The thing people forget about AWD/4WD is that it's great to get you going, but not to stop you. I see more SUVs in the snow banks here because people get so encouraged by their forward progress that they forget about stopping. AWD is usually heavier (the TT weighs more than the Viggen!!); you have to add at least a drive shaft and differential/transmission parts.

There is no doubt in my mind (having driving a 4wd truck for 15 years) that awd is better than fwd/rwd. However, one must remember that awd isn't invincible, and that speed and snow/ice don't mix -- no matter how many wheels have power -- unless you're ice racing on an open course.

Now, if you want opposite opinions, post a question about awd/fwd/rwd on one of the Bimmer boards. They'll tell you that rwd is the best type of car for snow.

Again, I really have to ask if one needs awd. I really cannot speak for a Saab in the snow, as it hasn't been here yet. However, I pass Audis and Bimmers all the time, regardless of whether it's wet or dry. Heck, on my trip to PA this past weekend, I passed Audis and Bimmers while they had on high performance tires and I had snows on. Would I pass them on a snow covered road where we were racing? Maybe not, but in the real world, most people don't drive their cars to the edge of the performance spectrum where awd (or rwd, if you're a Bimmer addict) has benefits over fwd. I regularly double the speed limit in my "poor handling" fwd, but I've yet to actually overcome the handling capabilities of the car. If I could go faster, perhaps I would overcome these capabilities; however, I'm already exceeding the speed limit to the point where I do not feel comfortable. So, would I be able to handle a turn at 75 in an awd car, instead of at 70 in a fwd car? Maybe, but the speed limit is 25 on the local roads around here, and I never go faster than 50 (which is ridiculously high anyway -- although I've seen others who go faster). I think that, unless you track your car, the vast majority of people will not need awd instead of fwd. If you're one of those few who like to drive at the edge of handling, buy the Audi (get the S4 Avant, at least, and not the slow A6).

posted by 64.252.16...

• Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, BrightTL, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 13:58:12
  • Some thoughts, Bevan, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 11:30:10
  • If where you live you get lots of snow..., Coolknight, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 15:35:23
    • Fixed link.... NM, Coolknight, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 15:37:03
  • Re: Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, Neal, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 11:06:32
    • ! Agree - Saab 9-5 is safe, BrightTL, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 11:46:37
      • What percentage are you referring to in the ENCAP?, Jim, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 15:11:33
        • Each test gets a %, Coolknight, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 16:14:15
  • Lets us know what you decided on n/m, Anton, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 13:36:18
  • Had to make the same decision - went Saab..., Dale, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 12:08:14
    • Near invoice plus the $4k rebate?, New2saab, Thu, 27 Dec 2001 20:46:41
    • Re: Had to make the same decision - went Saab..., Jim, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 03:27:42
  • Interior Quality...... its a matter of so much, Jörgen Trued, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 09:20:44
    • Good point, Polaris, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 10:21:08
  • Re: Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, John Davies, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 18:27:34
    • AWD vs FWD Aero vs Audi, BrightTL, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 23:08:31
      • On the point of AWD vs. FWD and Subaru Outback, Vlad, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 16:09:39
      • FWD is OK in my book, Polaris, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 10:34:43
    • AWD vs. FWD, Lou, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 18:53:35
      • Re: AWD vs. FWD, John Davies, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 22:18:56
        • Re: AWD vs. FWD, Bob M, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 16:13:23 <-- Viewing This Message
  • can't say about wagon, but 2.8 sedan is..., Eli5, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 15:06:12
  • I am in the same situation as you are, but you need...., TKC, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 14:54:06
  • Re: Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, ANDREW GAY, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 14:12:16

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