I would suggest that, in order of importance for your future driving state: 1. front wheel drive 2. Posi-traction 3. Ground clearance 4. MPG. This goes without saying such things as good tires, ABS, airbags.

I maintain, and some will disagree, that the best ice and snow safety measure is your own ability to drive your vehicle. I spent many winters on the East coast, in a rear wheel drive Toyota pickup with a 4 speed transmission and a snow chain on one rear tire. As a poor student, I passed many a fat white guy in a Range Rover with spinning tires.

I'm just sayin'