Spun out in the snow today...

[10Toes]

Yes and no. On average, the AWD car will still have more go and be easier to drive (aka, mashing the pedal like a retard won't kick that tail out). On the other hand, the AWD car won't stop for shit on most a/s tires and it won't turn either.

LOL what does AWD have to do with how will a car will stop.

[nrubenstein]

LOL what does AWD have to do with how will a car will stop.

Very little*. Which is why you see lots of SUVs overturned in ditches when it snows.

* Obviously which wheels are driven does impact the off throttle characteristics of the car.

[10Toes]

I'm pretty sure that has more to do with the retarded people driving and their mindset then the drive train layout.

And to solve your problem just left foot brake.

[DrJosh]

My E30 with non studded snow tires handles, stops, and accelerates better in the snow then my A4 with All seasons did. But obviously when my A4 had winters it trumped the E30.

I'm pretty sure that has more to do with the retarded people driving and their mindset then the drive train layout.

And to solve your problem just left foot brake.

You lack all reading comprehension dont you?

He is saying that the tires make the difference, not the drivetrain.

[jlevie]

I'll second deutschman's advice. While his experience was on snow, it can happen because of ice, dirt, water, any anything else that reduces tire grip. In an emergency like that, you will do what you have practiced. There's no time to think about what to. So a Car Control Clinic will; a) allow you to learn and practice skills you might need later, and b) learn what the car is really capable of (probably more than you think).

Regardless of experience, getting on a skid pad as often as you can is a good thing and will keep those skills fresh. Okay, maybe a drifter doesn't need that, but the rest of us can benefit from refresher time on a skid pad.

[Keanan]

If anyone has been second guessing taking the BMW CCA Car Control Clinic (or other car control class), you should put away the $150 bucks and sign up for a class ASAP. I took the class this year to get my driving skills sharper and to hopefully get my self some track time soon. I didn't think I would ever need what I learned to save my life or the life of my passengers and car off the track.
I was driving back home from Leavenworth WA today in my '84 325e along with my brother, brother in law, and nephew, when I hit a real nice patch of slippery stuff at about 35-40mph. Spun the car right into the oncoming lane. Luckily there was no traffic coming our way. Steered into the spin and got the car back into our lane and into the shoulder. There was no thinking involved. Just a reflex from my driving school.
My brother in law was yelling like a little girl "OH BOY HERE WE GO." lol
Slapped the chains on the back wheels and made it home in one piece.
Now I am seriously thinking of getting a Subaru for my DD. Everyone around here drives one.

COOL STORY BRO!

But seriously. Take the class. You'll need it some day.

That was a good story. I enjoyed it very much so. Please post pics of your bald tires.

[5Toes]

I speed through the schoolzone near my house to keep my driving skills sharp.

[10Toes]

I speed through the schoolzone near my house to keep my driving skills sharp.

[SGT4677]

I am A HUGE advocate of the BMWCCA Car Control Clinics.Up here in the NW we have a great group of instructors in our group,many of whom are also e30 enthusiasts.There are many other options to explore your cars abilities and expand your skills as well,such as the P-clubs winter drivers skills training,which is awesome fun btw.
It sounds like deutcshman used the training he learned in the CCC to get himself out of a bad situation,which is the point,knowing what to do when things go bad and getting yourself out of it.
My wife and I have both taken CCCs and P-clubs skills days as students and volunteer our time with the clubs Driving education events.I still say the clubs Car Control Clinic is the best money I have ever spent on a car.
Join us next season and learn how to really get the most out of your car !

http://www.bmwpugetsound.com/track/

[nando]

Forgot who it was, but I thought I read on here that a RWD car with snow tires will do better than an AWD car with all-seasons. Any truth behind that?

it will stop better for sure. But even in the ix I won't risk it on regulat tires on ice and snow, it's too dangerous. I've done it in a pinch but sliding through an intersection at 5mph is no fun no matter how many wheels are driven.

with snow tires it's basically an unstoppable BMW snowmobile. so much fun!

[midwest]

I grew up in and still live in wisconsin.. it can be nice and clear when you go to bed and then you wake up to a foot of snow ontop of ice. I have never had snow tires or chains etc.. have driven front rear and all wheel drive.. all do just as good or poor as you can drive. the only advantage to awd is taking off from a stop or in deep snow. rwd you can steer with the gas and fwd is just kind of neautrel.In the end its 95% driver 5% car.

[TobyB]

that a RWD car with snow tires will do better than an AWD car with all-seasons. Any truth behind that?

Some, certainly. If you have an LSD in the rwd, or at least traction control of some sort.
And snows up front do wonders for the braking, too.

On the odd year we get real accumulation, the 2002 with a set of modern snows
can keep up with the real jeeps just fine.

Can't keep the fuggin' windshield clear, tho.

Oddly, a full- locked 4wd can outbrake any 2wd/variablewd in very slippery conditions, slightly.
The rears are locked to the fronts, so all 4 get maximum stopping force, rather than
having just one or 2 locked fronts.
Of course, when all 4 lose traction, then it becomes a bit predictable...

And ABS trumps all, if it's good. Jenn's xi wagon with snows, abs, traction etc is by far
the most capable slippery- surface car we have. And I have a Land Cruzah...

And there are just some times when, no matter how good you are, you suddenly find yourself
as a passenger with a steering wheel to hang onto. Black ice is the toughest...

t

[AndrewBird]

Damn straight! :p

[slammin.e28]

Wtf double post?

[slammin.e28]

Snow is what I bought the Rover for. All dat snow we get in Va. ALL DAT SNOW.

Seriously though, I did the Tire Rack Street Survival thing a few years back. It's still with me. Hit a slick spot while driving the M3 and it snapped out on me. Brought it right back in line, no thinking, just did it.

Shit is seriously worth the $150.