I had studded snows a long time ago on a front wheel drive Datsun, it was unstoppable as long as there was clearance from snow underneath. It was also a bit scary on dry pavement at highway speeds.
I've taken may ski trips up I91 to VT in my front wheel drive cars and every time i've gone and it's been snowy i've seen 4x4s and SUVs usually with southern flatlander tags off the road. I think people don't get that 4 wheel drive doesn't mean 8 wheel brakes.