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I'm sure there are two big factors here. Tire tread and compound and weight per area. Winter tires are specifically designed to have extra bite in the snow, The tread has more cuts for more bite surface plus the compound has microscopic porous areas and hard angular chunks (I read Toyo use walnuts!) that provide 1000s of tiny grip points to increase traction (just like the old studded tires but on a microscopic scale). Plus the tread compound is designed to be most compliant in freezing temps. Whereas all season tires are a compromise and not the best in winter or summer conditions.
The second factor is surface area. I'm sure my staggered 19s aren't the best size for winter tires. More narrow tires (such as on the 4Runner) allow the car to sink deeper into the snow and gain more traction.
The things missing in the X5 compared to true off-road type vehicles are a low range and a locking diff. The huge off line torque of the X5 diesel or even the gas motors is more than enough for snow driving and the xDrive and DSC systems provide the torque transfer like a limited slip which is probably better in snow driving than a locking diff.
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Richard
Sir Snaps-a-lot, 9 Time Dragon Slayer (54 runs!)
2011 X5 50i Alpine White, Biege Nappa /Lt Poplar M Sport
2009 Z4 35i, Black Sapphire/Ivory-Black/Anthracite
Gone but not forgotten: '08 550i, '06 X3, '06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
Last edited by Richard in NC; 12-28-2010 at 10:17 AM.
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12-28-2010, 10:08 AM
Threaded Mode
