Snow - KDW-2's or 1990 Mustang with all season tires?

[Breadfan]

Hey guys, we've got some snow predictions coming up here, nothing major to start with, maybe 1" or so, and then some sleet/ice fall after that.

I live close to the office, so in adverse weather I usually drive my 1990 Mustang, it's enough to get me to work usually.

Tommorrow morning I have a meeting across town though, about 20-30 miles away by interstate.

So I'm trying to figure out what I should drive...we got faked out with 70 degree weather all December so I figured I could eek by without having to put my MM in snow or buy a winter beater.

Anyway, I have KDW-2's on my Marauder, which are not rated for snow.

On my Mustang (1990 GT 5spd) I have BFG Traction T/A's. I also have a spare set of 15" turbine wheels with Khumo Ecsta HP4-716 all seasons.

Here are the BFG's:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Traction+T%2FA+H&partnum=255HR6TTA&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&place=3&speed_rating=H&speed_rating=V&speed_rating=Z&speed_rating=W&speed_rating=Y&minSpeedRating=H

Here are the Khumos, no rating scale though:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=ECSTA+HP4+716

The Khumos' are slightly thinner tires and have more sidewall (15" rim vs 16" rim)

So say it does something nasty here, and I gotta go...I'm looking for tips on what to do.

I would prefer not to drive the MM in snow, but if it's safer I'd take it.

How are KDW-2's in snow? I'm thinking even if bad, might be better than all seasons on a Fox mustang. :D

If I take the 'stang, which tires would you rather have on? I think the BFG's are a bit better. I could pack some sand bags in the rear hatch and have fun.

Or I suppose i could also rent a Hyundai for the day!!!

I drove the 'stang on snowy icy roads (about 1") a little while ago, it wasn't fun but was do-able, that was without additional weight in the back. My old Grand Am with snow tires was more like a Jeep but I've driven a fair share of RWD vehicles in snow.

I just would hate to get my MM salty!

What do ya think?

[LordVader]

Based on the links, both tires should work. However, the BFG's look to be a better solution with the snow & ice possibilities. I am running Kumho ASX's now all the way around and they are a rated M&S tire and they are doing ok in this winter wasteland. So far 32 straight days of snow and no end in sight. Maybe two feet on the ground. I bet Drag City Joe has more than that.

[snowbird]

IMO, 18" on the Marauder is a bad idea. I tried once the stock BFGs when i bought the car brand new and it was a very bad and splippery experience. Almost lost the car 2-3 times just to give a lift to my son on a 3 miles trip.
Right now, i'm using 16" with winter treads but I live pretty much in the north so it's worth it.

I would take the Mustang as 4 seasons are better than nothing. Besides, we had enough fender bending from our Marauder community lately !! :rolleyes:

The thinner the tread (width) and the taller the overall diameter of the tire is what it is best in the snow (more pounds per square inch of rubber). So you're 15" would be first choice but having to change 4 wheels tonight is not what I call a nice monday night activity. So keep the 16 inches and drive somewhat slower and safer.

For a 1-2 day thing, they should be more than alwright IF YOU SLOW DOWN. And fill the Mustang fuel tank to the top to help correct front and rear balance weight on traction in the back. :)

[ckadiddle]

Take the stang, if you bang it up a bit the parts are cheaper. ;)

[Breadfan]

Well, good news, my meeting has been postponed, so I won't have to do more than my 8 mile drive, will take the 'stang for that.

I'll have a commuter beater by next winter, then this won't be an issue. :)

[jabird56]

I have KDW2s on my Marauder and LOVE THEM,...except in snow.

Fronts 235/50/18

Rears 255/55/18

Unless you want to invent a new ride for Paramount's Kings Dominion, you DO NOT want to drive KDW2s in the snow. Talk about a squirrelly ride.

Last week I had a light dusting of snow in the driveway, the MM would not go up my slight incline because the KDW2 had no traction at all in the snow.

Snow is what my SUPERDUTY is for.

Give me everything else, dry or wet roads, I'll run the KDW2s all day long.

My 2 cents.....

[Rider90]

KDW2's in the snow...Not the best idea :o

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=342&c=3&userid=1253

[Breadfan]

Thanks! That's the pic I remembered!!

Good, the MM will stay parked. :)

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Yeah, stay with something with a deeper tread.

I drove 2 years in my Grand Marquis with KDW2s in the snow and it ain't fun. You won't be going anywhere fast either. LOL. It would be worse for a Marauder and their added power.

Got some new snow tires on my car and it's a big difference.

[Bluerauder]

I just would hate to get my MM salty!
You oughta see the mess that the Bluerauder is right now. :o Haven't been able to clean her off with the temps in the teens for the past 2 weeks. I hate to see her abused like that.

BTW Mike --- I drove in on the KDWS this morning. Will be keeping an eye on the freeze up this afternoon though.

[ckadiddle]

With regards to BFGs.....

KDWS =Key features Dry Wet Snow
KDW2(NT) =Key features Dry Wet 2nd tread design or New Tread design

Not sure that's exact quote, but you get the idea.

[Breadfan]

You oughta see the mess that the Bluerauder is right now. :o Haven't been able to clean her off with the temps in the teens for the past 2 weeks. I hate to see her abused like that.

BTW Mike --- I drove in on the KDWS this morning. Will be keeping an eye on the freeze up this afternoon though.

I can only imagine, knowing what my 'stang looks like. My Marauder is still dirty but not with that nasty dried salt, just a little from driving on the roads when thigns are dry, that and dust from who knows where.

I got gas in the Marauder on Sunday and there were like 30 people in line for the car wash...I figured I'd wait until I can hand wash.

Take it easy on the ride home, ride in was not bad but it's supposed to keep up and get colder meaning more chances for icy conditoins.