Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Thanks guys!!! I really appreciate all the replies. I've learned a lot in the past few days, I'll let you know how it turns out. Will deal with tires as it gets closer.

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1972 H2 750 (x2); 2003 Buell XB9S; 2008 ZZR 600 (fundraiser for charity)

I live in Norway, and we have snow/ice usally from november to april.

I can guarantee you the PERMANENT 4wd system of the Subaru is great. Same with the PERMANENT ststem some Audi (with the torsen center diff) and BMW has.

Then you have som other systems using the Haldex. The car is basically a fwd, but acts as a 4wd when the front wheel starts spinning. These are often in cars with the cross mounted engines, whole f.ex subaru system is linked to the engine that is longditunal mounted.

Or, you may choose a Tesla 4WD with 700 hp

..j.

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72 H2, 72 H1B, 74 H2, 74 H2 Cafê Racer, 71 F8 Bison

I actually prefer the Subaru system for snow over my 4wd Toyota or any Pathfinders I have had. It is there when you need it, but not in the way when you don't. In my area we will get a lot of wintry mix storms where some sections of road you really don't need 4wd but other sections you do. With the truck I have to just leave it in 4wd and deal with it.

Chris, All RWD SUV's and pickup's for that matter have trouble on the slick stuff, not enough weight over the rear wheels.

Tell her to drive like she doesn't have any brakes.

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1973 RD350, 1979 RD400F, 1984 RZ350, 2014 Suzuki Vstrom 1000
CHRIS AND JEFF ARE THE MEN

Again, thanks for all the input. I test drove the Impeza and it was great. Good price with low miles, but after checking into other Subaru models, there's a real good deal on a 2014 CrossTrek. I think the extra inches of ground clearance will be good to have. Plus it's a certified used Subaru so the drivetrain warranty is 7 years/100,000 miles. I drove it yesterday. Will see if I can make the deal happen tomorrow.

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1972 H2 750 (x2); 2003 Buell XB9S; 2008 ZZR 600 (fundraiser for charity)

I'll repeat pretty much what everyone else has been saying...AWD or 4WD is fantastic for winter driving BUT you have to drive carefully. AWD/4WD won't make it easier to turn or stop. It only helps to keep you moving. If you drive like it's a nice, clear road, all you will do is make it harder for the tow truck driver because the AWD/4WD will pull you 10 feet further off the road when you lose control...and that is a WHEN, not an IF.

A word about black ice, which is a fairly common occurance in the winter. If a patch of road looks wet, assume it's ice.

As for vehicles, Subaru's AWD is excellent, transparant to the driver, and very reliable. My wife has a Legacy L wagon and it is fantastic in the snow. It's the same as Tim's Outback without all the trim or the ground clearance...it's a couple of inches lower than the Outback. Other than its lack of ground clearance, it's as good on snow and ice as my Grand Wagoneer.

I do the same with the Grand Wagoneer. Leave it in 4WD and deal with the lousy gas mileage. I call it the Valdez...it goes through gas like it has a hole in the tank. My wife's Subaru gets close to 40 MPG, but it has the 2.5L 4 banger, not the 3.0L 6.

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Bad decisions make the best stories.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Couldn't get her to go for that mail truck Jim, so we settled on the CrossTrek.

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1972 H2 750 (x2); 2003 Buell XB9S; 2008 ZZR 600 (fundraiser for charity)