Hey guys, I'm in the market for my first Mustang and I have some questions for you all. I'm really like the 2010 design and the improvements they've made to the interior...so that's what I'm looking at.

1 - 18 vs 19 inch wheels...what are the pro's/con's? Is the only pro for the 18 that it's cheaper?

2 - How do the newer mustangs handle cold weather driving? Do I need to keep my old car around for snowy weather?

I know...these are probably very noob questions, but I figured better to ask and be berated then to not ask.

Thanks!

 

Smaller wheels = faster in general because it reduces rotating mass

I've driven my car with bald tires in the snow no problem, as long as you don't drive like an idiot. The traction control works very well, I even tried flooring the car when no one was around but it kept the car straight, and cut the fuel so nothing happened.

 

I assume you're talking about the 2010 GT...

The 18" rims will give you a better ride but the 19's will give you slightly better handling. If this is a daily driver I highly recommend going with the 18's, which should be even more lower profile than the current 17's on the GT.

Most people who live in areas with snow all winter will get a beater for that period and put the rear drive Mustang in storage. Do NOT drive in snow with bald tires! Get snow tires and take it easy. Which brings up an interesting question:
How much do 19" snow tires cost over 18", or even 17", assuming you can just through a set of pre-2010 17" rims on the 2010. Could be a cheaper option.

 

I would get the 19's but that just me!

 

A few other things to consider: With 19-in wheels, you'll find a strut tower brace under the hood, straight from the factory. With 18-in wheels, you won't (but you can always add one later).

On my 2010, I went with the 18's. Why? Because I live in Michigan, which has winters very similar to where you're from, and despite my Mustang being a summertime-only car, if your potholes are anything like ours, they (a) are sometimes large enough to swallow your whole vehicle, and (b) aren't usually filled until early to mid-simmer. Now, I know from driving my Explorer over (though) a few, I've needed to get out and check for rim damage. On a vehicle with larger rims and thinner tires, the 'absorption' abilities of the tires diminish, and your risk of denting a rim increases. Just food for thought.

 

mustang any year and snow not really a great mix. high torque plus snow = no go.

 

I put my order in...got the 18' tires.

Should be here in 6-8 weeks....very excited! Thanks for the advice all!