I used Blizzak Studless Winter tires for 13 years every winter on my 96 Jetta. I NEVER NEVER got stuck , and I was a ski bum for many years in NE before I got a "real" job!
Instead of the factory size 195/65/14, I went with a 185/70/14 winter size to get higher clearance, a larger weight to surface ratio on the pavement/snow.
Any winter tire corners like poo anyhow so I wasn't really loosing "performance" on snow, just compromising a little body roll on dry days. I still drove like I stole it most of the time on those tires tho!
Good thing I've got a new-ish set to go on the 300D. I decided to up the size of the tires to 205/65/14 the last time I purchased snows 3 years ago because I knew I was dumping the Jetta for the 300D, so those are just waiting to go on now.
I have a set of chains in the trunk just in case the 300D gets stuck..it will be an interesting winter with this car.

Anyhow, I'd totally buy a MK3 Jetta for a winter beater, I'm kicking myself for dumping it now. Only get a 5-speed, those 4 speed auto trannies are jelly.

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1984 300D