Are '70s Cars ANY Good in the Snow? Let's Find Out with the Subaru Brat! 

My 80 Subaru had very nice Bridgestone factory tires. We were pulling jeeps and trucks out of drifts and ditches all the time. The 4 speed had the lowest ratio first gear!! I never shifted from 1st to 2nd smoothly the entire time I owned it. In low it could climb anything.

TFL Classics is by far my favorite TFL channel! I’m not sure why other people aren’t seeing this but you guys do a great job.

Love the Brats, we had one. Unfortunately Minnesota winters also dissolved 90 percent of them into piles of rust and 4 tires.

I'd say MANY 70s vehicles were superior in the snow, if properly outfitted. I had a 1976 Chevrolet Caprice 4dr hardtop (Olympic edition) with a 400-V8. I added studded Firestone Town & Country M+S tires that Motor Trend did a positive review on, and then also 3 sand bags in the trunk (adding air to the rear air shocks manually). That car out-drove everything on the road in multiple blizzards, and NEVER got stuck. Had a full whiteout storm on Hwy. 75 once enroute to Blair south of me from Tekamah, and it was total mayhem. We finally turned around 3/4th the way there when several cars blocked a construction barrier where they got wedged in tight. On the way home, we passed 10 ditched vehicles, a state snow plow ALSO ditched, and of those ditched, 7 were 4WD trucks of newer makes. Actually pulled into my driveway to find snow packed solid under the hood around the engine in the bay, but that '76 Caprice NEVER stopped or missed a beat. BEST car ever I've owned since age 18.

The Air Force loved sending me to northern bases where it snowed a ton . . . and I owned at various times during the 80s a '78 DL wagon and an '85 Brat. Great cars, great in the snow, hmmmm decent to start when it was super-cold. That Brat was driven to lots of hard to access trailheads in the summer. That is classic, fun vehicle that I have very fond memories of. We got our last 5" of snow at the beginning of this month and now it's pushing 70 this week . . . and, as someone who does not like it when it gets hot in the summer, I honestly am missing the cool weather and the snow. Have fun, Tommy! 175 people watching within the first hour . . . not a huge number, but we appreciate the TFLClassics content!

I spent almost all day driving in the 1982 Christmas Eve blizzard in Denver. I worked at May D&F art supply department at the time and someone hadn’t got the drawing board Xmas gift delivered for their kid so I went out with friends in our Subaru wagon and drove across town to pick it up and tried to deliver it to a house in Aurora. It took most of the day but that Subaru was AMAZING in the snow. We left Jeeps and Jimmys and everything else stuck in the snow and the Subaru just kept going! Unfortunately we got close to the house and were stymied by a fire truck stuck across the road we had to turn back. But what a great time we had! And what a great Vehicle!

My first car was a 1971 Chevrolet Caprice 2-door hardtop. That car was fantastic in the snow - the sheer weight of it kept it going through anything winter could throw at it! Of course I did have snow tires on the rear.

My Dad had a Brat. He wasn't a fan of Japanese cars but loved that Brat. And yes the jump seats where the first thing to get chucked.

My dad had one of the Brats of this era. I remember one camping trip, we had to go down this trail that was about a mile long of the sloppiest mud I have ever seen. We were slipping and sliding all over the place but that Brat got us out and back to the main road. It was covered in mud by the time we got out. I also remember my brother and I sitting in the back seats, driving down the road thinking were were in Battle Star Galacita fighters, shooting all the cars behind us. LOL Fun memories!

This is what 4 wheeling is all about ! No technology to distract you from the task and so much fun ! Stop knocking the paint and "upgrades" . The previous owner certainly loved the car or it would not still be on the road. Plus we live in America, we are allowed to modify and accessorise our vehicle as we choose and hopefully a U-Tubeer like this channel won't ridicule you about it !

I had a AMC Eagle sx4 as my HS daily driver. The thing was shockingly good in deep snow and never left me stranded. Wasn’t the fastest thing but it had a cool black paint job with nice graphics.

I used to have an ‘86 GL wagon with the 4hi/lo system. That little 280,000 mile tin can took me more places and crashed through more drifts than I can count. Trusted it more in sketchy situations than my 81 W150 with a Dana 60 posi out back and Dana 44 locker up front. I really miss that old Subie!

I am from the 70's and I lived in Colorado through the 90's, and I just loved the whole video so thanks!

