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Thread: What is your ultimate winter car?

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    Default What is your ultimate winter car?

    With winter finally here, just curious what everyone's opinions on what their ultimate winter car would be. Looking for various opinions from different price segments, what car is best to tackle our shitty winter conditions to make driving more enjoyable.

    I'll start. My ultimate is still the 911 Turbo, but really, any AWD 911 fits the bill. It's a light vehicle, but with the engine firmly planted in the back, there's tons of rear weight under acceleration giving lots of rear traction, while AWD helps pull the car out of sides with ease. Even with shitty performance winters, the traction rivals other AWD cars with full on winter tires. Braking is nice and stable with weight distribution approaching 50/50 to maximize traction on each tire. Just a monster in the snow. I've never tried studded tires on it, but I'd imagine it'd be even more sure footed even on deep freeze days like today.

    What other vehicles would you classify as an ultimate winter car and why?
    Originally posted by SEANBANERJEE
    I have gone above and beyond what I should rightfully have to do to protect my good name

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    Hummer H2...my fav when it comes to winter.

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    My current allotment of vehicles is the ultimate winter fleet:

    1. 1983 Audi Quattro Turbo w/ Center + Rear diff locks

    - Ultimate old school rally vibes. This was the original winter weapon, two diff locks at arms reach, torquey 10v 5cyl turbo motor, and wide
    body flares complete the package. This is where symmetrical AWD began!

    2. HDJ81 w/ 3x locking diffs

    - This goes anywhere offroad in the winter. Trail running in Waiparous, McLean Creek, Moose Mountain, etc. Equipped with locking front/center/rear diffs, 2.5" lift, 33" ST Maxx tiers, ARB Bumper and Warn M12000 winch, and a completely reworked 1HD-T doubling it's factory output.

    Daily driving a 3-ton rig isn't my cup of tea, but you could feasibly run a winter recovery service with this truck.

    3. 400WHP 6MT Allroad

    - The Stage 3 AR is my daily driver. This year I decided to run 245/45/18 Pilot Alpin PA4's considering the city streets tend to be bare. The PA4's turn-in and grip on bare pavement is night and day over a conventional winter tire, and the Hakk 8's will come out for Ghost Lake sessions.

    I have the AR running upgraded Arnott Gen2.5 air suspension, which increases the springrate and pairs well with the thicker hotchkis sway bars front and rear. Once sorted out, the AR is probably one of the best winter vehicles on the road today.

    The 4:1 (80/20) center diff is an improvement from the factory torsen 2:1 (66/33) torque biasing split. Getting 80% of available power to the rear wheels helps rotate the allroad and produce predictable, buttery smooth oversteer.

    4. W8 Passat AWD 6MT for when the other three are broken

    - This is bone stock, but the great response and torque from the W8 make it a blast to drive in the snow. Under the VW badge, it's running an identical torsen-based AWD system as any B5/C5 series Audi. These came well equipped from the factory (bi-xenon headlamps, MFA instrument cluster, auto-dim mirrors, rain sensing wipers, seat heaters, etc), and mine has factory sport dampers and anti-roll bars.

    This is the easiest car to drive in the snow. The UrQ is very mechanical, the HDJ is a beast, and the AR is too easy to get carried away with power.
    Last edited by zipdoa; 12-07-2016 at 11:00 AM.
    Originally posted by InRich
    tell her I'll pick her up in the vette
    Originally posted by InRich
    The X5 i bought earlier this year really is FULLY LOADED though not a single option missing including infrared night driving

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    Mercedes G63 AMG 6X6


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    Personally I am on a big G550 kick right now. Maybe G63 but in that car I don't really see the point of going AMG. All the practicality and capability you could ever need. Amazing design. I have always wanted one and it would be a perfect winter beater with some knobby studded tires ( because why the fuck not ).

    Doesn't really fit the bill of sporty but I think it would still be very fun. Bonus points if i could somehow get my hands on the G500 4x4-2 aka the 4 wheel version of the 6x6

    Also leaves me completely wide open to buy a summer car with zero concerns on practicality ( think Cayman GT4 or M2 CS something ridiculous without back seats etc. ) since the G will always be around to perform that duty.


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    Last edited by killramos; 12-07-2016 at 10:14 AM.
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
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    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

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    you know, I gotta say F-150 (any truck really) with studded winters.

    Lots of ground clearance, SOTF 4x4, locking rear diff, and can throw some weight in the back for added traction. Can carry your family, defeat the TC, and you got a rear wheel drive play toy.

    Last edited by spikerS; 12-07-2016 at 09:46 AM.
    Boosted life tip #329
    Girlfriends cost money
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    Both make whining noises
    Make the smart choice.

    Originally posted by Mibz
    Always a fucking awful experience seeing spikers. Extra awful when he laps me.

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    I'd go with a continental gt. Just something about cruising around in luxury while the weather and roads are shit seems awesome.



    for a thread about ultimate winter cars there are a lot on asnwers for trucks or utility vehicles..
    Last edited by dirtsniffer; 12-07-2016 at 09:55 AM.

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    Because it's so damn sexy!

