tbird too many times to count without traction control and with regular all seasons without too much difficultly. Just have to pay attention to what you're doing... Oh, and you should have seen the hill I had to drive up to get up to the office park I worked in...
I'll never say that RWD is better in the snow then AWD or FWD, and anyone who does is just plain stupid. BUT, that doesn't mean that you can't drive a rwd car in the snow (if you know what you're doing).
I've driven 4 RWD cars regularily throughout the years in the Minnesota winters. My first car was a Cougar (probably the same platform as your Tbird) and it was the worst car I had ever driven in the snow. My '89 Omni handled the snow better with cheaper tires. Our driveway at the time was rediculous...steap, curving driveway through the woods. If I had to leave before it was plowed, I had to pull the cougar into the garage to get the traction to hopefully make it up the driveway. My girlfriend's Celebrity had no trouble pulling itself up the hill. Not to mention roads that had been coated in ice from freezing rain. With sandbags in the trunk and everything, I'd be stuck at icy intersections with little FWD cars would have to go around me.
Besides that, I was a delivery person for a number of years driving primarily RWD trucks. And it sucked. But yes, the "driveable" comment was a little overboard. You just need snow tires and traction control to help offset the inherent handicap the RWD platform has. I drove the cougar through three Minnesota winters (back when they were REAL winters) without making it in the ditch once...but that doesn't mean it was safe.
12-19-2005 | 11:44 PM
#71
Three Wheelin'
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by 65 Fury Convert
show me a reputable article making these claims with evidence to support it. How could 2 power driven wheels, whether front or rear, be better than 4 power driven wheels? How? Quit spanking off to your "Front Wheel Drive Monthly" magazing and get your head out of your ass.
12-19-2005 | 11:54 PM
#72
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by Maximized
Another person whom can't properly drive RWD Maybe you should drive one before you knock it. Modern RWD cars are really a given a bad rap because of the past. A/S tire technology and Traction/Stability control really help.
As for steering with the rear, I can drive sideways down my street if I wanted using both the throttle and steering. RWD IMO is better because of that. In a FWD car, if you lose traction the front end slides and you lose steering.
I won't even go into the numerous reasons why FWD is inferior in terms of perfomance and handling in the dry.
Maybe you should drive one before you knock it. Modern RWD cars are really a given a bad rap because of the past. A/S tire technology and Traction/Stability control really help.As for steering with the rear, I can drive sideways down my street if I wanted using both the throttle and steering. RWD IMO is better because of that. In a FWD car, if you lose traction the front end slides and you lose steering.
I won't even go into the numerous reasons why FWD is inferior in terms of perfomance and handling in the dry.
Notice how you said these technologies "really help"? Help what? I thought RWD was great...how can it need help? And weren't you supposed to say "makes it great" or something?Look, I'm not dissing RWD. I like it. But it has it's place, particularily in much of the country that sees inclimate weather. If someone says "RWD isn't as good as FWD in bad weather" you all have to holler "bloody murder!" and defend it as if we said "RWD is a bad platform". I like RWD and hope to get an S2000 this summer. But I'm going to stick to FWD as my primary vehicle because it's just plain safer in bad weather.
...though I'm not sure why you think RWD is better because you can drive recklessly down your street.
12-20-2005 | 12:13 AM
#73
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
You talk about reading this and that, got sources or better yet real experience?
You do realize most RWD cars come with either all seasons or more likely summer tires. The average driver of RWD doesnt know to swap them out for snow tires. So those statistics are moot to me.
I know i cant be the only one who tries to steer in a FWD but just end up going straight anyways. NO CONTROL.
We have this type of thread at least twice a year... :
You see, most people have there own experience with both platforms. It's all up to your experience. After years of driving both, I've found you have more control in bad weather with FWD. You've found otherwise. Can we not chalk it up to a difference of opinion?
It reminds me of a guy I know...his family has been selling Nissans for years. He thinks the TL is a horribly unsafe car because they took an '02 TL and an '02 Maxima to the track a couple years ago and road with a professional driver. Some fluke something happened and they lost control of the TL. So to him, in his experience, he almost died in a TL therefore they are unsafe. i.e. I think RWD cars are unsafe in winter, you think FWD cars are unsafe in winter. Our experiences differ and our preferences differ.