Watching this brings back memories of my Dad driving our 1976 AMC Hornet Sportabout in the snow. The ohnly thi9ng that stopped it was driving through 3 feet of snow and forgetting to block off the grill. I still remember opening the hood to find the whole thing packed with snow/ice. He ended up digging out the engine with an icepick and a kiddy shovel. Once "fixed" and with a tarpaulin over the front, we drove all over the place.

As a colorado native, I've always loved the brat, as a teenager, my friends clutch burned up and so I offered to show him how to replace it not knowing about the water cooled flat 4 , this was the first flat 4 of any brand I had worked on so I found that it was very well designed for ease of maintenance. I unbolted and disconnected everything on the periphery of the engine and grabbed it by the heads and picked it up, set it on some thick cardboard and changed out that clutch! After thar I've always loved them and wanted one but never found the opportunity to own one yet

I miss my old 1980 Subaru Brat. The topper was a great idea because these things collected water in back and rusted out quicker than big trucks. With "digger" tires they'd do even better in heavy snow than this one but those would wear out in 8 to 10K miles. What amazed me was how well they did on black ice. Our college (up steep roads) got hit by an ice and snow storm. On the way home I passed 4 full sized PUs abandoned in the ditch. Plus it was surprising how well it cornered when roads were normal.

I never got stuck in a brat or my 1st and 2nd gen wagons. I used to drive fire and logging roads and go around huge broncos and blazers that got stuck in the tailings left by the sawdust, because it had great traction and was so light it didn't sink in like they did. Yes, they struggled on the high altitude highways to maintain speed, but when you didn't have to go fast, but just get through, they always got me there, even in 18 inches of snow. I drove then all over Colorado.

My very first car was a 1978 Brat. It handled Logan Utah snow just fine. I can remember later getting into trucks and being perplexed at the need to lock hubs.

I had the 76' Wagon 4WD. I took it everywhere, up steep shaley hills and at the beach with soft sand. I even towed a 14ft catamaran on the beach and launched it. A lot of fun.

Those cars are fun. My brother in law had one and we used to off road it all the time.

Had a 91/92 Subaru Loyale with 5-speed manual and it was a tank! I have so many amazing stories of the place me and my wife took that car through back in college. This was some time back but we sold it with a snapped timing belt and 276k miles back in 2010 and it was still driving around a few years ago. Great cars but wouldn't want to get into an accident in one.

My mom had the late 80s Justy when I was a kid, that thing was unstoppable in the snow so long as it could get its pizza cutters through to the ground. I just remember the push button 4x4 on the shifter.

Best car I ever had was a ‘78 wagon. One summer day I took it up a dirt road and found a ski lift tower with a lifted jeep parked - I had driven up the Berthod Pass ski are bunny slope. Best car ever.

The cyclops eye was on the 82’ brat. It was a passing light, but I think that is the only time it was used. The 1800 engine started with the 81’ gen 1 body style and then on to the gen 2 body style until 1987 .

I had a 1980 Chevy LUV , 4 Wheel Drive with Pos - track . I put L-78 15's , Mud and Snow on it and it was a Monster . I WAS ALWAYS PULLING OUT FULL SIZED TRUCKS That was Stuck . And On the Open Road I got about 25 MPG . --------- I Miss that Truck like family .

My brother had one and we took it everywhere only drawback was wheel width- but he reversed the rims and then it fit in the big truck ruts and that helped alot. Was a lot of fun.

That was my first car I ever bought with my mowing money when I was a teenager, it was the first generation 1979 !!

I loved the Suburu Brat when it came out. I always wanted one with the jump seats in the back. The canopy was one of the best options, in my opinion. I was also into AMC Eagle SX4 and Eagle wagons. My family had a Jeep Wagoneer, and I've owned two Jeep Cherokee XJs and currently own a Wrangler JK (2 door of course).

Lil Subby is the GOAT! I had a friend that had light tan sedan and we went everywhere in it, wish I could remember how well it did, but I was 16 or 17 and red eyed 95% of the time when cruised through the snow in it, I don’t remember us getting stuck or wrecking and a bunch of times I just remember waking up on the back porch, but I think it got me home! GREAT VIDEO!!!♥️♥️♥️ I do remember in about 2 years the rust matched the tab paint, I never saw a car rust out that fast, it was gone!

My Loyale wagon had push button 4WD and manual 5 speed. Loved it. It could go anywhere. Almost. Got it high centred once after a 50cm snowfall when I ran into the snow bank that a snow plough left at an intersection.

Looks like Subaru deserved to be branded as the official car of the US Ski Team for a reason

My parents had a 81' Subaru Station Wagon all through the 80s. You could drive it anywhere!!

