No, I don't think it is just uphill - cornering in wet or slippery conditions I think is also done safer and more quickly with AWD than FWD. I do agree that the center-of-gravity of the vehicle plays a role; Subaru uses a horizontally opposed engine and prides itself on the low center of mass/gravity in its cars. I believe, as you do, that it makes a big difference inasmuch as the tendency to rotate/spin is concerned as the coefficient of friction decreases. In my experience, there is simply no comparison between both of my Subarus ('93 Legacy AWD Turbo sedan and '05 Legacy GT Wagon - both with nonstudded tires) and my most recently owned SAAB ('99 SE Wagon - with 4 studded snow tires) in navigating our poorly maintained, snow covered roads. The Subarus accomplish safe travel in awful conditions with very little drama. I couldn't say the same for the SAAB. However, I recognize that I am an n of 1 given where I live, how I drive, tires on the cars, etc... I am sure that others have different experiences; I was just adding my two cents to the discussion.

I too bike and run up our hill - I compete in ultramarathons and regularly use our hill for interval training. It builds character.

Cheers.

posted by 66.152.231...

• The "need" for AWD, Bob M, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 05:23:42
  • My $.02..., bb vign, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 05:52:17
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, David, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 08:02:45
    • You mean going uphill, AWD is better.., Bob M, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 08:16:56
      • Re: You mean going uphill, AWD is better.., David, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:21:27 <-- Viewing This Message
        • Low Center-of-Gravity, Draken, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:48:00
  • One need for AWD - to handle 300+ hp in the next 9-5, Greg Abbott , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 16:52:53
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, Doug/NH, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:42:24
  • For that ONE TIME that I get stuck in snow, jimtimkim, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:11:24
  • Seat-of-the-pants feel & dry handling..., sonique, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 12:52:58
  • I want AWD, MO, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:52:54
  • My big problem with AWD..., Caarma , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:43:33
    • Who cares about fuel economy?, NonStop , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 12:31:22
      • My master plan for Saab!, Draken, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 22:36:57
        • Yes that would be a great idea..., AdamB , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 23:15:42
      • You're right, Caarma , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:19:00
        • Agree with Carrma, Noel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:43:08
      • Unfortunetely you are right, to a certain extent..., No.9, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 13:14:06
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, Dan , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:42:41
    • 900 vs. 9-5, NonStop , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 12:20:24
  • Image vs. reality, Ari , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 10:21:30
    • Nice analysis. n/m, Camm , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:21:50
  • Solution for steep hills with FWD, Caarma , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:44:40
    • I'll keep that in mind..., Bob M, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:28:18
  • Re: awd wanted, t_mokes, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:39:12
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, Doug/NH, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:30:39
  • I "need" AWD, RF, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:19:04
    • Ground clearance is an issue..., Bob M, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:30:10
  • Give the customer what they want, Draken, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:18:18
    • You are absolutely right..., No.9, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:41:54
  • The sad thing is, Finch, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 08:57:41
  • A triumph of marketing, Brian_in_MA, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:40:36
    • It sure is!, Noel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:25:18
  • The average driver on dry / snow won't notice, NickR, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:09:53
  • Thought about this last night while driving from, Noel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:07:07
  • Most people don't want "fun", Nathaniel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:33:53
  • city slickers, brandi, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:19:06
  • It's easier than dedicated snows, Greg Abbott , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:08:12
    • An AWD vehicle without winter tires is far worse, AdamB , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:39:19
      • Yes! Very true (+), Vlad, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:05:14
        • I second or third that ,,,,,, 91Aero.jr, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:06:28
        • Agreed, Chad, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:07:01
          • best of both worlds - AWD put snow tires, markP, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 13:39:12
            • 9-5 or 9-3 "Allroad" or "Cross Country"?, Draken, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:31:32
          • Very much agreed, Schu, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 08:47:48

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