Yes, cheaper to manufacture and install is another key element I neglected to mention (but it's not the end of the story, see my earlier post).

As to "performance" characteristics, the knock on FWD is handling: torque steer, unpredictable skid behavior, weight distribution, over/understeer which can make for squirrely curve tracking. Over time, I think FWD mechanics will progress to the point where they can be used in major performance venues, but right now, they aren't competitive with certain high-profile RWD classes.

As to driving in snow: I've never been stuck in snow in RWD, nor do I put snow tires on my RWD's. On the other hand, I have had many nasty experiences in winter with FWD because of their tendency to tunnel, snowplow, and fishnose. Yes FWD has advantages, but there are tradeoffs. Superior winter handling is an oversold myth dreamed up in a Mad Ave cubicle. Yet I have to say....I've had a very good experience with my S70 in winter driving. It probably helps that it's manufactured in a country that knows something about winter driving.

And I'm with you. Go for the 850.

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(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)