Love seeing these kinds of videos! I’d like to see what yall can do with some better tires and maybe even do some camping?? Your far and few in between camp videos are always welcome!

Great video. Actually smiled watching it.

I dont really buy into the hype that AWD, low ground clearance sedans and wagons are really that competent in extreme off road or snowy conditions due to their low ground clearance, but this little Brat is pretty impressive! Id be willing to bet its better at difficult off roading than a newer hippie mom Subaru 😂😅

drove a '78 wagon sixty miles thru the Feather River Canyon during massive snow storm. It wouldn't quit. Amazing vehicle.

Thanks for a trip down memory lane, I had a 79 Brat in the early 80's..fun little rig!

So glad to see Tommy back on camera!

Even with that hideous paint that little guy is such a beast in the snow

Looks like fun. Thanks for video!

My ‘88 GL wagon with studded snowtires went ANYWHERE!

I had a 78 and 79 wagon in central NY with 4wd I could go anywhere in the snow!! That interior brings back memories!! I’m 6’2. We packed 8 kids in that wagon.

I had two of the 80's versions with the two speed transfer cases. They were good in the upstate New York winters except for the road salt destroying the rear shock mounts. I miss both of them, real good on gas.

Love those front light. Had friends with old Justys and legacys. Had to keep them revving high. Great in the snow

Loved watching this. Didn’t know a thing about older Subaru’s. This was awesome!

I had one I loved in the snow. I was only able to get it stuck once. It drove on top of a snow drift instead of through it, got to the top, and sunk up to the windows.

I've had 4 Subaru's including 2 now. I've driven in as much as 2 feet of snow. Never gotten stuck ! Now I've damaged the front lower air damn a few times ! Love Subies. Do the maintenance ant they will last forever !

I had a 1978 with bull bar bumper guard, sunroof, rollbar, working lights on top of the black rollbar. It was white with red/yellow stripe kit. Traded it in on a larger Ford truck. Wish I still had it. Great driver.

I hope you guys “restore” it back original. Starting with an engine overhaul!! Either way Ill keep watching

We had an old 68 IH scout we used as yard truck on the farm. Many times we would have about 2.5- 3' fluffy lake effect snow in November. My friends and I would take turns Bajaing on out fields. Good times 😅

Of course they were! Reason why Subarus were the go to auto in the mountains.... Family was a Subaru family 70s through early 90s. I still remember getting in 85 my 1st hand me down 81 GL wagon "cyclops" it had the center flip up pass light. Thing would turf through anything (even in fwd) and I beat the heck out of it as a young teen. Honestly I wish they still had a selectable 4wd like the old days.

Here in Australia they were very popular to many older semi-retired farmers. I drove my grandads from Adelaide to Darwin and back again. But Subaru Australia called them a Brumby not a Brat.

My version of a go anywhere under any conditions car was a 1965 Dodge Dart with bias ply winter tires. One of the worst Pittsburgh winter snow storms came along. And I passed stuck trucks of all sorts and jeeps going up the Parkway West. I did a slalom going up the hill and grinned every inch of the way.

I love those old Subaru white wagon wheels.

I had a 79 Subaru BRAT when I was in high school. It was a blast. I loved driving it on the Jeep trails. It looked like Tommy's Subaru, except it was white.

You should try a Toyota Tercel 4Wd wagon. I had an 83 back in 85, and it was a blast in the snow.

Ten! Ten people. I had to make it ten people watching, and I loved it. Now you need to get some BFG KO2’s small enough to stuff underneath, and you’d be unstoppable.

Always loved those cars.

Had an '82 Brat and loved it. Except for the seats on a long trip.

I'm in northern Alberta, Canada and I always loved the Brat even though there was only one in my town growing up, and it belonged to a good friends girlfriend and he used it hard impressing me on what it could do and how rugged it was.

Red '79 BRAT, BF Goodrich all terrains. Unstoppable in the snow. I paid 4 grand for mine in 83.

We drove such inappropriate cars back in the 70s. I lived in Northern New York in the snow belt and drove a '72 Plymouth Wagon that weighed over 5,000 pounds. The only advantages I had for Winter driving were massive weight, and studded snow tires. Once I got going, nothing could stop me!

A couple of friends had Brats back in the day. They were tough little trucklets.

So much want. I had an 83 2 door DL hatchback awd and it was a riot.

I saw some familiar roads in your model t video! I live fairly close to y'all then! hopeful I will see y'all on the road one of these days! down in boulder I work at the Shelby American collection! maybe see y'all there at some point!

LOVE to Have that!!!!! Always loved them!!!!!

