We're thinking to buy a house, but it's on a steep hill and in winter it snows a lot. I'm wondering if the 2005 Volvo V70 can handle that. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

Too many variables. Grade, snow depth, type of tires etc.

 

FWD even with traction control is no comparison to AWD for adverse conditions. If you live in a snowy region, you should put snows all all your cars (AWD or not) for stopping and steering as much as for go. If you have good winter driving skills you can make a FWD car deal with bad conditions, but should probably not be driving if it comes to that point. I drove a 95 850 Turbo wagon for years (traction control came out in 96) in Connecticut and never got stuck. I ran 185/65-15 winter tires (skinny tires to cut through the snow) and could make it up any of the steep hills around town. I'd buy the house and invest in high quality snows on skinny 16 inch rims and avoid driving on the worst days.