People have gone FULL RETARDED

[AceArcher]

Don't think to highly of a 4wd in snow / ice guys. I can tell you that a front wheel drive vehicle with a limited slip differential more often than not does better on snow / ice than a 4wd. Having the engine weight right above the drive wheels and having both the drive wheels providing power helps very very much. The low center of gravity for a FWD vehicle also means that if you do lose control and spin you are less likely to flip.

Order of driving preferance for me in sleet / ice conditions is thus. from worst to best

1) rear wheel drive truck/car. (FORGET IT, Dont even think about leaving your driveway)
2) 4 wd truck / suv or FWD vehicle (standard 4wd not limited slip diff's) (Better)
3) Front wheel drive vehicle with limited slip diff (pretty good)
4) 4wd vehicle with limited slip / full time awd systems (best)

But as everyone is saying, slow speeds, extra distances for breaking, you can do okay in most any vehicle...

I managed car rental operations as a regional manager for Hertz and Alamo over 15 years in the Northeast. I have seen a lot when it comes to dealing with driving in the snow. And i sure talked to one heck of a lot of guys like Southern 151 during times like this. You always knew when snow / ice was in the weather report when you talked to your body shop guys.. they had grins from ear to ear.