Higher HP means tougher winters?

[403Gemini]

Just browsing some of the newer cars out, and as HP gets higher I always wondered - with higher HP , are cars going to have issues with gripping in the winter? I mean what is the new Mustang GT, a fairly popular vehicle, 400 hp now with the 5.0? This is a common car we're going to see soccor moms driving along side with car enthusiasts... are they going to have any issues gripping in the winter?

I know there is always the argument of "get winter tires!" but will that hold up THAT well ? Is technology changing with this and taking into account some of our nastier days with traction control etc?

Just wondered if a Mustang 5.0 or Camaro SS is suitable for a year round vehicle?

Pricing out an STi costs as much as a Camaro SS and is the AWD worth the 100+ hp loss?

:dunno:

[Mibz]

I don't think so. Part throttle means less than advertised power :P

[403Gemini]

Oh I understand that not having a lead foot helps ;)

Just wondering with the high HP and high TQ of newer vehicles, is hugely different than cars were 5-6 years ago where 200 was the "attainable" level through mods lol

[Kloubek]

Yeah, it would be more difficult.

With that said, even back in the 200hp days, Mustang GT's have been a bitch to drive in the winter.

[Tik-Tok]

My '05 Mustang was modded to 345hp/386ft-lbs. I drove it in the winter on the stock all season tires (Pirelli pzero nero). I didn't have too much trouble, only a few times when the intersections were pure ice after a chinook, but LSD, traction control, and knowing how handle the situation helped immensely.

I would NOT want to see the average absented minded Calgary driver doing the same thing, but if you know how to handle a car, and you have winters, you'd be fine. (If I had to do it again, I'd have winters. I just couldn't afford it at the time, and didn't intend to winter drive the Mustang when I bought it)

edit: And if you are planning on winter driving one, DO NOT GET BLACK :rofl: . I absolutely hated having to wash it every 2 days, but could never leave it dirty either :cry:. That's probably why I couldn't afford winter tires.

[you&me]

I know you already said this, but tires make all the difference ;)

I have spent several winters driving rwd cars with at least 400hp. I had absolutely no problems, not once.

Get proper tires + Don't drive like a maniac = Winter Win

[Iceman_19]

Tires and brains (knowing how to drive, or just not being a woman), will get you through. For some, just brains.

[Masked Bandit]

Keep in mind that with advances in HP ratings, the stability systems have gotten better as well.

[hedge]

I think weight distribution is a big factor. I had an '83 mustang (I'm old) and it was a nightmare in the winter. Heavy v8 in the front and RWD do not make a good combination.

[M.alex]

Originally posted by you&me


Get proper tires + Don't drive like a maniac = Winter Win

this

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit
Keep in mind that with advances in HP ratings, the stability systems have gotten better as well.

This ESP will cut throttle off when you slip until traction is found.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah my family drives 3 300-330HP RWD cars all winter and basically a set of winter tires and common sense is all you need.

[SJW]

I used to drive a heavily modded 91 5.0 in the winter in Winnipeg. Never had an issue.

[94boosted]

350HP for me with no issues. Like has been said winter tires and common sense is all you need. I have the added benefit of switching tunes on the fly so on the really icy days I switch back to the stock tune.

[4DoorGTZ]

I Choose not to drive my 500hp rwd in the winter mostly due to the other people on the roads. I had to pick it up in a December snowstorm from the dealer, it had been sitting there since June and was on performance summer tires.... still made it home, just had to get the neighbor to help push me up the driveway.

[Shlade]

Did you just use Mustang GT and soccer moms together?

[CUG]

I just pedal the shit all the way to school and back. What?

I suppose it commands better throttle discipline.

[403Gemini]

Originally posted by Shlade
Did you just use Mustang GT and soccer moms together?

Of course, they always find a way to drive them when their husbands are out working ;)

I'm not saying it's the typical soccor mom car, but its a pretty common sight to see

[BrknFngrs]

On a related note; how do you find your WRX in the winter? Fairly predictable when it's slippery?

[403Gemini]

with my kw-19's? It's amazing :D

Sadly, I'm debating about selling it to clear off my debt to put a down payment on a house and rely on my shitty work vehicle (FWD, 4 cyl jeep patriot lol)

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by 403Gemini


Of course, they always find a way to drive them when their husbands are out working ;)

I'm not saying it's the typical soccor mom car, but its a pretty common sight to see

The V6 is a total 'post-soccer' mom car, and also for bimbo's. Unfortunately it's over 300hp now as well... god help us all :rofl: