I'd get a stick, but if you're a new driver, I'd think twice before getting a V8 stang unless you have control. It's a pretty powerful 1'st car.
As far as snow, best advice would be to park it if you're near Buffalo or Syracuse. I don't even drive my stang in ANY snow.
You can have lots of fun with it on or off the race track in the dry weather.
Good luck
