RWD volvos in th snow

big boss man · Post by **big boss man** » 06 Dec 2006, 07:23

How do RWD volvos perforem in the snow? Do they all have posi traction? How would I find out? Also are all 960's RWD and what are the best years?

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 06 Dec 2006, 14:22

I've driven RWD (240's) in Vermont for 25 years. They will never perform like a FWD or 4X4, but you can do okay with good snow tires on the rear. For snows I and many Vermonters would never use anything except Nokian Haccapolidas (sp?). Garages will try to tell you that others are just as good, but don't believe them. The Government has recently come out with a "standard" for snow tires. Very few winter tires meet the standard. Nokians do.
I have never bothered using them on the front, but you should ask. I'm told that if the vehicle has traction or stability control that you have to have snows on all 4's because they will be a different diameter from the summers and will throw off the systmes.
Someone else will have to answer your question on the posi traction.
Mark L.

Post by **billofdurham** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:17

I am one of those strange people who prefer RWD cars in any weather. Unfortunately they are becoming harder to find so I have been stuck with a FWD - for the time being.

Good snow tyres are essential as is a gentle right foot and a good knowledge of skid control, not to get out of a skid but to avoid them.

None of my RWD Volvos has had posi-traction but I don't know what has been on the US market.

All 960s are RWD and the best years are from late 1994 (1995 model) on.

Bill.

bugeye58 · Post by **bugeye58** » 13 Feb 2007, 16:59

I drive a 740 Turbo Wagon in the snow, with Blizzak's on it, and it will just about go anywhere. (If I can remember to keep my foot out of the turbo!

)
Jeff

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 18 Feb 2007, 11:50

For your entertainment:

CarVolvo · Post by **CarVolvo** » 22 Feb 2007, 22:04

wow good video!

I have both.. its amazing to think that very few cars were front wheel drives just 25 years ago.. and we all made it though the snow.

I do believe the advantage to front wheel drive is that it has the engine on the drive wheels and operates well for that reason to get moving in the snow. rear wheels will have fishtail issues .. but if you compared a Beetle..it was one of the best handlers because the engine was located in the back over the rear wheels.

As far as handling i think you need more skill to drive a rear wheel drive but can be satisfying too... ofcourse front wheel drives might not turn as well at higher speeds.

Solution.... get the all wheel drive!

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 22 Feb 2007, 22:21

I drove my 740 in the snow for the first time today. Approximately 3 inches had fallen in Portola, California before I high-tailed it east toward Reno. It handled just fine in the snow, even with the BFGoodrich Precept Touring tires on all four wheels. I don't remember whether they are mud & snow rated or not. The snow is continuing to fall in the mountains tonight and I will get my chance to chain-up the beast for my return trip to the San Francisco Bay Area tomorrow afternoon. Thank goodness the heater blows like a sauna!

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 23 Feb 2007, 11:41

A few things I learned about the drivetrain layouts...

* there is really not a "perfect" configuration, just different settings and different characteristics. All Wheel Drive Systems provide maximum traction performance at the cost of fuel economy, because the engine power has to be split four ways.

* front wheel drive cars are the norm nowadays for the following reasons:
It allows for a shorter engine compartment to fit Volvo's inline engines transversely rather than longitudinally...

In the case of the design of the new S80, the longitudinal placement of the inline 6 engine fits into the crumple structure of the Volvo chassis, and so in the event of an accident, the engine does not intrude the cabin.

* Car makers argue that front wheel drive are cheaper to produce (in mass production), and also safer to drive - because if the car spins out of control, one just steers intuitively away from the approaching obstacle. RWD means that the traction/torque applied requires the driver to act counter-intuitively (turn towards the tree) to avoid spinning into a tree. (Remember, Lightning McQueen, "turn right to go left?")...

But RWD is preferred for luxury reasons - for better power handling (weight transfer towards the driving wheels in the rear), even-weight distribution (i.e. BMW 50:50), and also for a Japanese-borne sport called "drifting." hehe...