Perfect solution would be to have an SUV for those three days of snow...

 

I second that. I don't take my good car out in the snow. I've seen far too many other cars bashed up alongside the road to risk it. I drive an old four wheel drive pickup when it snows.

Snow traction depends mostly on slope. If you live where it's flat everywhere I'd feel so much more sure about 2WD with winter tires but if you're not on flat ground everything changes.

AWD is a big benefit on pavement that is just wet too - but really, only under acceleration. It can make a big difference if you really want to get moving quickly on wet pavement.

 

Meh. As per my post above, with dedicated snow tires here in BC (where NOTHING is flat), there's no traction issues. Engage the "snow mode" button in the center console and this car is a beast in the snow or on ice.