We're thinking about switching from a gas guzzling Dodge Charger RT to a Fit (2007 LX), but some members of the peanut gallery are worried about the Fit handling winter driving. Although we recognize that the fit is not a 4WD SUV, the Dodge Charger isn't either. We want to know if there is any reason to think the Fit will handle snow worse than the Charger does

Charger
rim size- 20" (i think)
wheelbase- 120"
weight- 4,031 lbs.
ground clearance- 5.1"

Fit
wheels- 14"
wheelbase- 98.4"
weight- 2227lbs
ground clearance- 5.9"

I'm not sure if there are any other specs that are relevant to winter handling. Thanks so much for the input!

 

There's a rather significant detail you missed:
Charger: Rear-wheel drive
Fit: Front-wheel drive

As long as both vehicles are similarly equipped for winter use (e.g. winter tires on both), I'll take a front-drive car every time. Basic accelerating traction in snow is a function of weight distribution over the drive wheels. Front-drive cars tend to have a distinct advantage in snow because of this.

 

I have been wondering about this too, as I have switched from a venerable but solid '97 Toyota RAV4 to a '13 FIT. I love my new FIT and of course I do not expect the FIT to preform like the RAV4 in the snow, but I would appreciate hearing from anyone with winter driving experience in a FIT

 

I grew up & learned to drive in NY & western CT, pushing all kinds of different cars through the winters there. I just posted this in another thread, and it pretty much sums up what I've learned about winter driving:

>>FWD with winter tires can pretty much handle anything short of climbing a VERY long, steep hill, and would most likely out-brake & out-corner the heavier AWD vehicle, making for an overall safer car for winter driving.<<

 

The Fit being FWD should be better than the charger, RWD is terrible in snow, I spent 15 winters as a licensed driver in NE Ohio, with a decent set of all seasons you can get down the road just fine in a FWD, my 2011 fit has the paddle shifters so I can start out in 2nd or 3rd gear which would be nice in the snow, however I live in SE Georgia now so its a non issue - if it snows they think the apocalypse has happened. Good luck, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to dump the dodge

 

The Fit is very light and has a narrow wheel base so it doesn't get great traction. I think it is a winter car that is about on par with most other cars. I recommend investing in a good set of winter/snow tyres. I live in Montreal and get a long harsh winter with poorly cleared streets and I must say I am satisfied with the driveability.

Good winter tires are essential if you want good handling in snow.

 

I had the same concerns. We installed Yokohama Avid Ascend (all season) tires and have been pleasantly surprised with the winter traction in snow. My daughter works in Michigan and we live in Indiana. She drives every morning (start time 6AM) through the Lake Michigan snow belt on poorly plowed roads. She never got stuck all winter and only missed one day. That missed day she was headed to work and the police stopped her and chased her off of the highway. They told her to go back home.

I now believe FIT snow traction with decent tires is not a problem. I'll not be buying any snow tires. Ground clearance may be an issue. Anything over 6" and you stand the chance high centering the vehicle.

A Fit is not a snow vehicle like my off-road Colorado but it does just fine with moderate amounts of snow.

 

X2 for a front drive car with dedicated snow tires.

Long as you have a place to store them, that's the way to go. Compromise (as in, all weathers) do not perform nearly as well. Especially after the first season.



That said, during snowy conditions, you can only drive as fast as that Corolla ahead of you...the old one with the bald tires...

 

I'm puzzled -- how does wheelbase (distance between front & rear axles) or track (distance between left & right tires) affect traction? As far as weight goes, IMO Weight (or lack thereof) is much less an issue than the ratio of total weight vs. weight over the drive axle - i.e. weight distribution; it's the old "a heavy car holds the road better" fallacy. The only time a heavier car might be a better choice is if you often have to slam through snowdrifts - the greater inertia might push you through better.

I find the overall competency of the Fit in snow to be equivalent to the Saab 96 V4 I used to drive in decades past, allowing for the difference in ground clearance. That Saab was a lot smaller, and about 500 lb lighter than the Fit -- it didn't seem to care.

 

Front wheel drives usually handle better in the snow--unless you add a bunch of weight to the rear of the charger.

 

Check out this video for anyone who doubts the Fit's abilities even in deep snow...

 

I live in rural WI. I'm often driving on untouched snow on my way to work in the winter.

I never had an issue with the Fit, even on super cheap/crappy all-seasons.

The Fit has its FF layout and super narrow tires going for it. It will be better in the snow.

Plus, you'll get decent fuel economy and not be driving a Dodge Charger anymore.

 

I'll echo what others have said—overall, the Fit should be a bit better than the Charger in snow. Front wheel drive is generally superior to rear wheel drive in the winter, both because there's more weight (relatively) over the driving wheels in most cases, and also I think because you have power to the wheels attempting to do the steering, which tends to make it a bit more controllable directionally. (Of course, there are limits to steering ability in any vehicle in slippery conditions!) The slight additional ground clearance can't hurt, either. If the snow is much deeper than the car is off the ground, you're out of luck no matter which wheels are driven. Wheels that are suspended above the ground don't get much traction.

Tire width in relation to vehicle weight does make a difference, particularly in slushy conditions. A comparatively light vehicle with wide tires is more likely to ride on top of the muck, while one with skinnier tires will penetrate it to the road surface.

Good tires, especially dedicated snow tires, make a big difference for any vehicle.

All in all, if you're able to get where you need to go with the Charger, you should be well able to do so with a Fit. The handling will be a little different, of course, so there may be a bit of time to learn how best to wrangle the Fit around...but it's capable of getting you around in most winter weather.

I've had a Fit for two Vermont winters, and other smallish front wheel drive cars for quite a few more.

 

FWD cars are superior in wet/snow traction due to the extra weight on the front end (engine). RWD cars can be just as good as long as you put like 200lbs worth of bricks in the trunk. Good tires is a must whether it's a FWD or RWD.

FWD cars are also less likely to spin out since the car is being PULLED forward not PUSHED forward like a RWD.