Handling Snow/Ice in a 2013 vs. 2014

[ps1234]

Newbie here, considering a 2013 or 2014 Equus. Have taken test drives - LOVE the car, just wish it was AWD. Living in PA, winter driving is a concern. My test drives were all recent - on dry road - so I'm hoping to get some feedback from those with bad weather driving experience.

I've read about the experience/importance of putting on a set of snow tires for the winter. If I were to do that, is there markedly better bad-weather handling in the 2014 (and newer) vs. the 2013 (and older)? Does the snow mode in the 2014 make a big difference? Is bad weather doable in a 2013 without it?

Thanks in advance....

 

[PMCErnie]

The big question is where do you live in Pennsylvania? If you live in the hills, or mountains, then you surely need snow tires. If you live in the flatter areas like Philly, just 100 - 200 pounds of sandbags in the trunk should be enough to get you through the winter. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have an AWD vehicle standing by in the bullpen for really nasty weather. That's one reason why I bought a Santa Fe Sport AWD too.

 

[ps1234]

I live in the rolling hills of Lancaster County. Not much city driving here. I don't do a lot of driving, but I don't want to feel like I shouldn't drive if we have snow.

I've thought about a low-priced AWD as backup, but would like to avoid the added cost if snow is doable in an Equus.

Would love to hear from someone who navigated snow in a 2013/older AND a 2014/newer to see if there's any significant difference, especially with the snow mode option in the newer years. Also welcome any feedback at all on Equus snow driving in general.

 

[dareckibmw]

Get yourself dedicated set of wheels/snow tires and call it a day.

Here is my '13 rspec driving in snow with snow tires. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_8ODJIJRLA

 

[ps1234]

Ha! Great video, thanks. Actually makes winter look like fun again Looking strictly for Equus owners though...