Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 18:20:04 -0400 From: srlondonnopsamo.com.com (S London) Subject: My saab got to play in the snow today...
I am writing this post to describe my experience wth snow tires, because when I was trying to decide whether to buy winter tires, there was a lack of good firsthand accounts out there. Today was the first time I drove my '98 900SE in the snow. After a bad experience with Z-rated low-profile tires in winter weather on a previous car, I decided to spring for Firestone Winterfire tires through a mail order company which cost $350. They are 195/60 on 15" steel wheels as opposed to the 205/50 on 16" alloys which are stock on the car. Aside from a great reduction in the harshness of the ride on dry streets and notably absent tire noise, the snow traction was absolutely amazing. I had no trouble even on the steepest hills on back streets on my commute in a few inches of unplowed snow. Wheelspin upon starting was absent except with only the harshest applications of throttle. I would say that the traction and stability is almost comparable to a four-wheel drive vehicle (but with less ground clearance), giving credence to what some have said about front wheel drive being sufficient in a Saab without the expense, weight, and added complexity of all-wheel drive. Have a great winter!