Snowstorm in ATL: how will '87 Coupe manage in 6 inches?

cattman · 01-10-2011, 06:12 AM

We have about 6 inches of snow here in Northern Atlanta.

Not sure I dare, but I am tempted to take the '87 for a jaunt through the neighborhood. The most treacherous part will be making it up and down my driveway. The roads are untrodden, not a single track in it as of yet...
CATTMAN

vintagecarlover · 01-10-2011, 06:16 AM

get the kayak out and leave the car in its warmer cave. also, make sure insurance is in effect and go for it.

SpeedracerIndy · 01-10-2011, 06:19 AM

I took my 911 out in the snow once around my neighborhood a few years ago. It was like tennis shoes on ice. But I'm sure that's because it has summer tires. With all seasons, or winter tires I'm sure it would do just fine.

I grew up with VW Beetles in my parents garage and those things were like tanks in the snow. The rear engine/RWD was very effective. Skinny tires helped also.

I would think a 911 with proper tires would do very well in the snow. Just remember that stopping distance will be much longer with wide tires and no ABS.

Let's see the after picture when you've taken it out and done some doughnuts in that fresh snow.

trond · trond's Garage

It will handle very well in the snow. I drive mine every day in ice and snow. It slides beautifully but better do some practice sliding in a parking lot away from traffic to get used to it before attempting any slides on the road. Mind you I have proper snow tires ! I would not take it on iced up public roads with summer tires

Neel · 01-10-2011, 06:26 AM

Snow here too.. I'd leave it in the garage.. There will too many crazies out there soon enough.. Most of the people around here don't how to drive when the roads are dry, and in snow? ................

cattman · 01-10-2011, 06:49 AM

Well, here's the start...wish me luck!
CATTMAN

johnsjmc · 01-10-2011, 07:29 AM

YouTube - Canadian Police Chase
You will need narrower tires designed for snow to get anywhere. Why bother?

Wilywilly · 01-10-2011, 07:29 AM

"Snowstorm in ATL: how will '87 Coupe manage in 6 inches? "

Probably as well as a woman can handle 2 inches.

Canada Kev · 01-10-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

YouTube - Canadian Police Chase

Must be Newfies.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

"1987 Porsche 911: Concours prep OEM guards red on black "

you know it will get dirty, right? Nice neighborhood.

w21055 · w21055's Garage

Next post in a couple of hours.

Parting out 1987 Porsche 911: Concours prep OEM guards red on black. Front end damaged during snow run!

Leave it in the garage.

KTL · 01-10-2011, 08:39 AM

A friend drove his '88 911 year round with Blizzak winter tires. Agreed they're good winter cars with the right tires. Your car is not one of those cars.........

6 inches is tough for most any car. A low car like the 911 will pack some snow underneath and probably pack it in the wheels. Your front spoiler will act like a plow! Have fun. Hope you don't slide into a light pole while screwing around........

Cobracarrera · 01-10-2011, 08:47 AM

Leave it in the garage.....Mine is staying there for a while......

We got about the same snowfall amount in Kennesaw...

dw1 · 09:58 AM

I couldn't agree more with KTL.

With good snow tires, the car can do well, until ground clearance becomes a problem.

Summer tires are completely and totally worthless in snow.

If you like the car, why risk sliding into a curb, a pole or other obstruction? Why expose the car to whatever salt, sand or other material your local DPW will spread (or has already spread) on the roads?

If it was a beater, or even a DD, it might be fun, but with a nice car what's the point, unless you actually want something to repair...

Wilywilly · 01-10-2011, 09:04 AM

Your cruel Philip!

Bill

ruby911 · ruby911's Garage

I just walked out, that stuff was ice, not snow. No way I am going out.

daniel911T · daniel911T's Garage

I drove a '71 bug or a '78 bus around Denver for about 5 winters. The rear engine/ rear drive setup really works well. That said, both of those cars were beaters.

The 911 is much closer to the ground, and those tires are a lot wider. The basic engineering of the car is sound, but there is no point tempting fate when you can buy an AWD car pretty easily. (I would suggest Audis)

Last thought on tires, my wife has a Honda Fit. The first snowfall this year (VA) she took her car out on very good summer / rain tires and very nearly died. The car was uncontrollable. Af first I just thought she was a bad driver, being from FL and all, but then I drove it and couldn't climb a very modest hill, couldn't stop on another hill, and could only steer when neither accelerating or decelerating. The worst I've ever driven. The wife is very lucky she didn't kill herself or wreck the car. Added snow tires and seat heaters, it's now a very good little snow car.

Careful out there! The car is probably up to it, assuming you don't actually have 6" on the roadways. Your tires are almost certianly not.

I hope you had fun! Now get your car away from the other nuts, and out of the salt!

-Dan

cattman · 10:03 AM

I will take your advice, no way I'd make it down my driveway with the summer tires, and with the front spoiler, I'd be acting like a plow.

I think my son's JEEP is the better choice.
Note his Pelican Parts sticker!
CATTMAN

dw1 · 10:02 AM

GREAT Pelican Parts sticker!

Come to think of it, it isn't completely out of place to have a Porsche-related sticker on a Jeep-like vehicle, as old Ferdinand did have a hand in the engineering of several notable military vehicles... (Kübelwagen, Tiger I, Tiger II, etc. ....but I doubt Wayne stocks parts for those.)

daniel911T · daniel911T's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by cattman

I will take your advice, no way I'd make it down my driveway with the summer tires, and with the front spoiler, I'd be acting like a plow.

I think my son's JEEP is the better choice.
Note his Pelican Parts sticker!
CATTMAN

That's an awesome jeep! How does it do in the snow?

Glad you didn't risk harm to such a beautiful car!

-Dan