Nissan working on a miniZ YES YES and YES!

[grantf]

I was refering to blazers, broncos and such.

[Oiluj]

In my limited experience driving in snow, I've found AWD to be the best, but RWD and FWD can be driven safely.

As pointed-out above, any car with hard braking loses all traction on ice. I think many AWD drivers grossly over-estimate thier vehicles' capabilities when the first snow & ice arrives.

IMO, it's a function of how they are marketed...

[bpilati]

Looks like a 370Z tried mating with a VW bug.

[240260280z]

Growing up in Alaska, After the first big snowfall most of the cars ditched were 4WD. Yes they get you up the ice hills but stop way slower due to there wieght. My 260z was a blast in the snow!

As they say here in Atlantic Canada (land of slush, salt undercoating, and black ice): "It may be 4WD but all cars have Four Wheel Brakes."

[Carl Beck]

The idea is that with Front Engine and Front Wheel Drive - you have more weight over the drive wheels - and thus more traction to pull you through snow, or get you going on ice. Likewise Rear Engine with Rear Wheel Drive. I lived in Ice and Show for 30 years. For a Daily Driver in Ice and Snow - I'd take the Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive.

With the 240Z in Spokane - in the Winter - I ran Pirelli Ice Spikes on all four wheels. Still had to Chain-Up to get into the Mountain Passes.. Getting Moving wasn't a problem - steering and stopping were.

FWIW,

Carl B.