I don't think I have ever seen a Brat with a cap on the back. Nice.

The jump seats always make me laugh. “Alright kids. Strap in.” 😂

Of course 70s cars can handle winter. We drove them in winter all the time. Good tires and you are good to go.

I loved my 89 Subaru GL with high and low 4wd

I've driven my 1978 Grand Marquis sedan in heavy snow twice and it did great. Snow tires in the rear, retreads in the front. Use snow driving techniques like starting with momentum, slowly easing off the gas on the way up, and wiggling the tires to clear snow. You'll be fine. The salt is another matter...

I had one nearly the same as you are driving. Love it would go anywhere in the snow. I paid $300 for it and welded in new floors and used it for years. Great in snow and regret selling it; sure wish they made them today I would own another one hands down.

Awesome!! Seems like a fun little truck. I'm jealous now, lol

Always loved these. I had a 78' It was totally gutless and cheap though. We also had a 86' loyale 2dr liftback which also had a truck like transfer case and it was a lot better. I 4wheeled the heck out of that thing to my wife's dismay (was her daily).

Awesome! Please please please compare it to the new Taco under the same conditions.

How well any vehicle performs in snow is dependent on the drivers experience, and the handling of the vehicle!

Those Brats are fun in the snow for sure. Hope to see if you guys try it out in some m some mud…that will be some real fun 🙂

Car looks honestly so good.

Subaru needs to bring the Brat and the Baja back in a modern day vehicle. Small trucks are on a come back and these two would sell. With their global platform it shouldn't be to difficult.

That is PacNW snow right there.

A tamiya brat colour scheme would look superb

Love these, but preferably with the x-wing tops (kind of like T-tops). Not much use for them in sunny south Florida, but still cool.

The green and blue reminds me of the "Intel Inside" logo with the hologram. Although with Roman and Tommy inside I guess it's "No Intel Inside"😅

I live in Florida (I have since 2010), I did move from Oklahoma and earlier moved from Arkansas. So I know snow and more really ICE storms! But idt we ever had 1 or 2 ft of snow!! BUTT living in Florida soo long I don't own any heavy coats and I think 50°F is cold!! Lol. I couldn't even imagine what 20s would even feel like! (Ill tell you I probably wouldn't go outside for very long lol)

so i kinda like the lining and the colors. it makes it look sporty. I'd leave it as is and drive it till the wheels fell off

I had an 87 and it was honestly one of the best vehicles i have ever owned.

Really wish Subaru liked you guys. Would love to see more Subaru content

Had the same Brat with a SNOW WAY plow on it

I had 1977 wagon and it had high and low range, a great car

I had an 84 GL with those same wheels, and the spare tire on the engine

And the seats are sick sick.

I would argue different. You would want sticky snow for traction. Dont blame the snow but blame you not picking the right tire and size for the adventure.

A big part of it is the weight of the vehicle. Any of these 70s/80s/90s 4WD cars that weigh 3500lbs or less glide across the snow and mud in comparison to modern trucks and SUVs that weigh double that and sink into the snow.

I had a Subaru Chaser for a bunch of years, great little rally car... and!! 4WD shift on the fly, and!! hi-lo transfer and adjustable spring height. Unfortunately ... late 80's rust pot, so sad to see it go. 500$ to buy about 1000$ in repairs over 5 years...

need to find a vintage Jimny for a slow snow covered drag race

That Brat looks like it just popped out of LS Customs :)

These and the toyota tercel wagons 4wd's are some of the best mini offroaders

Oh damn! I can remember when this vehicle looked modern.

Just started and I know how bad ass old Subaru are mom had a wagon sick to have one today off road great. Another very very good truck. Isuzu trooper original 2door with the 4 in it in Oregon I could not find a place to get stuck. 40mph stalk on log roads 4wd nigh smooth like ice like drinking my beer not spill a drop 40plus. Holes 2feet wide foot deep or more just eating it.

My mother had an '82 Blue Subaru wagon GL. She lived on the Upper Hillside in Anchorage, Ak where when it snows they'll get average 1 ft or more easy. The far cry of the HILARIOUS "Snow" in All of Colorady. Ohhh the Mts that surround Anchorage are as Tall as Coloradys Tallest😂 so yeah. Real mountains Real snow & No problem for those older Subarus AND COUPLE That with REAL DEDICATED Studded tires? Oooh buddy! Be able to take on 1 of your Chest Beating 16 ft lifted Screams I'm 🤏🤣out back ya know where the poser & you all don't wanna take your Grenadier