those of you that haven't had any problems in the snow with the stock tires... the only thing i can think of that allowed you to drive efficiently is maybe the ground was still too warm, preventing it from becoming too icy. is this possible? because i recently had an icy driving experience that contradicts the idea that the gto is a decent ice/snow performer.
the day after christmas, it was snowing and extremely cold here. i was stopped at a stop light on a very very slight incline, about to make a right turn. when the light turned green, i eased off the brake, but the slight incline and the snow on the ground prevented me from rolling forward. so i gently gave it some gas, and my tail immediately started sliding sideways toward the curb. i stopped, and tried again, but same result. i finally had to back up, time it right, and get a rolling start to get thru the light and make the turn.
please believe me when i say that i'm a very experienced snow driver. i've lived in central new york for 27 years, i was a full time ski instructor for 3 years, working 6 days a week, the mountain was 50 minutes away from my house, and i had to be there on time regardless of the road conditions. so i know how to drive in the snow. but the gto is just not a good snow/ice car. granted, when i stepped out of the car that night, it was like an ice rink. but the experience was enough to prompt me to purchase snow tires. i haven't been able to give the tires any real test yet because the conditions haven't been as bad since that night. but i'll keep you posted.