I have a Mazda 6 04' and a Ford Ranger 02' and I wanted to go snowboarding. Has anyone driven either of these cars through the mountain pass to go snowboarding? I want to know how the cars perform in the snow.
I can probably get some chains on the cars. Will that make it pretty much safe to drive in the snow?
2007-11-06 02:59:34 · 6 answers · asked by kkwong5 2 in Sports ➔ Winter Sports ➔ Snowboarding
Neither car has 4 wheel drive.
2007-11-06 03:34:21 · update #1
If the ranger is only a 2-wheel drive then they're horrible in the snow. You're going to want to pile as much weight in the back so you could try and get traction to your drive wheels. The Mazda is a front wheel drive which means that it has the engine weight on the drive tires and will be easier to control. Depending on how deep the snow is, that would be my choice. Chains could help a bit as they dig in a bit more than rubber, but if you're going on plowed roads they aren't going to help much.
If there's ice, nothing short of salt, sand or kittylitter will get you traction.
Good luck!
2007-11-06 03:23:12 · answer #1 · answered by bigtimichanga 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Mazda would do better than the Ranger, if the Ranger isn't 4x4 and you don't have any weight in the bed. Put some good snow tires on the Mazda, and have a set of chains for back up. You'll be fine. I drove a '97 Geo Metro for 3 years up there in all conditions with only all season siped tires on it, and only had to use my chains 3 times. I now drive a Ford Focus with snow tires. It will make it up there too. Basically if you have a front wheel drive car they do pretty well in the snow with the right tires. You just have to drive reasonably, not too fast, and not too slow. No sudden moves and you'll be fine.
2007-11-07 00:17:05 · answer #2 · answered by DK Julie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4 wheel drive is nice, but not necessary. If you bring the Ranger, make sure to throw some sandbags in the back to even out the weight distribution.
Also, make sure you put the chains on the right set of tires. I have seen many people put chains on the wrong tires :P
Also, bigtimichanga's advice is spot on (assuming he is right about the Mazda 6, I have no clue if it is rear or front wheel drive).
2007-11-06 13:51:09 · answer #3 · answered by pdx_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have driven a front wheel drive car with all-season tires for years and have never had any problems other than ground clearance if there is more than 8" of snow on the road which is rare.
Yes, a 4WD is better, but is very rarely needed.
Good Luck
2007-11-06 12:32:30 · answer #4 · answered by TahoeT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I drive my FWD Eclipse GT to go snowboarding. I've never had a problem and I've never used chains or snow tires neither.
2007-11-07 00:10:23 · answer #5 · answered by b h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4 wheel drive?
If so you should be fine. we have a F150 it made it no problem through the pass in MT during a crazy snow storm without chains.
2007-11-06 11:11:59 · answer #6 · answered by baby♥Justin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