Reaction After Test Driving an EcoBoost PP

[smitty]

There is a reason that Quebec has mandated winter tires for all drivers who need to drive during winter months. Their accident rate during the winter plummeted after doing so. The rubber compound and siping are superior to all-seasons for driving in snow and ice. If you can afford 20" all seasons, you can afford smaller diameter skinnier (both aspects that are superior for snow driving) winter tires. Won't look as good, but then neither do crumpled body panels ;)

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[JimmyTwoTimes]

My bad, I stand corrected.

Seems odd they let you get the pp on EB autos but not GT autos...

EB PP just brings the EB up to GT spec, so getting an EB PP with an automatic is like getting an automatic GT with a smaller engine and summer tires.

 

[Ecobeast]

Not true for the EBs.

OP, the issue is likely to do with you driving on summers in cold temperature. I had a hard time getting any kind of tail out action on my test drive in an EB even doing a first gear U-turn with the traction aids off.

Really? Did you have the parking brake on? :eyebulge:

 

[Mustang Convert]

There is a reason that Quebec has mandated winter tires for all drivers who need to drive during winter months. Their accident rate during the winter plummeted after doing so. The rubber compound and siping are superior to all-seasons for driving in snow and ice. If you can afford 20" all seasons, you can afford smaller diameter skinnier (both aspects that are superior for snow driving) winter tires. Won't look as good, but then neither do crumpled body panels ;)

Although I know winter tires are the best and safest option, I'm looking at putting Continental ExtremeContact DWS (Dry Wet Snow) all season tires on year-round. I've read very good reviews about their performance in snow. I'm generally able to wait until the roads have been plowed to make my short (5 mile) commute and my spouse has an AWD SUV (with all seasons) that I can use nights/weekends if conditions are bad.

Any reviews of the ExtremeContact DWS would be appreciated if anyone here has experience with them. The only other option for the 20" wheels is Continental ProContact TX, but I haven't seen much information about them.

 

[BmacIL]

Although I know winter tires are the best and safest option, I'm looking at putting Continental ExtremeContact DWS (Dry Wet Snow) all season tires on year-round. I've read very good reviews about their performance in snow. I'm generally able to wait until the roads have been plowed to make my short (5 mile) commute and my spouse has an AWD SUV (with all seasons) that I can use nights/weekends if conditions are bad.

Any reviews of the ExtremeContact DWS would be appreciated if anyone here has experience with them. The only other option for the 20" wheels is Continental ProContact TX, but I haven't seen much information about them.

They're good for all-seasons in the snow when they're relatively new. Like all non-winter tires, they have a smaller new tread depth, and once you get below 6/32", they won't be very effective in the snow. In the dry they have good grip but steering response is mushy (at all temperatures).

I used to drive on all-seasons on my FWD DD cars and thought it was fine, but after switching to winters, I'd never go back. Trust me, you'll thank yourself. Get some inexpensive 18" wheels and any of the suggested tires below and you'll be set. Change to them in November and off them in April (depending on where you live).

Nokian Hakkapelita R or S
Michelin X-Ice 3
Bridgestone Blizzak

 

[Senna1]

I've researched tires and a few keep coming up as good tires in various reviews:

Michelin Pilot PA4
Michelin X-Ice
Blizzak

stangs-R-me already chimed in on this but what about the rest of u guys?
Any information would be appreciated.

There are several different types of winter tires mixed in there on your list, so it's hard to give you a recommendation.

Michelin Pilot PA4 is a 'Performance Winter' tire; X-Ice are full 'Studless winter' tires, and You can buy Blizzaks of both types (LM series are performance winters, WS series are studless ice&snow).

Difference is in intended use. Performance winters are designed to be safe in the cold in both wet & dry, unlike summer tires, but retain as much performance capability as possible (sacrificing some heavy snow/ice traction in the process). Studless winters are basically designed for max snow/ice traction, and give up capability/feel/comfort in the dry to do so. Both types are superior to even the best all-seasons in all cold conditions.

If you see multiple deep snow storms and frequent freezing/slushy conditions, and regularly drive on unplowed and/or untreated roads, get full studless snow & ice tires. If you're mostly looking to be safe in the cold and wet, and don't go out until the roads have been treated and plowed (or just don't get that much snow to begin with), you might prefer the performance winters.

Personally, I just mounted a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4s on my 2013 5.0 since we don't get much snow here, but we do have extended periods of near freezing and cold weather. So far they've been great into the low 20s*F (already!); much more confident than trying to run the PZeros at that temperature, even in the dry.

 

[289isfine]

My bad, I stand corrected.

I stand corrected, too. But, that has more to do with orthotics...

 

[Dabias]

Senna1....you rock!! Thanks for the information. It can get cold here in Wiesbaden, Germany but it does get much snow. At least, I don't consider it to be much snow being from Detroit, MI and all.

I've never driven a car with this much power. I currently have a 2013 Ford Focus ST and I have All Seasons on it. Got through winter here with no problem but I wanted to get opinions from guys that have experience with Mustangs.

Thanks again for the help!! Have a good one!

 

[Senna1]

Senna1....you rock!! Thanks for the information. It can get cold here in Wiesbaden, Germany but it does get much snow. At least, I don't consider it to be much snow being from Detroit, MI and all.

No problem, just went through this decision on my 2013 GT.

BTW, I just noticed you're in Germany. If you read German, their national auto club, ADAC, does some pretty extensive tire testing including winter tires. Their most recent ratings for tires meant for higher performance cars was in 2013:
http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/test...17.aspx?ComponentId=185957&SourcePageId=31821

Note that some of the tires there aren't sold in the US, and vice versa. There are also tires with similar names that are different tread patterns, so just be aware they may not be completely identical to what people here in the US have used.

 

[S550guy]

EB 3.31 rear... EB w/ PP 3.55 rear

EB Base to EB PP: clutch pack 3.31 rear to clutch pack 3.55 rear

GT Base to GT PP: clutch pack 3.31 rear to Torsen 3.73 rear

Torsen is a completely different type of differential.

 

[Pokergeneg]

I know that maybe it was the tires/wet condition that cause the bad ride -- but
I didn't read anywhere that you had it in wet/snow mode. On other sites they
say this makes a hugh different.

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