Winter Beater Bomb (WBB) - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Cervan · #16 11-26-2007, 12:20 PM

well the only reason i would rather have an automatic than a manual, is that you can control more easily and more fluidly the application of the tourque. And you dont burn up your clutch while doing it. but i do like the way a manual feels better than an auto, hands down.

chetwesley · #17 11-26-2007, 12:23 PM

From my experience rear wheel drive doesn't make for great snow driving. I like driving in the snow, but I have always driven front wheel drive cars, so the last winter was an interesting education. I didn't know the meaning of fishtailing until I drove a RWD car in the snow.

Hatterasguy · #18 11-26-2007, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chetwesley

From my experience rear wheel drive doesn't make for great snow driving. I like driving in the snow, but I have always driven front wheel drive cars, so the last winter was an interesting education. I didn't know the meaning of fishtailing until I drove a RWD car in the snow.

Yeah RWD is wicked. Oh MB why didn't you put a locking rear on the S class, cheap SOB's!

asnowsquall · #19 11-27-2007, 01:51 PM

Drivetrain weight over the drive wheels is great for traction, which is one reason I'll always love the old VW Beetle. Given the choice personally I prefer having the steering wheels on one axle, and the drive wheels on the other axle. Front wheel drive has a point and shoot feeling. My wife and I had a 535i with 4 studded hakkapelitta 10's and it was awsome in the snow for 6 or 7 winters here in Vermont, so I'm sure the 240D with good snows would get the job done but thats not going to happen this year. The 240D feels much safer than the Honda and I love the way it rides and handles. The Honda is a 5 speed, snappy, and fun for buzzing around traffic.
Lately, my vehicles don't last long around my house and this Honda would be easy to sell if I decide. I've got lots of hours but I did have some fun. I'll drive it through this winter and see what happens. Thanks for the compliments on the paint job, its good for what this car is, but believe me its a rush job. I can do much better. I learned a lot just by trying the two tone thing and just making a line. Its amazing what imperfections clear coat can hide. I've got a buffer so who knows maybe I'll play with wet sanding and buffing at some point.
The next thing I need to play bodyman with is the VW Hare.

TheDon · #20 11-27-2007, 01:54 PM

that little honda would make a great auto X car

rg2098 · #21 11-27-2007, 07:32 PM

I bought the Chevy for winter. The FWD is killing me. Last winter I had my grandmothers Buick Roadmaster for a few weeks. That thing weights enough to do reasonably well in the snow if your careful, yet has enough power to be "fun" in empty parking lots.

thesst · #22 11-27-2007, 07:45 PM

My while-I'm-fixing-the-Benz beater is a 93 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.3L V6. Plenty of power there (jerks me around a bit on acceleration after I've been driving the Benz), plus I get about 19-mpg city/21mpg freeway... not to shabby for a 3.3L gasser with a Grand Caravan body.

TwitchKitty · #23 11-28-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Yeah RWD is wicked. Oh MB why didn't you put a locking rear on the S class, cheap SOB's!

RWD with a locked rear is suicide on icy roads.

Getting the vehicle stopped is the real challenge anyway. If it won't go, it shouldn't be on the road anyway.

OldPokey · #24 11-28-2007, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwitchKitty

RWD with a locked rear is suicide on icy roads.

My old RX7 had a LSD. All that meant was when you were going forward and lost traction on one wheel, you didn't realize it until you lost traction on the other one and all of a sudden the car's front and back changed places.

LUVMBDiesels · #25 11-28-2007, 01:22 PM

I like a manual in the snow to be able to start in third. This way you don't break the tires loose because you are NOT putting that much torque down. I never get stuck in the CJ even with a plow in front by starting in 2nd or 3rd. My '92 Subbie had a great automatic tranny that would let you start in 3rd by locking out 1st and 2nd I NEVER got stuck in that car and it only had AWD. I have twice gotten stuck in the Suburban and I had to put it into 4LO to get moving. The good thing about 4LO is that I could get the wheels moving while barely feathering the gas and not break them loose.

The 300SD is the pits even with really good studless snows on all four wheels because of the turbo. I can get the car rolling but when the turbo spools up it will break the tires loose and no more traction. I have had to pull it up the driveway (steep, narrow and gravel) with the Jeep a couple of times. I learned to just park it at the top of the hill...

Hatterasguy · #26 11-28-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwitchKitty

RWD with a locked rear is suicide on icy roads.

Getting the vehicle stopped is the real challenge anyway. If it won't go, it shouldn't be on the road anyway.

Well nothing will help you on icy roads. Unless you have chains or studs on your tires.

My problem is that I live on a pretty steep hill, so if we get more then about 3in of snow a W126 just won't go up. Unless I put chains on the rear tires then it might go. When my SD had brand new tires I loaded the trunk with wood and sand and it still wouldn't go. Even my dads F150 with the locking rear has a tough time.

You need a locking rear at least, and ASR/ESP helps a ton! Snow that defeats my W126 can be driven through in a W220! I didn't beleive how much traction aids help, I had the macho I can do it better than a computer attitude. Well a computer can react many times quicker than a human can, and they are much better at lots of things then we are.

asnowsquall · #27 11-28-2007, 02:53 PM

Thing with Subaru's is they were cheap at one time, its hard to find them cheap around here now. These snows came with the car and I mounted them on VW rims that we got for free off Freecycle (thanks honey!) Just washed them and used a spray can on them. So here it is. Just needs the rear wiper put on which actually works. Some odds and ends here and there. Problem is its driveable so who knows when that stuff will get done. Pages of pictures here http://asnowsquall.smugmug.com/gallery/3517294#226531064

TwitchKitty · #28 11-28-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asnowsquall

Thing with Subaru's is they were cheap at one time, its hard to find them cheap around here now.

I noticed that too. Cheap usually means rusty. We only keep them for the season and then sell them again so it is more like a long-term rental that is free with a little labor and luck. The ones I really like are getting scarce because of their age (95-96).

2.5Turbo · #29 11-28-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

The 300SD is the pits even with really good studless snows on all four wheels because of the turbo. I can get the car rolling but when the turbo spools up it will break the tires loose and no more traction. I have had to pull it up the driveway (steep, narrow and gravel) with the Jeep a couple of times. I learned to just park it at the top of the hill...

Try making it effectively NA by unplugging the ALDA. You may get a little boost but it won't do anything since the fuel won't be there. It'll be slow as a dog but that doesn't really matter when you're trying to be safe in the snow.

asnowsquall · #30 11-28-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwitchKitty

I noticed that too. Cheap usually means rusty. We only keep them for the season and then sell them again so it is more like a long-term rental that is free with a little labor and luck. The ones I really like are getting scarce because of their age (95-96).

What is it about the 95-96 that you like? Hhmmmm....may have to try a subaru next winter.