RWD vs. AWD in Snow and Ice

ricochet · 02-28-2019, 03:27 PM

How to drive: RWD vs AWD on Snow and Ice with Subaru WRX STI and BRZ #drivingsportstv - YouTube

How does driving technique differ between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) on a frozen lake? We flew to Wisconsin to join professional rally drive Patrik Sandell of the Subaru Rally Team to get some tips and compare differences in technique for the best performance in slippery conditions.

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ryder311 · 04-11-2019, 04:41 PM

This is good stuff for people in the midwest

mechanic80 · 09-16-2019, 11:21 AM

and fascinating!

F1EA · 09-18-2019, 02:39 PM

Pretty cool.

One of the things my buddies notice the most when driving with me on the WRX/STI is how much speed and throttle you can do through turns. Especially in snow, slush or rain. They typically go

I had a BMW before and it was downright scary in the snow, slush and rain.

CMoses · 09-25-2019, 06:29 PM

rear wheel drive can be fun in snow if you have good enough tires.

GC8RA · 11-13-2019, 10:58 AM

To Wisconsin!

carsandstuff · 04-17-2020, 08:36 PM

Very interesting video. Funny to hear him say the fastest way around the track is with the ESC system on.

kknudsonMNLegacy · 07-14-2020, 04:24 PM

AWD is the only way to go, especially in northern tier states. Learned to drive in MN, and spent 20 years driving in AK, and would never own a RWD for a daily driver. Even on dry pavement and in a climes without snow, AWD is a safety benefit.

However, the drivetrain does little or nothing, especially on snow and ice, when braking. The only vehicles you see in the ditch in Alaska are 4WD/AWD!

Studded tires are essential on ice covered surfaces. The Swedes and Finns, however, have established that braking distance with studded tires on bare pavement is actually longer than all-season rubber.

pcampbell · 07-14-2020, 05:03 PM

there is a reason why VT has the most Subaru registrations as a % of all registrations.

samb · 07-15-2020, 12:11 PM

I drove a Coyote Mustang through a Northern New York winter (90+ inches of snow a year). It wasn't by choice and I did not have snow tires on it. I could get around, and if I had put snow tires on it I would have been confident that it could tackle any conditions. But our Subarus blew the doors off anything else up there

09-16-2019, 11:21 AM	#3
mechanic80 Scooby Newbie Member#: 506390 Join Date: Sep 2019 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: New Mexico Vehicle: 2005 Baja Atlantic Blue	Informative and fascinating!

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04-11-2019, 04:41 PM	#2
ryder311 Scooby Newbie Member#: 499531 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Michigan Vehicle: 2013 Impreza 2.0 Silver gray	This is good stuff for people in the midwest

09-18-2019, 02:39 PM	#4
F1EA Scooby Specialist Member#: 448622 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Vancouver, BC Vehicle: 2019 STI SportTech CWP	Pretty cool. One of the things my buddies notice the most when driving with me on the WRX/STI is how much speed and throttle you can do through turns. Especially in snow, slush or rain. They typically go I had a BMW before and it was downright scary in the snow, slush and rain.

09-25-2019, 06:29 PM	#5
CMoses Scooby Newbie Member#: 506784 Join Date: Sep 2019 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Idaho Falls, ID Vehicle: 2018 WRX Red	rear wheel drive can be fun in snow if you have good enough tires.

11-13-2019, 10:58 AM	#6
GC8RA Scooby Newbie Member#: 202923 Join Date: Feb 2009	To Wisconsin!

04-17-2020, 08:36 PM	#7
carsandstuff Scooby Newbie Member#: 453267 Join Date: Aug 2016	Very interesting video. Funny to hear him say the fastest way around the track is with the ESC system on.

07-14-2020, 04:24 PM	#8
kknudsonMNLegacy Scooby Newbie Member#: 515530 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Shakopee Vehicle: 1995 Legacy Wagon Green	AWD is the only way to go, especially in northern tier states. Learned to drive in MN, and spent 20 years driving in AK, and would never own a RWD for a daily driver. Even on dry pavement and in a climes without snow, AWD is a safety benefit. However, the drivetrain does little or nothing, especially on snow and ice, when braking. The only vehicles you see in the ditch in Alaska are 4WD/AWD! Studded tires are essential on ice covered surfaces. The Swedes and Finns, however, have established that braking distance with studded tires on bare pavement is actually longer than all-season rubber.

07-14-2020, 05:03 PM	#9
pcampbell Scooby Specialist Member#: 437670 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: VT Vehicle: 2005 2.5 SC OB	there is a reason why VT has the most Subaru registrations as a % of all registrations.

07-15-2020, 12:11 PM	#10
samb Scooby Specialist Member#: 177235 Join Date: Apr 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Washington Vehicle: 2016 Focus RS 2002 WRX Wagon	I drove a Coyote Mustang through a Northern New York winter (90+ inches of snow a year). It wasn't by choice and I did not have snow tires on it. I could get around, and if I had put snow tires on it I would have been confident that it could tackle any conditions. But our Subarus blew the doors off anything else up there