A Subaru with Blizzaks is like cheating.

[Stewart Fan]

Like I mentioned in my other post,we got the first snow of the year. After I took my wifes Camry for a spin,I hopped in the Outback and drove around a bit.

It was no fun at all. I could mat the throttle from a stop and the AWD would just dig in and take off like a rocket. No wheelspin I could detect.

Braking was just as boring. I couldn't even get the ABS to kick on.

Climbed the same hill I drove my wifes Camry up,and it just went straight to the top. Never a question that I was going to make it.

I can totally see how people get a false sense of security when driving a Subaru. They go so effortlessly in the snow,it would be easy to get in over your head,and wind up upside down in the ditch.

 

[Lead Shoes]

Yeah they are totally in control and speeding ahead of everyone until that false sense of security leads them to spinning out of control on the freeway.

 

[brentalan]

I bet a good chunk of that is the tires. AWD isn't keeping you from locking them up under braking.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
Yeah they are totally in control and speeding ahead of everyone until that false sense of security leads them to spinning out of control on the freeway.


or on black ice.......
Originally Posted By: brentalan
I bet a good chunk of that is the tires. AWD isn't keeping you from locking them up under braking.


Agree.....

 

[Stewart Fan]

Originally Posted By: brentalan
I bet a good chunk of that is the tires. AWD isn't keeping you from locking them up under braking.


Thats why the title says "with Blizzaks"

 

[FirstNissan]

Subaru AWD is one of the best out there, but winter tires combined makes them amazing. When I was living in New England for a few years, subaru's were a dime-a-dozen for good reason.

 

[LoneRanger]

I have a new set of Nokians on mine and still waiting for snowfall of any significance. So far, no accumulation events :~(

 

[johnachak]

I guess you haven't driven any of the modern American made AWD vehicles with Blizzacs. That's the point of AWD and high silicone content siped tires. Sorry to dissilusion you but Subaru isn't the be all end all. The Blizzacs can make a pinto pull like a jeep, which by the way has been 4wd since the 1940's.

 

[Hollow]

I would argue that for most intents and purposes the Outback is more functionally American made than many cars. Built by Subaru of America at the Lafayette, Indiana plant.

That being said, I think they have the best AWD system for their price point. Are there better? Yup. But for the price they are difficult to beat...hence I have my 2nd and my family's 4th right now. I do miss my RWD Ford V8, except at gas stations.

But Subaru AWD with winter tires is really only limited by driver skill and getting high centered.

 

[Heisenberg]

I know a guy who lived in Alaska for a while. He said he's never seen so many Subarus. They are very popular there.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: johnachak
I guess you haven't driven any of the modern American made AWD vehicles with Blizzacs. That's the point of AWD and high silicone content siped tires. Sorry to dissilusion you but Subaru isn't the be all end all. The Blizzacs can make a pinto pull like a jeep, which by the way has been 4wd since the 1940's.


what tires have silicone in them and where can i buy these blizzacs


I'm not sure what your point is why are you turning this into an anti subaru post? He never said anything about other cars.

Also part time 4wd isnt awd and you cant use it on dry road.

 

[dparm]

I'll agree that 4WD/AWD on a smaller car with snow tires makes it amazing. My Audi never ceases to amaze me with how stable it can corner in deep snow and how quickly I can accelerate away from a stop light.

Which car had 4WD? ;-)

 

[weaselgnome]

Originally Posted By: johnachak
I guess you haven't driven any of the modern American made AWD vehicles with Blizzacs...


You may want to research AWD systems...
Just because a vehicle is badged with an AWD emblem does not mean it's very capable of doing what you would expect it to do. Subaru and Audi use some of the best systems.

 

[Eddie]

There are some companies that call there vehicles AWD or 4WD when in fact the only time all four wheels are engaged is when two are slipping. Ed

 

[Indydriver]

Blizzaks are the bomb! Just remember the key temp is 45F (7C). My friendly local Firestone manager even changes them out spring and fall no charge. That saved me a grand on a second set of wheels.

 

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted By: johnachak
....... high silicone content........

Originally Posted By: Rand
....what tires have silicone in them.........

It's SILICA - a form of sand!

And you shouldn't listen too closely to advertising hype. Silica is actually detremental for traction, but it helps in the Rolling Resistance/Treadwear/Traction equation.

 

[Maximus1966]

They call them Lesbarus around here.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-43140309/gay-friendly-cars-is-subaru-number-one/



http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=lesbaru

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I agree with others, tires make a huge difference. We had a bit of snow here and both my CR-V and Pilot, with fairly new, highly rated (by customers on Tire Rack) all-season tires simply grab and go when pushed....no other wheels picking up any slack through the AWD system. Sure wasn't that way with the factory tires on both cars.
But, combine Blizzak's with a Subaru and I bet you'd stick upside-down.

 

[bullwinkle]

Blizzaks (and similar studless snows) are the answer in ANY icy situation-short of a 6 inch+ snowfall, the wife's xB is pretty unstoppable-just got to watch out for the goofballs with their bald all-seasons!

 

[cp3]

Originally Posted By: dparm
I'll agree that 4WD/AWD on a smaller car with snow tires makes it amazing. My Audi never ceases to amaze me with how stable it can corner in deep snow and how quickly I can accelerate away from a stop light.

Which car had 4WD? ;-)

That is an awesome pick!

I will probably never be without winter tires again and I recommend them to anyone that will listen. I have always thought that a Subaru or Audi with winters must be amazing in the snow. Nothing to discount other brands 4WD/AWD, just these are the most common cars with that feature that I see.