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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Front-Wheel Drive is Fine
Whereas rear-wheel drive cars are notorious for spinning out on ice, front-wheel drive vehicles usually perform very well in these conditions. Because their drive-trains pull the car instead of push it, it is almost impossible for a front-wheel drive car to spin out or to lose lateral stability.
On the Other: All-Wheel Drive is Better
All else being equal, more traction is always better. All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles have advanced stability controls that help the vehicle behave the same way on snow as it does on dry ground. Unlike front-drive cars, an AWD system allows a vehicle to pivot through application of the throttle, which can prevent the vehicle from sliding into oncoming traffic while turning.
Bottom Line
Front-wheel drive is fine, but AWD is better. AWD was designed specifically for snow, ice and mud and continues to be the best drive system available. However, it should be noted that a front- or rear-drive car with specialty snow/ice tires will generally outperform an AWD car with all-season rubber.
Source:
Edmunds.com: Snow Tires Trump 4WD
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