The 2011 Impreza WRX and WRX STI – Both models have undergone a significant amount of evolution in the past decade, changing for reasons both obvious and subtle. The process is fairly simple: If Subaru releases a model that its customers like, it stays the same. If people don’t, the company’s engineers screw with it until they do. This is not the time or place to chart the WRX’s changes, but suffice it to say that they are both numerous and market-specific.

On that note, three main things are changed for 2011: The WRX now sports STI-like fender flares and a wider track; the STI boasts sharper, re-tuned suspension; and we are once again gifted with a four-door STI sedan.

Here’s the upgrades to 2011′s Impreza & Impreza STI: 2011 Impreza WRX: The aforementioned fat-fendered four-door body, which is now cosmetically similar to that of the STI. (The five-door sedan continues and also shares the STI’s looks.) A 1.5-inch track increase front and rear. Stiffer rear subframe bushings. An increase in wheel (17 x 8 inches versus last year’s 17 x 7) and tire width (235/45 versus 225/45) and a 1.5-pound reduction in wheel weight. Minor trim changes. An updated stereo with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

2011 Impreza WRX STI: The four-door body mentioned above, along with a big, fat, have-a-picnic-on-the-sucker rear wing. (Again, the five-door is still offered, albeit without the funky wing.) Updated suspension tuning, which includes new front balljoints — more on that in a moment — and stiffer springs, dampers, rear subframe bushings, and anti-roll bars. New polished 18-inch wheels. Minor trim changes, and the same stereo as the WRX.

Pricing: Four-door/five-door WRX: $25,495. Four-door STI: $33,995. Five-door STI: $35,995.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru has been awarded countless off road certifications from year to year. It’s no wonder more teams are headed towards this auto maker for their rally car concepts. The Impreza WRX Sports Wagon accommodates snowy driving by having a wide frame base and powerful torque. All Wheel Drive capabilities and the optional 6-speed manual are a plus with this make of Subaru. The car company has a special presentation on their site, showing off their state of the art suspension and transmission technologies used in each vehicle.

Plymouth Acclaim/Dodge Spirit

Front Wheel Drive is second best to AWD – but when it comes to a power house like the old Dodge Spirit & Plymouth Acclaim sedans FWD can get away from a few snow mounds. It was easy to get out of a few frosty feet by just clearing the front end of your Acclaim. Start it, let it warm up and shift into drive – your Dodge engine and forward wheels will pull the vehicle right out of any snowbank. This blogger is speaking from years of personal experience.

VW Golf R32

Much like the Impreza, Volkswagen’s Golf/Rabbit comes with a wide array of drive trains and transmissions perfect for the snowy weather. It may look small and light weight, but don’t be fooled. This little rabbit can hop out of icy conditions with little effort.

Lincoln MKX

Lincoln may not produce the sexiest SUV’s, but the new MKX crossover handles more than sufficiently during winter months. MKX moves more like a large car instead of a small truck, a decent body weight helps tires form to the slushy ground, without sinking you down. And a powerful V6 under it’s hood doesn’t hurt.

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback (along with Forester) rounds off our Best in Snow list. Outback brought off-roading to the parkways and city streets of suburban USA – without having to opt for a full sized sport utility vehicle. Outback’s All Wheel Drive, like the Impreza, along with powerful torque boosts from its engine make it a darling of ice covered roads.

Dishonorable mention – Worst Snow Driving Cars

Nissan Altima (Gen II: 1998 – 2001)

Nisan’s older Altima’s were less than sensational in slippery weather. The flimsy steering and light weight made it quite difficult to manage during large amounts of precipitation. This generation of Altima’s has minimal pick-up, leaving you to dig its entire chassis out before leaving your driveway.

Dodge Neon

Dodge’s Spirit may be higher up on the list of great snow cars, but their Neon brings the Chrysler owned company back to the bottom. Poor handling, cheap manufacturing and light weight make this vehicle a nightmare to drive in general, let alone while the sky is falling.