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Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?[ALL/1998] posted by Mickey Kerr on
Friday, 26 September 1997, at 12:17 p.m.
I am thinking of purchasing a relatively new non-AWD 850 wagon (95 or 96). I was wondering how people found the drive in winter (ice and snow conditions) relative to the rear wheel drive wagons (e.g. 940) or to something like a Subaru AWD wagon? I realize comparing AWD and non-AWD is unfair, but any comments? I have an '89 Camry wagon now (FWD) and it is not so good in winter driving. we want to upgrade to a safer vehicle. The choice seems limited to Volvo or Subaru (which I have heard dubbed the "poor man's Volvo". Thanks in advance.
PS - We live in the Toronto area where icy conditions are common.
Mickey
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?[ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Friday, 26 September 1997, at 4:54 p.m.
Mickey-I have driven the 850 in snow and compared to my 240/245 experiences in NE USA he 850 is a lot better at climbing hills, etc. TRAX (TRACS?) system is a great addition to limit wheel spin and control the brain to foot connection trouble we all have!
The key is also SNOW TYRES! Get 4 and put 'em on- The Hakka brand and Blizzacks tend to be the most recommended among VCOA and Brickheads! 200 LBS. of sand in the back doesn't hurt either. I used to put a 4 ftX2 ft cardboard box lined with hadvy duty plastic filled with brickmasons sand in my old 245 in beginning of winter and the change was very noticeable-also came in handy for when you need sand!
Welcome aboard- don't be a stranger!
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?[ALL/1998] posted by Mark Erickson on
Saturday, 27 September 1997, at 1:10 a.m.
Isn't the 850 FWD?????????????/ I agree on the Snow Tires..
But Extra Weight in the Back of a FWD? Isn't that counter productive.
I've seen many a fwd car try to pull a boat and trailer out of a launch
and with the back end weighted down the front wheels jsut spin on the wet
pavement. Just a thought...
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?/Xtra weight makes tyres bite[ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Sunday, 28 September 1997, at 12:21 p.m.
IMHO any Xtra weight in back end makes the snow tyres bite better. Plus if ya need it the sand is there already! FWD is great for climbing but I have swapped ends a few times due to the lack of RWD and my being useds to 245 feeling.
BUT you are correct, Sir! You win 10 silver dollars! Now would you like to try for 20? (10 bonus poinmts for those who can tell me the source of this quote!)
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?[ALL/1998] posted by Bill Matthews on
Saturday, 27 September 1997, at 9:54 a.m.
I found that with a good set of snow tires (I currently use Pirelli P210's in a 205x55x16 size) my 855T is one of the best snow cars around. It will run circles around most of the people in thier 4wd sport utes that really don't know how to drive in the snow. The TRACS system is pretty much worthless in my opinion but the winter mode 2nd and 3rd gear starts are indispensable.
The car is good enough that I spent 2 winters ( one of which was one of the worst in recent history in DE where I live) on the original 205x50x16 Z rated Michelin Pilots driving with as much as 4 inches of unplowed snow on the roads and didn't get stuck (came close a few times) before I decided that real men do use snow tires 8<).
Bill Matthews
Hockessin DE
94 855T (Pirelli P210 205x55x16 winter; Toyo Proxes T-1 215x45x17 summer)
73 1800ES (never sees snow any more)
chain alternative[ALL/1998] posted by Benny Chien on
Monday, 29 September 1997, at 11:49 p.m.
For ski trips from sunny Southern California, I've used the high tech Volvo chains. Very nice and quick to install on to the standard wheels and tires. Think the 850 will go through anything with the chains. Nice alternative if you don't have to drive long distances in snow. 400 miles on snow tires on regular highways is deafening.
Benny
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?[ALL/1998] posted by Bob Sheftel on
Tuesday, 30 September 1997, at 8:11 p.m.
I have a 1995 850 Turbo Wagon with Performance tires. Traction control is useless with this combination. Volvo dealer tells me that the problem is the tires. Given the choice on a snowy day I would rather venture out in my Honda Accord.
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?/unlike the commercial wider ain't better![ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Tuesday, 30 September 1997, at 9:34 p.m.
The rule with snow tires is skinny ones work cause the snow can't build up abd cause 'em to lift like hybroplaning on water, fat tires will build up a big wad of snow this way and wallow thru....had this happen with BIG NAME ALL WEATHER tires on my last 245 and after a winter with 185/70 14's I can feel the difference...
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?/unlike the commercial wider ain't better![ALL/1998] posted by SVEN on
Wednesday, 1 October 1997, at 4:34 p.m.
Have you ever looked under a rallye car during a winter race.Do this when the car is not moving of course.In winter wider is not better,but then you loose under other driving conditions.
Think of how you are going to drive the conditions etc.Standard snow size is
195/65 15.
Good luck .
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?/unlike the commercial wider ain't better!/How come all those skinny tyred Due Chevauts in France cut thru the snow like S*%T thru a Goose?[ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Wednesday, 1 October 1997, at 5:35 p.m.
Sven, We are talking regular driving not rallye, but I see your point and raise you a pint of Guiness/Shot of Jamisons? When I was in France I was driving a DS 21 pigmobile and was constantly being passed bythe 'lil skinny tyred 2CV's with no chains on 'em. They were like Big Foot snow Hares! Ugly as a Trebiant but kept moving like a snake! Same on rain days!
And from driving Detroit Pig Iron (GM,Ferd,Crysler) same is true of US Iron!
Re: Does the 850 in snow/ Citroen 2CV[ALL/1998] posted by Abe Crombie on
Wednesday, 1 October 1997, at 6:05 p.m.
2CV's going in snow has nothing to do with skinny tires or traction. It's the result of the snow throwing the 2CV off 'cause not even snow wants to be seen hanging around a 2CV.
Re: Does the 850 in snow/ Citroen 2CV[ALL/1998] posted by Ed Lipe on
Thursday, 2 October 1997, at 8:48 a.m.
Ever wonder why VW put 155/15 tires on the beetle and also put the engine over the driving tires?
Re: Does the 850 wagon drive OK in snow?[ALL/1998] posted by sherman on
Tuesday, 7 October 1997, at 11:53 a.m.
after suffering thru 10 Buffalo winters with 3 740 turbo wagons, I finally got an 850 turbo and with TRACS and 4 blizzaks it is fantastic. I no longer fear the snow as I did with the 740s!