Just got my 13 ready for the snow . I was able to find an affordable set of 17" rims that look almost exactly like the 18s that came with my MCA edition. Went with 215/65r17 blizzak ws70's. They are slightly taller than the 18" Pirelli P Zero Nero's that came stock for slightly better ground clearance and they are close to an inch narrower as well which will help with snow traction. They also tuck in a little better which will help protect the sides of the car with all the stuff that gets flung up during winter. This its my first set of blizzaks and so far I'm very impressed with the traction available. Well worth the peace of mind.

Here's pics ready for the snow:




and here she is in her summer clothes:

 

Part of the difference with your other vehicles were that those tires were a lot narrower than those on a current mustang. They also were a lot less stiff - they had taller sidewalls and the rubber had more flex which allows them to form to the surface of the snow better thus giving better traction. They also had much deeper tread than the "all season" p zero neros. I think they consider "all" season to include spring, summer, and fall btw (lol). With the minimum of tread they have they'll pack up with snow instantly and basically be slicks. I specifically went with narrower tires with taller sidewalls on smaller wheels for my winter setup for these reasons. It's more than just the type of rubber and tread design. Btw, it was cheaper to buy a set of 17" wheels and tires than it would have been to buy a set of 18" snow tires - 18" snows are expensive!

 

Excellent post, Steve. You brought up a number of points I didn't consider. Thanks for taking the time to post.

A question, though. How do I know which 17" wheels will fit my Mustang (V6 premium coupe, pony pkg. w/18" wheels) without interference problems? Do I let a place Tire Rack pick them out for me? I'd probably buy online.
Bob

 

Just go to tirerack.com and choose their winter tire package. You can put in your car info and they'll show you a list of wheels and tires that will fit . You'll also want to add tpms sensors and get a tool to register the wheels to their location on your car. Tirerack even lets you see the wheels on your car. Myself I went to discount tire locally and they matched tireracks pricing.

 

Ordered a set of four snows on 17" rims from TireRack. They assured me they'd fit. Cost was about what I was expecting to pay for two 18" wheels and snows. Should be here by Monday.

They won't look as good as yours, Steve, but thanks anyway. Getting through winter without wrecking anything is the goal.
Bob

 

Good luck, Bob. Go easy on the accelerator and give yourself a TON of braking distance. But most importantly, watch out for the other guy. You may have the best winter driving skills in the state but it doesn't mean squat if everyone else drives like a kamakazi.