I never had a problem with rear wheel lockup while braking in auto trans Volvos. I never feel the need to downshift either. The downshift in an autobox is more pronounced and you can't modulate it, so sometimes you get more than you pay for :)

Keeping good tires and decent weight over the rear axle should be what you need. Don't load weight behind the rear axle though (obviously) unless you're trying to get un-stuck.

With mention having been given to dependability, I would choose the automatic over the somewhat weak M47 5sp any day of the week. Keep the fluid clean in the Aisin Warner automatics and they are as close to bombproof as an auto trans can get.

Also consider that a lot of the later 2 and 7 cars are going to have ABS brakes, so that'll take care of the stopping part.

Now it's time for someone to contribute about disconnecting the ABS and SRS systems.

While Chicago isn't snow country, I travel to the real thing every few weeks during winter.