MINI - MINIs and Snow

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Thu 7 Jan 2010 22:26
MINIs and Snow - bazza1603
Hi,

What are the new mini's like to drive in the snow and ice.

I had a 1980 1000 mini and it was the best car I have driven in the snow. Never failed to get to work..... if it started.

All mini I have seen over the last few days seems to be stuck in 1st gear. Are they that bad? I know the thin tyres on the my model helped me loads.

Regards

Baz

Edited by Pugugly on 08/01/2010 at 09:12

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Thu 7 Jan 2010 22:27
Mini's and Snow - Jcoventry
Well the new ones are nothing like the old ones, heavier, bigger/fatter tyres, etc.
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Fri 8 Jan 2010 00:29
Mini's and Snow - Dynamic Dave
I would have thought the original Mini would have got bogged down in the snow as its wheel track width is narrower than that of other cars and wouldn't be able to follow the tram lines left by wider cars. And not to mention the low slung sump that acted as a small snow plough.
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Fri 8 Jan 2010 02:14
Mini's and Snow - ifithelps
...would have thought the mini would have got bogged down...

Some farmers I knew used mini vans and pick-ups as farm hacks.

The cross-country abilities of these vehicles always surprised me.

You couldn't cross a ploughed field in one, but the minis had no bother with farmyard mud, a rutted track or long pasture.

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Fri 8 Jan 2010 09:37
Mini's and Snow - boxsterboy
One of our managers has a Clubman D. The tyres are reasonably thin, and traction is "not too bad". But the low spoiler at the front means that it has become a bit of a snowplough!

He is actually looking forward to the end of the lease, because he finds this low clearance a chore with speed humps all year round.
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Fri 8 Jan 2010 21:57
MINIs and Snow - Avant
New Minis have heavier engines over the driven wheels. So far SWMBO's Cooper convertible has been very sure-footed.
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Fri 8 Jan 2010 22:05
MINIs and Snow - M.M
I remember our old 1960s Mini being superb in snow. Obviously deep snow was a problem and the front number plate would soon tear off but its light weight, direct steering and minimal length made it so chuckable.
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