I really miss my Subaru Legacy; now that snow has started to unfortunately fall in Connecticut. The maxima has handled well for the semi snow CT has had, but it's definitely no road gripping all wheel drive, like my Subie was a beast in the snow, had no problem getting anywhere.


2010 Maxima SV w/Premium Package

 

A Maxima with winter tires will perform better than the Legacy with all seasons.

 

You think so? Elaborate more please










2010 Maxima SV w/Premium Package (need a rear spoiler and body side molding ASAP)

 

Winter tires provide more accelerating, cornering and stopping ability than All Seasons. An AWD car with All Seasons may accelerate better than a FWD car with All Seasons but won't stop or corner anywhere near as well as a FWD with winters. Additionally, FWD with winters will accelerate better than AWD with All Seasons.

I used to live at 9200 ft with feet of snow on the ground. I had a FWD sedan with Blizzaks that would plow snow up to its grill.

IMO, tires are more important than FWD or AWD.

 

Yes tires play a big role in traction etc. seeing as that's our most important connection with the road. Still I would prefer my Subaru if I could have it back, this is my first FWD sedan in five years, I was spoiled with all wheel drive back then. I do love my maxima, and all the features it has that the Subaru did not.


2010 Maxima SV w/ Premium Package

 

Sorry but you are wrong here. I have owned a 2004 WRX and an 2008 STI and can tell you it will out perform a Maxima with snow tires hands down but keep on dreaming dude.
I plowed my WRX through a muddy field the had been rutted out by trucks with 35 inch tires and all the truck could not believe I got my car in and out of the field. Have a nice day! And if you have never owned or driven a Subaru AWD car in the snow then how can you justify your statement?

 

I agree with maximam. I cant tell you the number of times ive had to wait for a subaru in front of me to get going in the snow. Ive actually had to hit my brakes to avoid running into them after the light turned green because their wheels were spinning. Also, my girlfriend has a forester that i drive quite regularly. That thing is scary bad in the snow when it comes to breaking and cornering with the stock tires on it.

 

We clearly have a difference of opinion.

 

Agree!

 

The Maxima in the snow is alright; like others have said, as long as you respect the conditions then you will be fine. I've driven my first 7th gen in the snow and now my current 7th gen doesn't touch it since purchasing an '02 V8 Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer with AWD/4WD. The difference is night and day. Not even close and I can promise you there's no placebo effect there. Just your average tires on it, nothing special, but when driving in serious conditions like we had last winter in the northeast, you simply push the '4x4 high' button while you're driving (4x4 low button if you're stuck & trying to get out) and you're in total control of the vehicle and it FEELS that way, too, which I can't say for the Maxima.

I had snow tires on the Max at the time in the snow, and, sometimes, no matter how slow/conservatively I'd drive, I'd be worried about that "fish tailing/losing your aśs-end" feeling, which, to me, is the worst feeling when driving in the snow.

 

Agree all you want and all is good but I have driven both in the snow and felt safer behind the wheel of the Subaru. And you are talking about a dedicated snow tire on the Maxima and a regular all season tire on the Subaru so that will make a bit of difference on the Maxima. I am not knocking the Maxima but I know what a WRX and STI are capable of in the snow.

 

I have to agree if you've never owned a Subaru, you can't judge the all wheel drive system, even with my stock tires my Subaru performed great in the snow, living in the northeast half of the cars and CUV's on the road are Subarus. Totally agree about fish tailing in the maxima, at least with the Subaru traction would go to all wheels and never had I experience that in the five years I owned my legacy.

 

Correct.

 

My point is AWD is not needed. In other words, don't go out and buy an AWD car thinking you need it for the snow. The tire is the largest factor. I could plow a foot of snow with winters and FWD. I used to live at 9200 ft. on a non-plowed dirt road.

For those who love your Subarus on all seasons. You will not stop nearly as fast as a FWD or RWD car with winter tires, we all have 4 wheel brakes. Additionally, you will not turn as well either. Winter tires provide not only the maximum in acceleration but also in deceleration and lateral grip.

Now having said that, the ultimate would be a Scooby with winter tires....hands down!

 

I agree with the barely getting around with good tires comments i'm hearing here. My 11' is terrible in the snow when it was -5 degrees here in Nebraska. I literally had to take my traction control off and spin like hell off of a traffic light or stop sign to get some momentum. Definitely getting Blizzaks next year!

 

Valid point Maximan! All good! Most of the guys up north have a dedicated set of winter tires and rims and a set of summer wheels and tires. I live in the south where we barley get snow so I stayed with a year round all season performance tire. And yes the right tire makes a huge difference! Good day sir.

 

Yes having the right tires is key.... I'm not downing or knocking the Maxima, I love mine, like I previously stated I was spoiled with AWD for 5 years, it's going to take time for me to get used to driving a FWD sedan in snow again.

Maximan I see your point of view and am not disagreeing with you.