Compared to the Disco 1, the Freelander should be more capable enduring snow on asphalt conditions providing that:
1. You're using appropriate tyres
2. The depth of snow does not exceed your ground clearance (rare)
This is simply down to the traction control system. Traction control is very useful on snow and ice and obv. the Disco 1 does not have this. I've seen a demo (done by Land Rover experience guys) showing how a Freelander 1 can easily outperform a Disco 1 in the conditions mentioned above.
As for the snorkel, you don't really need it unless you plan to go wading a lot. Plus, I think they look daft on the Freelander due to the angle of the A pillar.
The Freelander certainly doesn't have the best potential for modding. When I went to a Land Rover show back last summer, I noticed that most of the aftermarket mods on sale were for Defenders and second to that, Discos. There was hardly anything there for Freelanders.