Has anyone driven their 300C in the snow/ice yet? If so, how well-controlled does it ride under these conditions? With ESP, traction control, anti-lock brakes and the like, I'm thinking that AWD will just be overkill in most parts of the country. What's your opinion?
Driving in Snow/Ice: RWD Vs. AWD
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This article should answer all your questions.
The Chrysler Group brings back rear-wheel drive in a big wintery way.
http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/auto_technology/2004/3/300c_magnum_winter/
I love the quote "We had to shut off the stability control and employ the use of the foot-operated emergency brake to get this hot-rod wagon to spin out and have a little fun".
The Chrysler Group brings back rear-wheel drive in a big wintery way.
http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/auto_technology/2004/3/300c_magnum_winter/
I love the quote "We had to shut off the stability control and employ the use of the foot-operated emergency brake to get this hot-rod wagon to spin out and have a little fun".
If you're on relatively flat land RWD will work ok in the snow with the right tires. But, IMHO, RWD doesn't work for crap in the snow if you have any steep grades to climb. I don't care how much fancy gee-whiz electronics you put on it, if the rear wheels are trying to drive a (heavy) front engined vehicle up a steep grade you're SOL.
I actually hated the traction control on my FWD VW Passat in the snow. Just when you built up some momentum it would cut in and slow you down. I don't know exactly how it worked, and if there are a lot of different systems, but the one on the VW seemed to simply brake the wheel that was spinning faster than the other. It did not send more power to the wheel with traction. It felt kind of sickening too when it kicked in, like something was wrong with the car.
I actually hated the traction control on my FWD VW Passat in the snow. Just when you built up some momentum it would cut in and slow you down. I don't know exactly how it worked, and if there are a lot of different systems, but the one on the VW seemed to simply brake the wheel that was spinning faster than the other. It did not send more power to the wheel with traction. It felt kind of sickening too when it kicked in, like something was wrong with the car.
I'm reserving my official opinion for this winter. However, ESP should help to keep you going in the direction you want to on slick roads. It won't give you any more traction. If I'm not mistaken, traction control on the 300 consists of braking the drive wheel that wants to spin so power goes evenly to both driven wheels. It won't be as good as having power to four wheels. BTW, DC recommends switching ESP off when starting out on snow/ice. Presumably, traction control remains active.C-Class said:
We have already managed to get stuck trying to turn around on a wet gravel mountain road with no snow. I wished I had AWD then. I'll probably wish I had it a few more times this winter. But there are always ways of dealing with winter driving conditions (snow tires/chains, take the truck, wait for the plows to get out, etc). It's part of life in the north.
This is the last you'll hear from me on this subject for a few months. It is kind of refreshing though with the temps heading toward 100.
Hate to say it but the temp in your way north has been in the 80's and 90's for the last couple of weeks, and much warmer than we have in southern Canada. It sounds weird to say southern Canada!!!!!!!C-Class said:
Please don't be afraid to drive in snow with rear whel drive. There are a few of us older drivers or should I say senior drivers who will say that control is much better with rear wheel drive. I might suggest that if you feel uncomfortable then contact your local AMA or whatever you call it in the US and take a course. We all can benefit with driver training every so often. Can't we!!!!!!!!!
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