AWD matters more for acceleration and inclines. On an equally slick surface and the same winter tires, AWD allows you to get to speed faster and safely traverse higher road grades than FWD/RWD setups. Engineering Explained did a great video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KGiVzNNW8Y (go to 9:14).My car decision matrix:
Do I need AWD or 4x4, e.g. Do I live where it snows over 6" more than once or twice, or where it floods?
If you live in a hilly area and you may get snow or ice (the amount doesn't matter as the frequency) you want AWD.
That said, your tire choice matters way more. FWD + Winter Tires > AWD + All Seasons for most use cases, if only because of vastly improved braking distances.
Statistics: Posted by MH2 — Sun Jan 14, 2024 6:09 am — Replies 281 — Views 26553