    But in a realistic budget for car, this with Hakk 8's. A buddy of mine has one and I'm trying to get him to take it out to the winter course out at Ghost Lake this year to really push it to the limits.


    For an SUV/Truck, it's hard to deny my 4Runner's track record (Hakk's as well). It's been bulletproof in the winter in all conditions and even towed a Lancer up an incredibly steep and icy hill out by Abraham Lake. I also got ran off the road by a semi and ended up in a snow bank up over my hood with zero damage to the exterior and no engine issues either despite ice being everywhere in the engine bay.

    It's why I'm so hesitant whenever I think about selling - it's just completely bomber that I don't think I'll actually ever do it.

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    Last edited by msommers; 12-07-2016 at 10:01 AM.
    Ultracrepidarian

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    Originally posted by dirtsniffer
    for a thread about ultimate winter cars there are a lot on asnwers for trucks or utility vehicles..
    So glad we have you around to let us all know how to appropriately respond to this thread!
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
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    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

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    Originally posted by TL911
    Hummer H2...my fav when it comes to winter.
    Originally posted by zipdoa
    My current allotment of vehicles is the ultimate winter fleet:

    1. 1983 Audi Quattro Turbo w/ Center + Rear diff locks
    2. HDJ81 w/ 3x locking diffs
    3. 400WHP 6MT Allroad on Michelin Pilot PA4/Hakka 8's and a 4:1 Center diff
    4. W8 Passat AWD 6MT for when the other three are broken
    Wanna be a little more specific? What makes each vehicle so good for winter?

    Anyone want to tackle what the ultimate cheap winter car would be as well?
    Originally posted by SEANBANERJEE
    I have gone above and beyond what I should rightfully have to do to protect my good name

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    Audi R8 or 911 turbo.

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    Originally posted by rage2

    Anyone want to tackle what the ultimate cheap winter car would be as well?
    4WD JDM Honda Fit with Hakka 8's. /thread

    Too bad it was never offered here.

    Aside from that I would go with Civic Si in the cheap category. Toss on some Hakka 8's and let the FWD, LSD, and manual transmission combo do the work. Fun car too!

    Not really much in the way of options for cheap+awd so... Maybe Toyota Matrix, is that still for sale?
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

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    911 C4S, Preferably 2011-2012.

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    I love how everyone wants an expensive "ultimate" winter vehicle.

    My criteria.
    1)Very low depreciation value
    2) Solid metal construction
    3) Good clearance
    4) 4 Wheel drive

    Grab this one w/Diesel motor, toss some winters on this bad boy, Sand bags in the back, some PL;PD and go.

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    My URS4 is a tank in winter. Cheap car to buy, with studded snow tires it drives through snow like nothing else I have had and makes nice 5 cylinder turbo sounds. Now that I bought a Cayenne Turbo I don't need it any more but that has nothing to do with it's capabilities.

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    Originally posted by G-ZUS
    Mercedes G63 AMG 6X6

    +1 This was my first thought as well. Bonus points if you could get 6 of those tank-track things on there like this



    6X6, heavy AF, and luxurious. Perfect winder vehicle.

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    Originally posted by rage2

    Anyone want to tackle what the ultimate cheap winter car would be as well?
    Honestly, as far as cheap and a winter car that could still be a lot of fun, I would submit a Suzuki X-90. 2 seater, capable 4x4, and pretty rare. I know they don't get much love, but I still love them and want one.

    Put some aggressive studded snow tires on it, and let er rip.

    and FYI, you can get these for like $1500-$4000, but they don't come up too often as they were only made for a couple years in the 90s.

    Boosted life tip #329
    Girlfriends cost money
    Turbos cost money
    Both make whining noises
    Make the smart choice.

    Originally posted by Mibz
    Always a fucking awful experience seeing spikers. Extra awful when he laps me.

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    I'm biased of course but i love my F150 for winter driving. full time 4WD with heated seats, heated steering wheel and climate control, she never gets stuck or leaves me stranded.
    "Make Canada a better place, punch a Canuck fan in the face" - Jim Rome

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    Originally posted by killramos
    4WD JDM Honda Fit with Hakka 8's. /thread
    Too bad it was never offered here.
    Aside from that I would go with Civic Si in the cheap category. Toss on some Hakka 8's and let the FWD, LSD, and manual transmission combo do the work. Fun car too!
    Not really much in the way of options for cheap+awd so... Maybe Toyota Matrix, is that still for sale?
    You sure the answer for ultimate cheap winter car is not a bentayga?



    Personally, I would look for a second gen talon that hasn't exploded yet.

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    Agree with the 911 Turbo comments...or the R8.

    Of the cars I've owned though.

    Dodge Stealth TT (Blizzak MZ01s) - a tank with good traction and torque, but heavy to stop

    BMW 325XIT (Blizzaks) - like the traction / stability control the best on the BMW of any car I've driven in winter. A bit of rear bias, so find it didn't plow through corners like some of the subarus I've driven.

    Honda Crosstour (Hakka 8s studded) - Just goes. Reliable, amazing grip with the hakkas. You get over the 'ugly' driving this thing in winter.

    Other vehicles I've had that were great. Land Rover Discovery, Honda Ridgeline, and currently the F150.

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