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The truth is that 700/900 series vehicles are hogs in the snow and rain as normally equipped. Because of the rear drive (which I prefer because of handling preferences) and the center of gravity in the vehicle, these bricks have a SEVERE tendency to fishtail. You can break free the end of a brick in snow, rain, and even on dry pavement without too much effort.
However, although it fishtails it can be tamed by someone who knows what they are doing... solid counter-steering, quick reflexes, and general accident avoidance knowledge work wonders. Additionally, adding solid tires to the equation and perhaps a little weight in the boot can help to make the brick a better performer by giving it bite and evening out the load.
Because of this a brick is not a car for a neophyte driver if you anticipate common adverse conditions. Sure, you're about 10x likelier to walk away from the crash in one of the vehicles than another, but I'd rather avoid the crash in the first place.
As for specific recs, ifyou DO go with one I would sggest you pick up a set of Dunlop Sport A2s for spring, summer, fall, and a set of Nokian Hakkepelita Qs for the winter. I've got both, have driven over narrow mountain passes in blinding snowstorms and hurricanes, and am very happy.
Hope this helps.
-rt
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