ProV1

i've nevar driven AWD car on snow but i hear every1 saying AWD is da shit on snow..
so if you mounted Blizzak WS50 tires, the same sizes, on a BMW M3 coupe and Audi S4, would the S4 still do circles around the M3? or will the 2 be about equal on snow/ice? keep in mind both cars have sophisticated computer controlled stability/traction systems too..

vAnt

AWD helps you accelerate from the snow better. Doesn't help you stop.

I don't think anyone should be racing either car in the snow, but yes the S4 would have a slight advantage coming out of turns in the snow.

JettaGT

slight advantage?

aklucsarits

Assuming they were both equipped with snow tires, the AWD S4 would offer far superior performance to the M3 in snowy conditions. The M3 may have traction and stability control systems, but it is calibrated for dry and wet performance, not snow and ice. The M3 also has too much power to try to put down with 2 rear tires, is too low to the ground, and has wheels/tire that are too wide to be effective in snow.

I'd also wager that a FWD car properly equipped with snow tires, such as my 1992 Nissan Sentra , would offer superior performance to the M3 in snowy conditions.

Andrew

MattDell

And while I'd wager that while the Sentra would be quicker than an M3 on the same snow tires, I would not wager that a Sentra would be quicker than, say, a Miata, on the same snow tires.


RWD and FWD are both 2WD. Only difference is FWD has traction from a stop, while RWD has traction during acceleration. And to boot, RWD has more control in turning on slippery surfaces than FWD. A FWD car is prone to plow, while RWD will fishtail, which can be controlled with countersteer.

-Matt

nevert00fast

I have WS50 mounted on Rotas during the winter on my STi, with the DCCD set on 50/50 I race snow plowers.

rai

I'm wondering about this too. However not in particular a M3 vs S4. But in general AWD v RWD.

I believe the awd car will be better, but the rwd car with stability control should do OK.

You should remember Blizzak tires are dedicated snow/ice tires, they'll suck on dry roads. I've got 2 sets "high performance" snow tires that are ok in dry conditions and good in snow/ice not as good as Blizzaks, but then again most of the winter it's still dry around here.

nalVle

i had blizzaks on my s2000 this winter and i drove a couple times in the snow (1-3 inches). the s2000 is pretty bad in the snow, but is controllable so its ok. i think an m3 wouldnt do too well with all that power.
-Chris

DiamondDave2005

My cousin's Subaru SVX was a blast to drive in the snow, but you still had to be careful with it. I had my RWD T-Bird SC at the time, and I never had a problem in the snow, but could only do around half the speed of the SVX around curves/corners.

NS2000X

I run a set of Blizzak LM-22's in the winter, and here in Ottawa, we really get a winter.
AWD will take off in the snow as if it were dry. You can plow through foot deep powder. However when it comes to stopping, ABS and Blizzaks can only do so much.

Be warned.

NS2000X