V70 vs. XC70? How bad do I need the AWD?

[oragex]

The only downsides are:
2. Every year you have to jack up the car to replace the tires. But this is a positive thing too: you can take this opportunity to inspect the brake hoses, rotors, brake pads, CV joint boots etc.

I'm not a strong guy, but swapping the wheels takes 10-15min per side, less than 30 in total

The worst is tightening the wheels back, don't like the pressure feel in my shoulders, but nowadays I'm using a 2ft extension bar over the ratchet which helps.

However the tires/wheels need a place to be stored, which is less convenient for people living downtown in a high rise building for example. Some garages will store the tires/wheels for their customers, but this will add to the cost.

[Rattnalle]

I think the difference between the Saabs and the BMW was that the Saabs, both generations of 900, weren't exactly stiff and stable cars while the BMW probably is. The Volvo should be more like the BMW regardless of driving wheels.

As for STC or DTSC they both brake the spinning wheel to help them both spin a bit. I find it varies depending on conditions or on or off is better but usually on wins for me for normal driving.

[Rattnalle]

If you like the height and look of the XC by all means get one. It's still a good car. Just don't work too hard trying to be rational about it

[abscate]

Just did my winter to summer swap. 15 minutes total with my new Bosch impact and a 2 foot breaker for crack and torque

[BeachWagon]

Our 02 V70 is FWD, it found its way through 10" of snow effortlessly, on all season tires and traction cables[like chains but imo much better], with wintermode turned on. Tires can be a little bit wider if you like, we opted for 205 wide tires instead of the 190 wide that were on the car when we bought it. I will say, the extra width, even that little bit, made a world of difference in inclement weather including rain. It did have a tendency to get a little shifty in heavy rain, with those old tires. The current tires are GREAT.

[Rattnalle]

Narrow tyres are generally preferable in snow and heavy rain since they dig down better. But good wide tyres will still be better than narrow poor or old and worn tyres. The 165s on my 745 were brilliant in deep snow.

I opted for 195s even on my 16" rims for winter tyres. Weren't many to choose from.

[SuperHerman]

I don't know how old you are, but for countless years most people traversed the American roads with RWD and all season tires. Fast forward to today and snow advisors are common and one knows when it is coming. If you plan accordingly you will be just fine with FWD and a quality set of all season tires. I had an S60 FWD and never had an issue in the Minnesota snows, running all season tires.

With AWD one takes on all sorts of added points of failure from the Haldex unit, drive shaft, and the rear differential. If you don't mind fighting these issues and their costs go AWD otherwise you should stick to FWD.

My daughter is driving my old BMW X3. The service shop called and told me it needs a new transfer case for $3500 installed. The car is worth $5000.00. As the car is out of state I had no choice but to green light the repair. Expect the same and consider whether you have the time, space and/or money to do the same on car repair which may be 40-70% of the car's value.

[Rattnalle]

All seasons should be called no seasons really. We're struggling to keep them from becoming popular here. Time will tell how we do..

Traffic deaths in the US is a totally ridiculously high number no matter if you compare by population or distance driven.. You're doing something wrong over there. The right tyres for the weather would be a good start

[abscate]

In snow country you need 4 snow tires on a Fwd, or you need to park it for any significant storm.

Super...that X3 probably needed $50 of transfercase fluid. I have the same car.

[jonesg]

All seasons should be called no seasons really. We're struggling to keep them from becoming popular here. Time will tell how we do..

Traffic deaths in the US is a totally ridiculously high number no matter if you compare by population or distance driven.. You're doing something wrong over there. The right tyres for the weather would be a good start

Oh yeh?
At least we got free speech.!
And freedom to crash.

This is the driving test I took in the us,
start the car, drive down the street, indicate and turn, make a 3 point turn, go around the block and park. Passed.!

Here's the test in England my brother took.
Get in the car, put key in ignition...you failed already.

Forgot to set handbrake, seatbelt, set mirror, check its in neutral or P and step on brake pedal BEFORE putting key in ignition.