How is the CL-S in the snow?
#1
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How is the CL-S in the snow?
I am thinking about moving back to MA and want to know how the CL-S runs in the snow??? When I lived in MA I used to drive a Vette (6 speed) in the snow which was always a challenge. How is the CL-S?
Thanks,
David-
Thanks,
David-
#2
Where is my super sauce?
Pretty good. Not as good as a SnowCat, but with it's relative heavy weight and FWD, it does fine. The LSD helps too.
You'll need all-season or dedicated snow tires (depending on your needs).
You'll need all-season or dedicated snow tires (depending on your needs).
#3
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What the SO3's are not going to work? I ran Goodyear GS-C's on the Vette and it made snow days real interesting. I am still thinking about it, but would hate to have to buy a beater for the winter.
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I drove from NJ to NH in a blizzard this past President's Day, on stock Michelins. Took me 9 hours. Couldn't see shit, but the car was pretty damn good. Lotsa RWD and SUV folk who couldn't get through.
Where in MA?
Where in MA?
#5
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Originally posted by Slimey
Pretty good. Not as good as a SnowCat, but with it's relative heavy weight and FWD, it does fine. The LSD helps too.
You'll need all-season or dedicated snow tires (depending on your needs).
Pretty good. Not as good as a SnowCat, but with it's relative heavy weight and FWD, it does fine. The LSD helps too.
You'll need all-season or dedicated snow tires (depending on your needs).
If you have the cash for dedicated snows I'd highly recommend it. Also remember that buying snows prolongs the life of your summer tires, plus, you should get a good 3 years plus out of a snow set... so it's well worth it. FYI, I have the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 snows.
BTW, if you check Tire Rack the S0-3 tires aren't rated for snow... so if those are your tires... you'll need dedicated snows....
#6
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I wasn't all that impressed. I believe that it is a combination of the tires being wide, and the horsepower being high. The wider the tires, the lower the pressure (per square inch) gripping the road, and the worse the traction (I learned this in a college physics course).
Also, a powerful car will lead to more tire spinning, which reduces the drivability in snow.
I used to have an 88 Olds Toronado Trofeo that could get through snow like a champ. Same basic type of car - FWD, etc., but narrower tires and lower horsepower. In fact, it was the best "bad weather" car I've ever driven.
Just my insight - others may agree or disagree.
Govleach
Also, a powerful car will lead to more tire spinning, which reduces the drivability in snow.
I used to have an 88 Olds Toronado Trofeo that could get through snow like a champ. Same basic type of car - FWD, etc., but narrower tires and lower horsepower. In fact, it was the best "bad weather" car I've ever driven.
Just my insight - others may agree or disagree.
Govleach
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I have driven a lot in the snow growing up in MA - Newton. But, I have never had a front wheel drive. I know it should be better, but wanted some opinions. If I move I will be buying snows to put on the stock wheels. Prolong the SO3s and keep my Helos looking nice.
Not sure if I really want to move back, but that is a thread for the ramblings section.
Not sure if I really want to move back, but that is a thread for the ramblings section.
#10
Where is my super sauce?
Originally posted by govleach
...Also, a powerful car will lead to more tire spinning, which reduces the drivability in snow...
...Also, a powerful car will lead to more tire spinning, which reduces the drivability in snow...
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I am really not sure why I would want to come back... I went to college in Waltham. My girl is up there. But, Florida is kind of getting on my nerves. Also, I may have a real nice job opportunity if I come back which could involve continued work in FL as well. All depends on the job. Plus my dog would hate the friggin snow.
Oh and I just bought a new snowboard...
Oh and I just bought a new snowboard...
#13
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The rims look sweeeeet. The tires handle great. Everything has been fine. The only thing which I notice is that the front end seems to wander a bit. I do not know if this is a function of more/better rubber or simply some crappy roads which is causing it. Also may have something to do with fwd. Thoughts?
#14
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Originally posted by Bulldog01
Newton? I work in Waltham. Why on earth would you wanna come back here?
Newton? I work in Waltham. Why on earth would you wanna come back here?
![Wink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#15
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Originally posted by DHRJDMBA
I am really not sure why I would want to come back... I went to college in Waltham. My girl is up there. But, Florida is kind of getting on my nerves. Also, I may have a real nice job opportunity if I come back which could involve continued work in FL as well. All depends on the job. Plus my dog would hate the friggin snow.
Oh and I just bought a new snowboard...
I am really not sure why I would want to come back... I went to college in Waltham. My girl is up there. But, Florida is kind of getting on my nerves. Also, I may have a real nice job opportunity if I come back which could involve continued work in FL as well. All depends on the job. Plus my dog would hate the friggin snow.
Oh and I just bought a new snowboard...
