Drive Mode equivalency: Snow/Wet mode

[mikeyjobu]

Is there anyone who can describe if it is possible to select a combination of steering weights/traction/stability control settings on a base car that provides the same sure-footedness that the Snow/Wet mode does? I'd like a car I can use year-round, but ideally want a base GT with recaros and the performance package - or maybe a base GT with recaros and the 3.55. I'd probably get another set of rims and tires, and get better dampers (off topic, but probably get snows for the stock rims). If someone authoritative could validate the settings and put them in the wiki? It seems unconscionable to have to purchase a premium to get a safety feature like snow/wet mode unless there's a way to achieve the same result in the base trim. The toggles are really cool, but those and the related electronics are probably the only differences. Forgive me -- I'd read somewhere that someone posted this information before, but I haven't been able to find it.

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[Sasuketr]

The steering setting is still in the base model pp's i think. So harder the feel i say better control in the snow. For the throttle response, i don't think u can have that with the base model. Just go easy on your foot and use second gear to take off. Cheers.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

Is there anyone who can describe if it is possible to select a combination of steering weights/traction/stability control settings on a base car that provides the same sure-footedness that the Snow/Wet mode does?

I haven't tested out the snow mode, obviously, but I'd imagine that it wouldn't really be that big of a change from the normal modes.

The only modes that really matter in snow are everything on full (to ensure traction on slick pavement) and everything off completely (because it's impossible to extricate a car from a snow bank with traction or stability control on, which some manufacturers with non-defeatable stability control evidently just refuse to acknowledge). A good set of snow tires (go with Nokians!) will make all the difference.

 

[stangs-R-me]

Snow/Wet mode will probably help a bit with the factory All-Season tires, but not make as much of a difference as a set of 4 decent SNOW TIRES ... just as Jimmy states.

I've been running snow tires on my DD Mustangs since 1998 and I'm certainly don't feel I need to get a Premium model just so I get the 4 drive modes ... the base model w/o the snow/wet drive mode will be just just fine w/ decent snow tires. My 2011 is my first Mustang with ABS, Traction Control, and Stability and just having these std. features with snow tires is all you really need.

Doug

 

[OppoLock]

The steering weight won't have many impact on your ability to drive in inclement weather. There is no adjustment in feel. I'm confident that the snow/wet mode probably just heightens the sensitive of the traction thresholds and adds a bit more slack in throttle mapping, if that.

So all you need to do is drive with a light foot and keep speeds in check. You'll be just as well off.

The easiest way to get a more effective car for the snow is to buy a set of winter tires. Nothing will make as much of an impact.

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