Best car in the snow?

[Sir WIll]

I could not comment on D2 vs D3 as i never drove my D3 in the snow.

The C4 100 was primitive, but gen 2 Quattro and manual diff lock was a damn good girl in the snow and the best car I have owned for those conditions. Tyres and wheel sizes make all the difference.

The worst.......my E39 M5 as it was an amazing chassis but just wanted to kill you in the snow and ice.

[Adrian E]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Interesting, not my experience at all, and I've been driving them for nearly 13 years in all sorts of conditions, only with winter tyres for the last 4 (I think) winters.
I find the ABS only cuts in when really needed, and works. And ESP, which is bloody difficult to trigger, is absolutely amazing at taking control and getting you to where you intended.

You've not had 20s though Andrew, as far as I'm aware? They make all the difference in a negative sense!

ABS goes mental in mine if it's icy - just doesn't slow down at all and constantly triggers. Nothing wrong with it, just the age of the system linked with the tyre size.

[The_Laird]

Originally Posted by Sir WIll

I would of thought a D2 on 18s with winter tyres would be the car of choice.

Seconded!

[snapdragon]

I had some understeer on a large roundabout with roadworks and those large plastic water-filled blocks for barriers. The road was clear, but the roundabout had too much slush on it and adverse camber and when I went to turn-in it sailed on at a tangent. It seemed the only way to get the ESP to help out was turn the steering even more rather than a little less lock and hope it regains enough grip. If we get some more, I will try and recreate it in the B&Q car park.

When I had a D4 courtesy car for a week 2 winters ago, we were coincidentally blessed with a week of snow - it was not as good as the D3 because the rear always stepped out or tried to overtake the front when pulling away. Not sure if it was the odd pirelli Pzero 'system' of having different tread patterns front and rear or the rear-bias on the newer Torsen system.

[Glync]

My D4 sport has behaved brilliant in the snow we have had a fair bit in Derbyshire/Leicestershire. Very sure footed and hasn't lost traction once, that's on slightly more than half worn Goodyear tyres (as fitted new) and 20" rims.
Believe me after the last two winters in a Merc you really appreciate your Quattro again. I don't think the Merc would have got off the drive and up the lane let alone got around safely! In fact often I couldn't get in the damn thing as the doors/windows were stuck!
I was out last night and it was indicating -5 on the clock, having to pick up my daughter, and some of the roads on the housing estates were pure ice and I never once felt concerned no issues pulling away or braking and the electronics weren't that noticeable kicking in either.
Having said all that, it still amazes me what idiots there are about and seemingly have no idea of the state of the roads.
Cheers Glyn

[David's8]

Originally Posted by Sir WIll

......
I would of thought a D2 on 18s with winter tyres would be the car of choice.

Yesterday I went through Glen Coe and into Glen Etive.Plenty of ice/snow on the minor road but it was all handled with ease. Several other motorists warned me of poor conditions further on down the road but i didnt find anything (including very icy stretches on slopes) which caused any problems. I had a car park all to myself at one place as others couldnt get in! They were slipping and sliding all over the shop. (especially the BMW drivers). The Nokian winters on the 18" fat fives were a treat.

[Professor Peach]

Originally Posted by David's8

Yesterday I went through Glen Coe and into Glen Etive.Plenty of ice/snow on the minor road but it was all handled with ease. Several other motorists warned me of poor conditions further on down the road but i didnt find anything (including very icy stretches on slopes) which caused any problems. I had a car park all to myself at one place as others couldnt get in! They were slipping and sliding all over the shop. (especially the BMW drivers). The Nokian winters on the 18" fat fives were a treat.

That's twice in one day someone has recommended Nokian winters (also over on the Jeep owners (the wife's car)). I think I'll pop them on hers next. I'd love a set of fat fives with winters for mine, but can't really justify at the moment.

[sarg]

My D2 was brilliant in the snow, would go places you'd otherwise only see Land Rovers and tractors.

However, I've said this before, don't let it lull you into a false sense of security.

The quattro system will only help you find traction, the brakes are the same useless mush on ice as any other car, and it'll still plough straight on on ice if you're going too fast rather than turning the corner.

PS The M3 does not go anywhere on ice, but we've had no snow in this area anyway - I figured I can always call a taxi if I need to go out on one of the two days a year we usually get snow worth mentioning

[David's8]

Originally Posted by sarg

....

However, I've said this before, don't let it lull you into a false sense of security.

The quattro system will only help you find traction, the brakes are the same useless mush on ice as any other car, and it'll still plough straight on on ice if you're going too fast rather than turning the corner.

.

Totally agree, On the black ice the ABS would kick in and there was little grip but, as you suggest, you need to drive mindful of the conditions. Nothing except studded tyres is going to stop you on ice - apart from another car or wall.

[tintin]

Originally Posted by David's8

The Nokian winters on the 18" fat fives were a treat.

I couldn't agree more - that's best you can get. I thought I had the best winter combo with my 18"s shod with Michelin Pilot Alpin 4's until you snapped these Nokians up...

It's great to be able to drive with confidence (combined with a modicum of common sense…) in such a big car in such inclement weather.