Um, power power and more power!
For your specific area, and car that has forced induction (supercharger or turbocharger) will work much better at altitude because the thin air is not an issue. In a Forced Induction Engine (FIE) the engine sucks air in, compresses it before it gets to the engine to make in denser, and then cools it off, again to make it denser, and then sends it into the engine. This process helps a FIE breath better at altitude.
I'll tell you one thing, a MINI Cooper S will NOT have any problems in the mountains! I have maintained 80+ MPH uphill in every mountanous region I have been in!
Personally I think its hard to have too much power, so I would always advise an
MCS!
ciao
RM
