Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Will a two-wheel drive on winter tyres car be as competent as a 4WD?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Will a two-wheel drive on winter tyres car be as competent as a 4WD?

I am in the process of buying a new car and have narrowed my search down to an Audi S3, Volkswagen Golf R or BMW M140i.The best to drive is the BMW, but given that it is RWD and the other two are 4WD, if I fit winter tyres will it be as competent in occasional snow and ice as the other two. I live in an area where we rarely see snow.

Asked on 21 January 2017 by Dolbert123

Answered by Honest John
I wouldn't be surprised to see an xDrive 140i if there isn't one already. xDrive 1 Series are much more positive at the front end leaving you in less fear of losing the back end on a public road with a car coming in the opposite direction. Generally cold weather tyres or good all weather tyres like Michelin Cross Climates or Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons are more use in snow and slush than four wheel drive is.

Cold-snap snow-how: Advice on coping with the freezing weather, including videos, facts and winter driving advice.

Honest John's Guide To Winter Tyres

From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.

Tyre News And Advice
Similar questions
I need a car with 4x4 capability because I have to negotiate a muddy track every day. I need a reliable car, but it doesn’t need to be big. I do around 8000 miles per year, mainly short journeys, so I’m...
I'm thinking of buying a Ford Mondeo Estate, 16 or 66 plate. I drive around 30,000 miles per year, of which 20,000 are motorway miles. Would you opt for diesel or petrol? I plan to keep the car for four...
We're looking at buying a newish (2-3yr old) sporty car and we've been looking at BMW 1 Series, specifically the 116 or 118. All good so far however given that BMWs are all rear wheel drive my wife is...
Related models
A very entertaining car to drive, efficient yet powerful engines, superb infotainment.
Powered by smooth 2.0 TFSI engine with 300PS. Quattro four-wheel drive means superb traction. Lighter weight helps economy with an official 40mpg.
Surefooted all-wheel drive handling, impressive performance, subtle styling, available as an estate