*needing* awd in snow is a myth perpetuated by the awd manufacturers. I started in our lot department - and have driven literally hundreds of cars in every conceivable weather condition, some with proper tires, many without, and I don't care what the setup, the tires are the deciding factor, not drivetrain.
The Quattro, while being an immensely good drivetrain is not better in the snow, just different. I actually prefer rwd in the snow, not just because I can drift every corner, but AWD can understeer just as bad as FWD if you're not careful\panic\get surprised. Especially with Audi's tending to be nose heavy. Plus most of the Quattros now days are automatics, which get pretty easily confused in quickly changing traction conditions.
Granted, being in Minnesota we get some of the worst of the possible wet\snow\ice combinations, and you spend as much time dodging the idiots as trying to keep 'er straight..
I know theres plenty of argument to be made over keeping salt out, dodging the less skilled and bald-tired-beaters, but if you want to throw snow tires on and drive the car all winter, go right ahead.
just my $.02
- Mark