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
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Originally posted by govleach
I wasn't all that impressed. I believe that it is a combination of the tires being wide, and the horsepower being high. The wider the tires, the lower the pressure (per square inch) gripping the road, and the worse the traction (I learned this in a college physics course).
Also, a powerful car will lead to more tire spinning, which reduces the drivability in snow.
I used to have an 88 Olds Toronado Trofeo that could get through snow like a champ. Same basic type of car - FWD, etc., but narrower tires and lower horsepower. In fact, it was the best "bad weather" car I've ever driven.
Just my insight - others may agree or disagree.
Govleach
I wasn't all that impressed. I believe that it is a combination of the tires being wide, and the horsepower being high. The wider the tires, the lower the pressure (per square inch) gripping the road, and the worse the traction (I learned this in a college physics course).
Also, a powerful car will lead to more tire spinning, which reduces the drivability in snow.
I used to have an 88 Olds Toronado Trofeo that could get through snow like a champ. Same basic type of car - FWD, etc., but narrower tires and lower horsepower. In fact, it was the best "bad weather" car I've ever driven.
Just my insight - others may agree or disagree.
Govleach
Just like snow shoes...wider is better. In Delaware, that's the first thing we do when there is snow...lower the pressure a tad(snow only). Last year we had a ton of snow on/off for a few months & the ol ClS did fine. It's a powerful car, but since it's not a torque-monster, it didn't break traction. My old Maxima was definitely harder to handle...it would slide super easy(VQ has a ton of torque down low).
But, the problem here is high-po tires in wet/snowy weather...not good.
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Originally posted by DHRJDMBA
The rims look sweeeeet. The tires handle great. Everything has been fine. The only thing which I notice is that the front end seems to wander a bit. I do not know if this is a function of more/better rubber or simply some crappy roads which is causing it. Also may have something to do with fwd. Thoughts?
The rims look sweeeeet. The tires handle great. Everything has been fine. The only thing which I notice is that the front end seems to wander a bit. I do not know if this is a function of more/better rubber or simply some crappy roads which is causing it. Also may have something to do with fwd. Thoughts?
Did you push them into the turns yet?.... I could never get them to squeel around a turn.. they just gripped and held the road.
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I think it performs well in the snow. Of course, when there is ice, nothing really stops well. I used to have a truck (4wd Tacoma) and never put it in 4wd and ended up in the ditch a lot because I was screwing around. The CL is heavy and FWD helps too. I had no problems in my car with Michigan's crappy winters.
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The CL is “OK” in the snow with the stock setup, but don’t expect it to be great.
If you’re going slowly in 3-4 inches of snow with minimal hills you can get around.
Just go REEEEEEEEEEEAL slow around corners because that heavy front end has a mind of its own.
When equipped with FOUR dedicated snow tires this car drives like a HUMMER. Well maybe not THAT good, but it’s damn impressive.
I’ve pushed mine through 8+ inches of unplowed roads with lots of curves and hills and I haven’t gotten stuck once.
I’ve also passed many a RWD cars and even a few SUV’s that were stuck spinning.
My winter setup is (4) 16” TL Rims with BLIZZAK snow tires.
Shawn S
If you’re going slowly in 3-4 inches of snow with minimal hills you can get around.
Just go REEEEEEEEEEEAL slow around corners because that heavy front end has a mind of its own.
When equipped with FOUR dedicated snow tires this car drives like a HUMMER. Well maybe not THAT good, but it’s damn impressive.
I’ve pushed mine through 8+ inches of unplowed roads with lots of curves and hills and I haven’t gotten stuck once.
I’ve also passed many a RWD cars and even a few SUV’s that were stuck spinning.
My winter setup is (4) 16” TL Rims with BLIZZAK snow tires.
Shawn S
#21
I am #76,361,211,935
In my opinion its "ok" in the snow. The stock tires were total crap, and provided very poor snowy/slushy/icy performance. The Pilot A/S are much much better - great in the summer and decent in the winter.
#22
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Originally posted by Shawn S
My winter setup is (4) 16” TL Rims with BLIZZAK snow tires.
My winter setup is (4) 16” TL Rims with BLIZZAK snow tires.
#23
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Smitty: I have pushed it around a bit. The car STICKS! The grip is amazing. Waiting to try it out in the wet. Major improvement.
Sounds like that car is decent in the snow and could be great with some snows. Well, right now I am still in sunny FL so who knows what will happen. I really cannot imagine moving North, but we'll see.
Sounds like that car is decent in the snow and could be great with some snows. Well, right now I am still in sunny FL so who knows what will happen. I really cannot imagine moving North, but we'll see.
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Originally posted by Smitty
I think you should upgrade from that 16inch TL rim set-up so you can get a BIG brake KIT...
I think you should upgrade from that 16inch TL rim set-up so you can get a BIG brake KIT...
I see more deer then snowplows out my way in the winter.
![Frown](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Shawn S
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