You also have a v6. A 5.0 owner with the same setup will have a harder time on snow.

 

Really? A V8 only weighs 160 more pounds. I think the fact my V6 is 1.5" lower than stock would be more detrimental in deep snow than a V8 with stock ride height. On one inch greasy snow, TC will keep both at the same torque level.

Leaving taking off from a stop aside, there is no difference when it comes to stopping and turning in terms of RWD vs FWD or even AWD. It's all in the tires. All seasons just cannot compete with quality snows. In a lot of cases my Mustang turns better in slick conditions than my snow tire equipped VW GLI or VW CC R-Line. FWD pushes so much, especially if you have a locking front diff like my VW's had.

 

I'm not talking weight. I'll let you deduce what "other" difference the V8 has over a V6. I thought that was implied. I guess not.

 

Assuming one backs off the gas when the car slips, then the understeer lessens and grip returns. Otherwise, if the throttle is still applied at the same rate as before the slipping, the front end of the car washes out and you loose the ability to steer out of the situation. I believe the tendency for people to react by coming off the gas in an understeer situation is what makes it a bit easier.

 

Just like sudden extreme moves with the steering wheel or brakes lose traction, same goes with the throttle. It's all about the flutter! (Esp with our hot blooded engines. )
And assuming one knows how to keep/regain the front wheels under control like you said, it still takes forward rotation of the rear wheels to regain traction and direction. Flutter/light throttle keeps forward momentum and direction.

 

OK but the v6 has 280 lb-ft of torque, pretty sure that's enough to break traction in the snow just as easily as the V8.

If you're driving conservatively and using traction control I doubt there's much difference. Now if we're talking about doing donuts in a snow-filled parking lot, it's possible the V8 could be more fun

 

FWD cars are definitely better in snow, I won't argue that. Weight over the drive wheels, understeer vs oversteer, etc. You're less likely to lose traction in the first place. But I'm not a fan of the immediate and total loss of steering when the front wheels do slip. Only thing you can do is let off the gas and hope the front tires catch before you hit that telephone pole you're heading towards. In a RWD car if the back slides out, at least you've got some options...countersteer, work the throttle, etc.

 

^bingo! Hes got it on the money

 

Yes, agree. Many folks would say that it is more unsettling when the backend comes out, which is why I think those same folks would say FWD is "easier". I say its different, and I personally would rather not loose the steering. Of course, I suppose it all depends on what you are used to managing, based on your level of experience (and bravery ).

 

Having grown up driving in the snow in Kansas and Washington state, both of which I drove RWD cars, I have to say I prefer them to FWD for snow. I like to control what's going on. So when my RWD car starts to slide because of too much throttle, or maybe just the right amount, in snow, dry, rain, doesn't really matter, I know how to control what's going on because the only difference is the amount of grip I have in the front. When I moved to South Carolina and it snowed the first year I was there I was pretty humored. There were people stranded everywhere. I spend a couple of hours pulling people out of ditches with my Suburban and snow chains. I think I had the only set of them in a 200 mile radius.

 

FWD vehicles are great in Snow...but....they tend to plow and if you go into the snow....they dig in deeper than a RWD. I have all three in my household.....a FWD Freestar, a 4wd F-150 and the V6 RWD Mustang. I drive the Mustang and it does ok, I have weight in the back and drive with no hurried intentions. The truck is for days that the snow is deep or if I want to go make some extra cash for mods by pulling those AWD's and 4wd's out......Smiles

 

Driving in snow is not a big deal; the damage salt and other ice melting chemicals does to your car is...

 

Agreed!

 

I have cooper Zeon rs3-a tires on rtr wheels 275/40 all around, I have driven in serious snow 3 times this year with no traction loss at all, pirellis came with brembo wheels I have always had issues last winter moving the car from parking, I can literally get out of the car and see rear wheels spinning in snow in 1st gear, I am very happy with cooper tires.

 

I agree, I had to get my GT out in the snow\ice too. She doesn't like it but she got me home safe.

 

Tested mine in snow twice this week with no traction issues. With the summer Pirellis, I was slipping in every gear. Very happy with my 275-35 RS3-As.