Since it seems that all season tires only go so far (if at all) for snow traction, I'm debating snow tires during the winter in the state of NY, above NY city, for my FWD.
Would 2 in the front be aok since the rears are along for the ride?
I can make sure I rotate my all seasons accordingly.
Why would I need 4, if at all, since the grabbing at the drive tires is the real issue?

 

The real issue isn't grabbing with your front tires but rather stopping with all 4. Don't cheap out, get 4 snow tires, you are not saving that much more money in the long run.

 

Sounds like a plan. All 4 it is.

 

Wow that was the easist convincing yet! I say go 4 to it will atcually save you money in the long run when buying tires. Half the wear a year double the life.

 

I put four Blizacks on my A3 and it will go anywhere. Bought them all mounted and balanced from Tirerack.com. Good deal and great tires. With them, it's really difficult to put the car into a bad skid and the car is sure and steady on the snowy roads of upstate NY.