The point i am trying to make, is that when you have atleast 15cm of snow on the roads. FWD, RWD or AWD can be a world of difference.
Sure, a AWD can slide as fast as any other drivetrain cars. But accelerating is just quicker and turns in my experience go easier (ofcourse with very low speed).
You people can deny all you want, but i have experienced it and it really is different. (My car has AYC so thats helping abit too.)
AWD gives you a traction advantage by doubling the surface area over which you are transmitting torque. Helpful on low grip surfaces if your main concern is acceleration.
AWD by itself gives you no advantage when you turn the steering wheel. The amount of mechanical grip a car produces does not change. AWD only changes the 'division of labor' between tires when you add throttle.
And AWD does nothing for you when you hit the brakes. It promotes a small amount of stability because all four wheels can use engine braking to slow the car. But in a panic stop situation this force is negligible.
In short, AWD is useful dealing with forces created by the throttle pedal. But not as much with forces created by the steering wheel. And not at all with forces created by the brakes.
So if I'm worried about getting stuck or whether or not I can make it up an icy hill, then yes, drive train configuration is a main concern. For getting moving, especially on an incline, AWD is the way to go.
But if I'm worried if I can stop my car in time when someone pulls out on me, then I don't care which wheels are driven.
Far more important for winter driving in the vast majority of civilization where most of us live is tires.
Tires. I said it again. Tires help with throttle, steering wheel AND braking inputs.
Now that being said..... winter tires + AWD = epic pwnage.
As for the topic at hand, I submit an Impreza has no greater claim of superiority over a Miata than, say, an E36 BMW or a S197 Mustang.
EDIT: I will also say that with early S2000s and Boxsters very modestly priced and near the bottom of their depreciation curves, the case for the Miata is harder to make. Not disagreeing. Just saying it's not an open and close case.
M