Why do people recommend front wheel drive vehicles in snow?

Question

I know nothing about cars, and I hear this often without any explanation.

In: Technology

Answer 1

Front wheel drive cars get better traction in snow because the engine and transmission sit directly above the drive wheels. That extra weight helps create more friction and traction as opposed to having the power train in front and the drive wheels in the rear.

Also, from a handling standpoint, since front wheel drive cars essentially pull themselves along, they’re less prone to fishtailing and sliding around.They’re just generally more stable under most circumstances.