Re: RWD in the snow...

["Gary Derian" <gderian@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Drive traction in the snow is related to two things, weight distribution on
the drive wheels and tire design.  Most (non BMW) RWD cars have 40% to 45%
of their weight on the drive wheels where FWD cars have 60% to 65%.  BMW's
have very good weight distribution for RWD at nearly 50%.  Some models
(wagons) have more than 50% on the drive wheels.

With equal tires, BMW's will be better than most RWD but not as good as FWD
for starting from a stop.  This is important but not the only consideration
for driving.  RWD is better for overall car control on slippery surfaces,
especially when the car has traction control.  The braking and turning are
better when the car has more even weight distribution.

BMW's come with high performance tires, especially models with the sport
suspension.  This type of tire is very poor in snow and ice.  Get a set of
winter tires on a second set of wheels.  Then you will have excellent
driving summer and winter.

FWD vs. RWD has spawned endless debate.  The fact is for winter use, the
drive system is secondary to the tires that are used.

Gary Derian <gderian@domain.elided>

> I am looking towards a purchase of a 2000 BMW 3 series, probably the
> 328Ci, and I found that they're RWD. I live in upstate NY and we get
> a lot of snow here during the winter and I'm a bit concerned about
> driving a RWD vehicle in the snow. My concern is mostly from the fact
> that I've never driven a RWD vehicle, so I don't know how much
> difference it will make, but I imagine it will make some. Can anyone
> tell me if BMW's are better or worse at this sort of thing? Thanks.
>
> -Michael

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