winter driving

longtrav · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 10:30 AM

Anyone have any experience with winter driving. I drove in a dusting with no problems.

Jer · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 12:30 AM

My neighbor has an '07 but it's not a Hybrid and he said it was terrible in this last barrage of snow storms. Makes me think twice about selling the AWD Audi for a Camry Hybrid since my wife will be driving it to/from work every day... rain snow or shine.

gillesmtl · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 12:34 PM

I thought the Hybrid was very stable on snow as well as on ice (I do use steel studs). It does have some problems uphill from a standstill in more than 4 inches of wet snow : If you go easy on the pedal, it tries to prevent wheel slip, and if you depress the pedal too much, it spins the wheels frantically.

I would never dare compare it to an AWD Audi, they are just not in the same class. Just a reminder : the AWD drivetrain adds 1 liter per 100 km to fuel consumption, which equates to 10-15% in such a car. It is a matter of needs and priorities.

Jer · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillesmtl

I thought the Hybrid was very stable on snow as well as on ice (I do use steel studs). It does have some problems uphill from a standstill in more than 4 inches of wet snow : If you go easy on the pedal, it tries to prevent wheel slip, and if you depress the pedal too much, it spins the wheels frantically.

I would never dare compare it to an AWD Audi, they are just not in the same class. Just a reminder : the AWD drivetrain adds 1 liter per 100 km to fuel consumption, which equates to 10-15% in such a car. It is a matter of needs and priorities.

Yeah, I'm well aware of what AWD does to fuel economy but to be able to drive during all conditions in Colorado is well worth it IMO. I guess I'll have to decide if I want to go to a FWD or if I will miss the AWD of the Audi too much.