[stang93mustang]

Originally Posted by jedivaughn

I've actually been looking more to get a manual. How much worse or better is a manual over automatic?

Me personally I would rather have a manual in the winter over an automatic. You can manipulate the car more. You can cut the power to the wheels when you want. If you feel the car drifting just push in the clutch on an auto you don't have that option and stepping on the brake alot of times is not an option.
When the weather is bad I have my wife drive the manual and I take the auto just so it would be better for her.

[phrogusmc]

With practice you can drive ANYTHING in the snow and ice. Every vehicle I've had until I moved back to IL were rear drive trucks and cars.

My first winter vehicle when I was 16 (14 years ago) was a 1965 Ford Fairlane with 4 bald tires and one good(front left) brake, and about a full 1/3 turn of play in the steering wheel. I made it until March before I put it into the ditch on some black ice early in the morning on the way to work.

The point I'm trying to make is, once you get used to YOUR car, and you learn how to drive it in different circumstances and weather conditions, then you will be fine.

Also, in the winter, you DO want to add weight in the trunk. My Fairlane had 6 spare tires a cinder block and a car battery in the trunk. I had a left rear tire blow out at 70mph in Dec. And the spare that actually went to the car was the bottom one.

If I get back to the states before spring, I will HAVE to drive my Stang in the white stuff, and my tires are summer tires. If I still have my Escape when I get home, I will just drive that.

[jedivaughn]

I appreciate all the comments. I think I'm going to try getting a v6 manual and put some nice snow tires on it and sand in the back and see how it goes. Provided I leave plenty early and take my time I hope all will be fine and I won't end up in a ditch.

Thanks,
John

[suprglyde]

Over the years I have had six Mustangs. They are helpless in snow. Best, and only, thing you can do is to have good meats on all corners.