Chevy Police Cars

[AllanY2525]

Well, I don't know what the horspower-to-weight specs are for the Chevy
cruisers versus the Ford "Crown Vic" cruisers, but front wheel drive
vehicles tend to do better on snow because the heaviest components
of the vehicle (ie: the engine and drive train) are nearest the front
wheels.

As far as being "prone to getting stuck in the snow", there are probably
multiple factors to consider:

1) The type and condition of the tires on the vehicle

2) The amount of ground clearance the vehicle has
(ANY vehicle will get stuck in snow if it gets deep enough)

3) Whether or not the vehicle has  a limited-slip
differential  and/or traction control built into it.
A limited slip differential causes BOTH front (or rear)
wheels to kick in when the main drive wheel begins
to slip on bad road surfaces - which increases the
amount of traction the vehicle is capable of.  Traction
control applies the brakes on the wheel(s) that slip,
causing more power to be sent to the wheel(s) that
have a better grip on the road.

For rear wheel drive cars, putting some extra weight
in the trunk during snowy weather often helps increase
traction.  I used to put 300-400 pounds of rock salt
in the cargo area in my truck during bad winter weather.

[northside lurker]

I've heard a lot of "car guys" say there really isn't a difference, but I've heard many "normal" people say that front wheel drive cars are better in snow.  I guess the car guys were right.

I'm stumped about the poor acceleration.  I know the new Impalas can come with V8's. (I believe 2006 was the first year they were brought back.)  I would assume the new police cars are equipped with them?   If they have the V8, they have more power than the Crown Vics, (50-100 horsepower more, I think) and they probably weigh about the same.

[jay]

Is the YPD satisfied with the Chevy police cars?  Recently someone complained that the cars do not accelerate fast enough in a vehicle pursuit and that they are also prone to getting stuck in snow.