Tires, tires, tires. My wifes' 400E with 4 studded, narrow, snows is positively awsome in the snow and ice, as is my wagon. She would never go near as well in a front wheel drive. What you grew up with driving has a lot to do with it.

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K