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'03 Rubicon or '07 Mustang GT Convertible for Winter Daily Driver?

4K views 63 replies 29 participants last post by  C.L. 
#1 ·
Ok, so I know I'm in the Wrangler Forum here, but I'm hoping for some unbiased advice. I'm a former 2004 LJ owner, so I know my Jeeps a bit.

Here is my dilemma:

Should I buy a clean 2003 Rubicon with 97k miles, moderate lift and Duratracs ($12,000) OR a 2007 Mustang GT Convertible with 144k miles in excellent condition ($11,000) for my daily year-round driver in Vermont?

I'm not much of an off-roader, so I know the Rubicon is probably overkill for me, but I figure it will be fun and have good resale value. My biggest issue is that I may have to drive about 45 minutes each way to work on the highway. Everyone says go slow in the Jeep and you'll be fine.

Understanding the 4WD and RWD dynamics, I'm wondering about folks' opinions on which you would rather drive on paved roads with constantly changing conditions, like packed snow in some areas, then dry road, then even some potential ice. Yes, there will be some deep snow days that will be perfect for the Wrangler.

I'm leaning towards the Mustang because it seems less likely to swap ends (driven carefully) than the short wheelbase Rubicon.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

BB
 
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#3 ·
144k in 7 years is a bit much and i'd imagine there would be some days that the mustang is just about useless.

by "swap ends" do you mean fish tail? if driven carefully, it shouldnt be a problem. with the extra power of the stang, i'd imagine its rather easy to get the rear to break free on snow or ice. i really have to work to get my duratracs to slide in 2wd
 
#4 ·
I just picture myself cruising down the highway in the Jeep doing 45 on packed snow or mixed precip, like everyone else, and just spinning out. Seems less likely in the Mustang.

Just wondering if I will have to be more on edge and stressed about driving the Jeep too fast.
 
#6 ·
I just bought my 02 Sport last January. I'm in Minnesota so we got a boatload of snow and cold the last half of winter. Mine came on 31x10.5s, not ideal as they tend to float on the snow. Never spun out all winter. I've owned a mustang before and they are terrible in the winter. Don't get me wrong, I love mustangs but I think you'll be much better off in the winter with the Jeep. By the way I picked up a set of 5 SE steel rims that I'm going to mount 215 75 15 snow tires on for next winter. I think those will work out well. I commute 25 miles each way to work so I drove my Jeep a lot last winter in crappy conditions.:)
 
#7 ·
Having previously owned a Mustang GT I'll say this, I feel a lot safer driving my Rubi in the snow than my GT.
RWD with wide front tires (the GT) will spin out a lot quicker than the Jeep. The wide fronts will act like snow plows and bring the ass end around real quick.
 
#32 ·



I can't believe this is even serious question. Mustang vs Jeep in snow country. Hell doesn't is snow in July up in Vermont?

I had a 91 GT that was my DD for many years. It is an accident waiting to happen even on wet surfaces. Do you like to fish tail and spin uncontrollably into on coming traffic? Then get the Mustang.

You would need to purchase Blizaaks or studded snow tires for winter driving and start going to church on Sunday with the Mustang.

Jeep? requires no defense.
 
#9 ·
Damn near two total ends of the spectrum. If you're just looking for a DD then go for the mustang, but if you're concerned about snow/ice then I'd be looking at something else other than rwd V8. You can spin that without snow. Opt for an awd sports car if you're worried about traction and DD friendliness.
 
#10 ·
You are right, SurfKaster - very different but I find that many Mustang people have owned Wranglers and vice versa - both toys. My priority is buy a year-round convertible that will make it through the winter. Many people say throw some snows on the Mustang and you'll be fine. Other say drive the Wrangler and just be careful and you'll be fine. Both are right, but want to hear the real world experiences.

Thanks!
 
#13 ·
I have had 2 'Stangs and and a '88 Firebird Formula 350....now granted that was in the late '80s/ early '90s...than I bought a Jeep in '94...yeah I have missed my "Speed Fix" but I have NEVER had an issue in the winter with ANY of my JEEPS...I have owned 5 and still have 3.....we do have an AWD 300 but it usually just sits in the winter ...... the JEEPS are better for our uses IMO.
 
#14 ·
I own a wrangler and a 99 Trans am....i would NEVER drive that bird in the snow could i? YUP but even a dusting of snow its sketchy to say the least...My jeep i used 4x4 2x in 3 years going up my icing hill during a storm other than that iy handles good and feel alot more planted than my bird ever will(snow tires included) in snow covered roads.
 
#18 ·
Doesnt feel like a box to me,tinted rears clear fronts(windows) if your scared about a jeeps wheel base why look at one? Honestly sounds like you need a 4x4 truck or somthing that stang will push snow if its 5 or more inches and doesnt seem like your confident enough to drive a high center jeep.Don't mean to insult either....Get your stang and buy a pos blazer or something for bad snow/ice days......which ever it may be gl.
 
#19 ·
My well modified 89 GT (had since new) was my daily driver for 18 years including winter. Many sets of all season tires and it was doable in winter until I tried real snow tires. Winter driving was a joke. No problem with traction and used to blow by other vehicles. I did swap out the snow tires on/off when it snowed and when it cleared. 18 years of salt took their toll. The Wrangler has been my DD 6 years and the Mustang received a lot of restoration work. It will never see another snow flake. Yes the Jeep can swap ends pretty quickly in slick conditions. I never spun the Mustang in the 270k mi on the clock
 
#20 ·
Neither...

The Rubicon would be a terrible commuter vehicle and if you're not going to wheel it you're losing out on a lot of fun since its definitely not a quick vehicle...

As for the mustang, you can get a much nicer mustang for 11k than a 2007 with 150k. I've been looking for another toy recently and have found much better deals than that (i've only been looking for mustangs). If its anything like my old 91 fox its gonna be terrible in the snow, then again my fox was appx 600hp and had nitto 555's for tires which would spin on crosswalks.

Keep looking
 
#24 ·
It's ip to you ! You have picked the most opposite ends of the spectrum to decide from.
It's like, what's for dinner ? A donut or a steak ? Hmmmmm
Get whatever suits you.
They are absolutely nothing alike and what do you like to do in YOUR vehicle ? Get what suits your needs.
Just my .02
 
#26 ·
I'm from Massachusetts and currently have a Mustang for my daily driver. I have Blizzaks and they are amazing in the snow. But I did just pick up my 2006 TJ to mitigate the risks of driving 35 miles each way when it snows. The mustang will get loose on the highway in the snow - even with snow tires and driving conservatively. Switching lanes will make your heart jump out of your chest.

Good luck with your decision. I love my mustang but there is good reason most put them away for the winter.
 
#28 ·
Until you shift into 4 wheel drive they are both short wheelbase RWDs. Tires would be the biggest difference... Followed by ground clearance....

But honestly the drivers ability is the breaking point.
 
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