Chains (wire vs steel)?

[BSOD2600]

I've don't have the money this year to buy a new set of studded snow tires (due to the fact that the 14" ones I bought last year don't fit on this car). Anyways so I'm planning on getting chains instead.

Looking around online (like www.tirechains.com), I see there are three main types. Cable tire chains, Diagonal cable chains and then diamond tire chains. I've only used cable tire chains on passenger vehicle's before and diamond tire chains on trucks.

Any thoughts for which is better for a my car? During the winter, it's quite often icy/snowy around here. I only plan on using these around town and not traveling long distances.

[Subtle]

Before I got an AWD with good 4-season tires I used to carry a pair of cable "chains" for previous RWD cars.

Used them occaisionally and they were easier to handle compared to the regular chains.

[snowman]

I'd just get cheap cable chains. I highly doubt that "real" chains would fit on a Subaru with stock size tires...probably would hit the struts.

[IronMonkeyL255]

And doesn't Subaru specifically state not to use chains...?

[Rasta SLO]

Subaru states that if you use chains on awd car they have to be mounted on all 4 wheels.

[IronMonkeyL255]

Ah.....

Never needed them, so it's a non-issue for me.