FWD vs AWD

[Mazzy21]

I did mention this in my last post but I hoping to get more input with this specific question/issue.

I'm currently looking at replacing my 05 Base with a 09 AWD. However, the more I'm reading about the AWD option, the more I'm thinking it may not be worth the (seemingly) significantly lower gas mileage. I live in Michigan, in an area where they don't plow the snow in winter (which is why I was thinking I should go wtih AWD this time). My 05 Base was absolutely horrible in the snow, but strangely, on here, I've noticed that others with 05s seem to say the same thing while owners of other years seem to say they have no real problems with snow-driving, so maybe I was just unlucky with that model year instead of one of the other years??

Looking for your thoughts on your FWDs in the snow, and even better if you can compare it to an AWD experience with the Vibe.

Thanks!!

[Chiadog]

From my perspective, here in Wisconsin, I'll stick with the FWD and pocket the savings in gas mileage for Winter tires.
My brother (05 vibe,again) swears by his Firestone Winterforce? tires. His Vibe was practically unusable in Michigan's Upper peninsula snow while using all-season radial tires.
I can't see any possible difference between years 03-08, unless some had traction control.

[Rayven01]

I've driven my 09 with traction control through 5 inches of snow with all-season tires and never felt in danger as long as I kept it to a reasonable speed for the conditions. With the AWD you can probably go a little faster in the same conditions, so if it's a regular thing that you're driving in deep snow it might be worth it. Otherwise I'd stick with the better mileage FWD. Honestly I'd be more apt to put the money I'd otherwise dump down the tank of the AWD into snow tires for the FWD if needed.

[vibe-a-licious]

i absolutetly love my 2005 AWD. It is virtually unstoppable in the snow - both in acceleration and handling.
True, you give up some HP and fuel mileage though. But I have never regretted going for the AWD.

[KITT222]

My 04 is queen of the snow. I've gone through some deep stuff that bigger cars were struggling through, and I'm lowered almost two inches. And it's because of these snow tires. They are excellent, and have helped me through some thick, wet snow in my FWD. AWD could be nice, but in reality, snow tires make more of a difference than AWD. The power from FWD to AWD is significant I'd say, but the 09 AWDs have the 2.4l engine, with more power to begin with, so you might be good there. The 2.4l engine does have reduced mileage though, mid to high 20s at best. Later Vibes have traction control, so maybe get a FWD with traction control, and buy yourself a good set of snow tires.

[thebarber]

FWD + winter tires because you can get a manual transmission

[Mazzy21]

Thank you, everyone! This really helps. I was convinced, prior to posting, that my only option was the AWD in order to replace my Vibe with another Vibe but I didn't have TC on the 05 and after reading a little more about it I think a FWD will be fine. Unfortunately it's not any cheaper to get a FWD than an AWD Vibe, but the significantly better gas mileage will more than make up for that.

Looking at FWDs now...

[vibenvy]

We've driven our 2009 GTs through 4 winters now with 16" all season tires and have never had any issues.

[Mazzy21]

I saw on the "everything you need to know" post that the GT is the heaviest of the 2nd gen models so I bet that helps. My little '05 was so light that just getting groceries out of the back I'd 'push' it just a little. lol I have the dog in the car a lot of the time and you could feel the rhythm of her panting at each stop light. Granted, she's a 100lb dog.

I'm betting the added weight of the GT will make a good showing on our poorly plowed roads this coming winter. And if not, I can always get snow tires as I was considering anyway this time around.