Last edited by AcuraFan; 12-20-2005 at 12:15 AM.
12-20-2005 | 12:35 AM
#74
Senior Moderator
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From: Chicago Burbs
But i have mastered FWD
Oh i never said FWD is unsafe in winter. I think FWD is great to keep the cost of a car down. Everyone needs an ecnomy car in their garage.
But i do think RWD with snow tires is just as good as FWD with all seasons.
In the end, there are more dry days here than snowy ones.
Oh i never said FWD is unsafe in winter. I think FWD is great to keep the cost of a car down. Everyone needs an ecnomy car in their garage.
But i do think RWD with snow tires is just as good as FWD with all seasons.
In the end, there are more dry days here than snowy ones.
Last edited by Crazy Bimmer; 12-20-2005 at 12:38 AM.
12-20-2005 | 01:16 AM
#75
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From: Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by AcuraFan
Well, I've driven RWD cars for years (not by choice, mind you) and I've never been in an accident or gone into the ditch with one. But you made my point for me perfectly. "A/S tire technology and Traction/Stability control really help." That's exactly what I've been trying to say and it took one of you RWD-asskissers to say it. Notice how you said these technologies "really help"? Help what? I thought RWD was great...how can it need help? And weren't you supposed to say "makes it great" or something?
Look, I'm not dissing RWD. I like it. But it has it's place, particularily in much of the country that sees inclimate weather. If someone says "RWD isn't as good as FWD in bad weather" you all have to holler "bloody murder!" and defend it as if we said "RWD is a bad platform". I like RWD and hope to get an S2000 this summer. But I'm going to stick to FWD as my primary vehicle because it's just plain safer in bad weather.
...though I'm not sure why you think RWD is better because you can drive recklessly down your street.
Notice how you said these technologies "really help"? Help what? I thought RWD was great...how can it need help? And weren't you supposed to say "makes it great" or something?Look, I'm not dissing RWD. I like it. But it has it's place, particularily in much of the country that sees inclimate weather. If someone says "RWD isn't as good as FWD in bad weather" you all have to holler "bloody murder!" and defend it as if we said "RWD is a bad platform". I like RWD and hope to get an S2000 this summer. But I'm going to stick to FWD as my primary vehicle because it's just plain safer in bad weather.
...though I'm not sure why you think RWD is better because you can drive recklessly down your street.
I wouldn't get a S2K, it has no T/C and is prone to snap understeer in the dry. Can you imagine yourself driving one in the wet
RWD offers better control. That's why IMO it's better. AWD, 4WD, RWD, or FWD doesn't make you stop any quicker. In my experience, going too fast for conditions is the major contributor of accidents.
12-20-2005 | 01:18 AM
#76
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,542
Likes: 115
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
But i have mastered FWD
Oh i never said FWD is unsafe in winter. I think FWD is great to keep the cost of a car down. Everyone needs an ecnomy car in their garage.
But i do think RWD with snow tires is just as good as FWD with all seasons.
In the end, there are more dry days here than snowy ones.
Oh i never said FWD is unsafe in winter. I think FWD is great to keep the cost of a car down. Everyone needs an ecnomy car in their garage.
But i do think RWD with snow tires is just as good as FWD with all seasons.
In the end, there are more dry days here than snowy ones.
12-20-2005 | 10:34 AM
#77
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by youngTL
In the end, there are more snowy days than dry and rainy days combined here.
And yes Maximized, I "have enough confidence to drive in snow". I've probably logged twice as many miles driving in snow with RWD than most people here. (And have used both to get out of hairy situations) And my experience is FWD has has better control in bad weather.
Oh, I WOULD get an S2000 because I know when it is and isn't appropriate to drive.
12-20-2005 | 10:42 AM
#78
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: Toronto
I test drove an 06 BMW 325i AT in 5 inches of virgin snow, with OEM 205/55-16 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires: traction control and stability control combined with weight and 50:50 weight distribution let this car work in snow. I would still get snow tires, but I never felt that I would be stranded, even starting on some of the hills I stopped on. It was easier to drive this car than my Mazda Protege with snow tires; there was no useless understeer, or spinning of tires, or sawing a the the steering wheel - very impressive.
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