Currently 49 degrees Fahrenheit here in Tampa. Not a big deal for you PNW thugs. Down here however that is at least 35 degrees cooler than normal. So I drove to work this morning in this brisk temp and immediately noticed a difference in the car. (Other than a few extra cranks at start) I could hear the difference out the tail pipe. It had a much deeper growl under acceleration, and was louder. I thought I had a leak develop overnight in the exhaust system.
When I stopped for some smokes and to fill it up, I covered up the exit hole and nothing, to my relief. So as I drove in, I could tell a noticeable difference in its pep, and also it seems to be building boost a tad bit faster. I know that the air is denser and the combustion chamber loves that, but man o man it almost has me wanting to migrate north just for the fun factor! Maybe like NC though. Nothing crazy, ef snow.
I imagined how you would all probably be appalled at the performance of your vehicle if ya came down here in the dead of summer.
Just thought I'd share.
Home town average high is 50 F in the winter and 60 in the summer. Lows of 40 and 50 F with a constant RH above 60% All because of the great big air conditioner west of us.
Get farther in and things change a great deal. Weather is constant and so is the performance of the car. We are in the sweet spot for diesels, at least I think so.
Even my TDI changes pitch this time of year. You should hear the racket the diesel pickup I drive creates when it fires up at -40°!
When I still my 1971 2.2 liter beetle, I would love driving it in spring and fall when it was colder and raining. I'm sure it had a good 10 extra hp from all that dense, oxygen filled air
Nothing quite like a day with cold air but good sun to give you warm sticky pavement. Engine up to operating temps and let'r go.
(not good for tire life though.)