It doesn't snow here, and it doesn't rain very often. When it does rain, the streets flood pretty good though

I was assuming the rarity of the rain and the traction control would keep me out of trouble. Of course, growing up and learning how to drive in north central North Dakota taught me how to drive in snow/ice/wind/rain

It is hard to decide which would be better to play on the dirt/gravel roads while looking for a place to set up camp. The AWD would give me the choice to participate in a rally, if I wished (up until a couple years ago, an annual rally was held in the town I went to school in).

It is hard to decypher why I picked those two. I have been in love with the 300 series since the '92 model of the 300zx came out. I just though it was an awesome car, and really fun to drive. I think I picked the STi because up until a few years ago (when they went to the 'bug-eye' headlights), their styling was really nice. The bug-eyes eventually grew on me (though it took a long time). The STi was picked because of its performance. The 350z would either be a track or performance model - most likely track. So they are in the same price range also.