Originally Posted by
YVR Cockroach
Just remember the 4WD helps get you going but does not necessarily help you stop or take turns. You see enough 4WDs/AWDs in the ditch on various highways. A lot more important for that are the tires. That said, I've rented a Dodge Nitro (liked this for switching between 4WD and RWD on the fly) and Jeep Liberty (AWD only) which were good for the same snow-covered highway (Coquihalla and connector in B.C.). Just have to be very gradual at the wheel - definitely no abrupt turns.
p.s. I got a FWD Dodge Caliber (ug'd to an SUV) a year or two ago in Canada.
It is for those reasons that I'm generally not too concerned with 4WD. It doesn't help you steer or brake. If it were that important for acceleration, you wouldn't see mostly 2WD cars in snowy regions - yet there are and they get around just fine. I don't see everyone in Minnesota freaking out and buying 4x4s. Personally, my recommendation is to get something light and underpowered that won't slip a bunch off-the-line, and look for something with snow tires. A Corolla is just fine unless you plan to drive over snowbanks.