Technically it’s not the power of the engine but the AWD/4WD. You can floor your engine and just skid on ice. Subarus are pretty cheap 4 cyl boxer engines known for great handling in snow with some clever differential systems they have (viscuous coupling diffs, active torque split, etc.) But yeah a Ford Focus or Honda Civic or whatever with FWD only will leave you stranded. Not your main point I know.
With that said, a beater with snow tires and chains on the trunk (and a driver that knows how to put them on before they are needed) will do better than a Subaru with all season tires.
Source: Subaru forums, even a RWD like a BRZ/FRS with snow tires can be safe if driven with the car’s limitations in mind.
Technically it’s not the power of the engine but the AWD/4WD. You can floor your engine and just skid on ice. Subarus are pretty cheap 4 cyl boxer engines known for great handling in snow with some clever differential systems they have (viscuous coupling diffs, active torque split, etc.) But yeah a Ford Focus or Honda Civic or whatever with FWD only will leave you stranded. Not your main point I know.
There is a reason why the Italian mountain police uses the Fiat Panda (other than it being an Italian car)
That fucker will go ANYWHERE
I just shake my head at people that think if you’re spinning out on the ice, just press the throttle harder. Fucking idiots.
With that said, a beater with snow tires and chains on the trunk (and a driver that knows how to put them on before they are needed) will do better than a Subaru with all season tires.
Source: Subaru forums, even a RWD like a BRZ/FRS with snow tires can be safe if driven with the car’s limitations in mind.