So which do you guys think will handle better in the snow, the 07' base or the 09' sport?
We have a pretty big snow storm hitting soon and i'm wondering which one to take. I have done well in the 07', just kept it under 30mph and everything went as smooth as i could have asked.
I was thinking the 09' should be better though, a tad bit heavier and bigger wheels.

What do you guys think?

 

95% dependent on the tires each has . . .

 

Wow, i didn't know tires were that much of a factor.

 

The 09's with navi also come with VSA.

 

Tires are the biggest factor in how a car handles. Performance tires are completely different from all-season tires handling wise in different scenarios. I hope you have a car with all-season tires for the snow.

 

That's true - I forgot about that.

But I'd still take the car with better tires. If you don't have any grip to begin with, the car won't have any stability to assist . . .

 

yes, snow tires is waaaay more effective than all-season tires+VSA. your car will transform. (i run W60's).

VSA will work against you if you dont have decent amount of
grip.

so... if you're serious about grip in the snow, get snow tires.

 

VSA works flawlessly on my 09 with the stock 16" all seasons.

 

yes, im sure it does for most folk's standards for fwd cars.

but then try it with snow tires. that would be even better.

 

So far it hasn't needed any tires for anything that doesn't breach it's clearance (5" and under), so I feel I don't need to do anything with it. Of course, the car is used for short hauls around Mpls. IF the snow gets deeper than it's clearance, I wouldn't want to drive it and risk any bottom-out damage anyhow - we just drive the CRV or the Ranger at that point.