The weight of the Beetle engine over the rear wheels does in fact give the Beetle an advantage in the snow over other RWD vehicles. But I don't think it could quite match the snow capability of a FWD vehicle. The FWD vehicle also has its weight over the driving wheels, and it has the advantage of the driving wheels being the steering wheels, so the weight of the engine/tranny is also helping to push down on the wheels that steer. I would think that the extra weight being pushed down on the steering wheels would help to make it easier to steer in the snow.

My dad had a RWD pickup and a Chevy Chevette (also RWD) in the mid 80's. Then he bought a FWD 1979 Plymouth Champ (Mitsubishi/Dodge Colt) in 1986. Wow, it was like night and difference driving that Champ in the snow. lol. My dad loved it. That was our first FWD vehicle.

 

The reason is because FWD cars pull the car. Meaning all the traction is where the wheels turn and it is pulling the rest of the vehicle. In a RWD you are now pushing the part of the vehicle that controls direction. Meaning you could have wheels turned to the right, but the cars power is pushing straight forward. This means the car is more likely to lose traction during a turn in a rwd.

 

what was said above is both correct. FWD is better in snow than a rwd, because it has the weight of the engine over the tires doing both the driving and the steering. giving those tires better traction. When the beetle first came out, FWD cars didn't exist. so they put the engine over the rear wheels, giving them the traction. I have driven a beetle in the snow. you will go forward... and forward... it doesn't steer in the snow worth beans.

 

Frankly, in the late 70s early 80s US automakers had to improve gas milage which meant smaller and lighter cars. The best way to accomplish this without sacrificing interior space was to use FWD. Part of the marketing campaign they used was the all weather traction saying things along the lines of "pulling is better than pushing." Thing is, since then technology has moved along. Today RWD with snow tires is at least just as good as FWD with all seasons, but when the weather has cleared then you don't have to deal with shoddy handling of FWD.

 

All good points. AIC has it very right: steering a Beetle in slippery conditions was just about impossible. FWD vehicles like our Patriots have the engine & transmission over the driving and steering tires.

jd_1138, agreed the Chevette, while a good vehicle all-around and sadly under-appreciated, was frightening in snow. My Sister had a Chevette and much prayer was required whenever driving in inclement weather. Hers got to 250,000 miles without any major work, and it was still running when it was sold, so I still give it high marks.

The one advantage RWD might have in snow is that the engine can slow the vehicle in a straight line by slowing the rear wheels. This advantage is pretty well negated by ABS brakes, but there are times when I'd like to let off the gas and feel it slow down in a more controlled manner than FWD alone could do.

I strongly agree with MrMischief about so-called all-season radials. Real snow tires on a decent vehicle are a wise investment. I was amazed at how well the new tires I put on my Wrangler performed in this weeks modest snowstorm. Typically, unless 4wd is engaged the Wrangler is pretty bad in snow. I just got a set of General Grabber Arctic LTs and on the way home I took on an unplowed parking lot. I expected it would be challenging with only RWD and figured if I needed it I'd drop it into 4wd. Surprise! It walked right through it without even spinning once.