Moving to the western slope!

[Bimmerman325i]

However, OP, to answer your original question, an E30 may not necessarily be the BEST choice for snow driving, but if you already have one, it will definitely suffice. You certainly don't need to get rid of it.

And to agree w/ David, you can't deny that AWD is ALWAYS better than RWD in traction-limited conditions, all other variables held constant.

However, keep in mind, an AWD car stops the SAME as a RWD car, and being able to stop is pretty important.

100% agree. AWD does nothing for you in braking, that's a function of your tires (get snow tires!!!) and brake pads.

[iamsam]

However, OP, to answer your original question, an E30 may not necessarily be the BEST choice for snow driving, but if you already have one, it will definitely suffice. You certainly don't need to get rid of it.

And to agree w/ David, you can't deny that AWD is ALWAYS better than RWD in traction-limited conditions, all other variables held constant.

However, keep in mind, an AWD car stops the SAME as a RWD car, and being able to stop is pretty important.

EDIT: I think next winter I am gonna rock 185/70/14s like David has. Skinny is good in the snow.

[Bimmerman325i]

Two cars is the answer.

Agreed.

[Bimmerman325i]

hey now, i didn't have any control issues when I was drifting either. I got stuck because I stopped on a fairly steep incline on hard packed snow, so hint, don't stop on a steep incline.

Also, you can get skinnier tires on an E30 than an E36 M3 so that is a benefit in the snow over an M3.

Still got stuck.

The e36's snow tires are 225s, so while not the skinniest tires they're not steamrollers. The car would have been far better in snow if the tires had had more life and my alignment not so bumblefucked. But yea, 185/70/14 on the subaru just pwns winter into submission without me even having to think hard.

[Pussy30]

Two cars is the answer.

[iamsam]

...before he got stuck. :ohsnap: Ask Sam how fast I was drifting corners without any control issues in the scoob.

Seriously though, I DDd my very lowered E36 M3 track car with studded snows and sandbags for a winter season. Wasn't the fastest way to get from A to B in bad weather, but definitely possible. If an E36 M3 with an inch of ground clearance can do it, so can a pretty stock E30 with an LSD and good tires.

hey now, i didn't have any control issues when I was drifting either. I got stuck because I stopped on a fairly steep incline on hard packed snow, so hint, don't stop on a steep incline.

Also, you can get skinnier tires on an E30 than an E36 M3 so that is a benefit in the snow over an M3.

[iamsam]

Keep both, but snow tires on both, use E30 as fun car and Accord as DD beater. The roads here suck, and many drivers are retarded when snow falls, so I'd rather have a beater for snow duty to keep the E30 nice and in good shape.

Now this is true. In the winter you will NOT want to drive a restored, freshly painted, immaculate car. it WILL get cracks all over the windshield, sandblasted paint, and tons of salt/sand crusted all over.

[Bimmerman325i]

Also, FYI, Bimmerman (David) is a huge proponent of AWD Subaru, and I (Sam) and a huge proponent of RWD BMW, so you may get some dissension there... ;)

I can attest that RWD drifting is also alot of fun. Ask david how sideways I was getting it on the way back down from Winter Park.

...before he got stuck. :ohsnap: Ask Sam how fast I was drifting corners without any control issues in the scoob.

Seriously though, I DDd my very lowered E36 M3 track car with studded snows and sandbags for a winter season. Wasn't the fastest way to get from A to B in bad weather, but definitely possible. If an E36 M3 with an inch of ground clearance can do it, so can a pretty stock E30 with an LSD and good tires.

[Bimmerman325i]

This is a great thread guys, thanks. I'm going to be moving out to Denver (possibly in the next few weeks) and I thought I was going to have to keep my Accord and sell my beloved e30. Now I feel better about chucking the honda and getting some bangin' new snow tires.

Keep both, but snow tires on both, use E30 as fun car and Accord as DD beater. The roads here suck, and many drivers are retarded when snow falls, so I'd rather have a beater for snow duty to keep the E30 nice and in good shape.

[iamsam]

Also, FYI, Bimmerman (David) is a huge proponent of AWD Subaru, and I (Sam) and a huge proponent of RWD BMW, so you may get some dissension there... ;)

I can attest that RWD drifting is also alot of fun. Ask david how sideways I was getting it on the way back down from Winter Park.

[gofredo50]

This is a great thread guys, thanks. I'm going to be moving out to Denver (possibly in the next few weeks) and I thought I was going to have to keep my Accord and sell my beloved e30. Now I feel better about chucking the honda and getting some bangin' new snow tires.

[Bimmerman325i]

I do rwd + snow in my volvo every year. No issues.

Tires > # of Drive-wheels.

Yes, but snow tires and four driving wheels is just a million times better AND more fun in snow. 50mph controlled four-wheel drifts is incredibly entertaining fun. You don't stop any better, but you can turn and accelerate better, and have more controllable slides without thinking about it.

OP, get a cheap 95-99 Legacy Wagon or Outback (I have one too). Best car I've ever had, and by far the perfect Colorado car. Keep the E30 for fun jaunts, use the older Subaru for a beater. Jeep would be good too, but not good on fuel mileage and reliability.

[iamsam]

so a 1500 e30 and snow tires will have me golden? i dont seem so sure of this for some reason... (im not doubting the e30, im doubting the rwd and snow)

That is because you are from North Carolina. Get E30, get LSD, get good snow tires, get used to it. Done.

[Roland H]

so a 1500 e30 and snow tires will have me golden? i dont seem so sure of this for some reason... (im not doubting the e30, im doubting the rwd and snow)

I do rwd + snow in my volvo every year. No issues.

Tires > # of Drive-wheels.

[87-325ic]

so a 1500 e30 and snow tires will have me golden? i dont seem so sure of this for some reason... (im not doubting the e30, im doubting the rwd and snow)