I have been driving muscle cars since the 70,s. I never remember havin any trouble gettin around.But also,in those days,we used studded winter tires and chains on some vehicles when it got real bad.I would not worry about the weather cause we don,t seem to get the big snows that we used to then,and the road crews are out waaaaaaaaaaay more now than they ever were then.I think you should maybe consider the SE,cause you seem like you aren,t that must interested in h.p.,and if you were a true gear head,their would be no ? that you would want a v-8. Test drive a SE,and see what you think,it might just fulfill all your power requiring needs.It will be way better in the snow,and over the l/time of the car,you will have saved alot of money.The msrp,will be alot lower too.Their is a white SE,with the old style T/A stripes on it,at a local dealer,and it looks real cool.So,be sure to do what is really the best thing for you in the long run.Good luck.