380SL in Snow: Test Results

[cbdo]

Steve--
Sideways in a damp corner? I hope "they really don't handle all that well" refers to the tires, not the car!

[Steve Gutman]

I was running the 225/50/VR16s. When they break loose, the car is just so heavy it doesn't want to straighten out. When it comes back the momentum carries it around and makes it hard to snap straight. THe 107 SLs are not sports cars. They are luxury cars.

Don't get me wrong, I love the car (too much) but it isn't a sports car.

[JLGottfred]

I wish I had read Chuck's thread BEFORE I gave my 380 its unexpected snow test drive.

I have a 380SLC and this weekend I experienced the car at its very best and very worst. I live in So California and took it to Big Bear (Elevation 6,750) to drop my kid off with some friends. The car is magnificent on the freeway and DRY mountain roads--fun to drive with plenty of power.

All that enthusiasm evaporates at the first sign of snow fall. I got caught in an unexpected snow storm on the way home. Even though I have high quality all-season radials and spent several years driving in Colorado snow, the car is a nightmare driving in even the lightest dusting of snow. --Chuck's observation that the first gear and high torque engine really works against you is spot on. I was constantly fighting to keep the rear of the car in the rear. You could not stop the wheels from spinning out. I ended up drifting to the side and getting caught in the heavier snow on the side of the road. Fortunately six burly marines stopped and helped push me back on the roadway.

However the real aggravation is that the car's alternator output at a long duration low RPM is not enough to run the lights, heater, and wipers simultaneously without dropping voltage. Traffic was really heavy with several accidents which slowed everyone down to a crawl or more often a complete stop. I was either in the dark, cold, or blind depending on which system I had to shutdown to keep moving. (I am going to get the alternator checked out today.)

The good news is that I was able to make it to town and buy some chains at the usual steep mountain price. With chains the car's performance in snow dramatically improves; I felt like a man again being able to conquer even the most intimidating grade! If you even think you might encounter snow pack a set!

--My thoughts of dumping the car completely disappeared once I was off the mountain, got the chains off, and opened it up on a deserted two lane highway.....

[nobby]

I had plans to have Nobette video tape me doing donuts and skid "control" maneuvers in the large school parking lot across the street from my place.

Would have been fun with wide summer tires.

Alas.......this is the first winter I chose (needed) to store The PIG elsewhere with no access until spring.

Maybe next year.

[300sdToronto]

I agree that the 380SL is one of the worst cars I have ever driven in snow. I got stuck in 3" of snow when I just pulled it out of the garage into the driveway to get at some stuff behind the car.

Like most folks I try and preserve the bodywork by keeping the car off the road in the winter.

[P.C.]

This is a car that begs for a set of Blizzaks in snowy weather.