driving in cold temperature

If you are talking about the engine, the colder, denser air does give a bit more hp.

 

I agree, I really like driving my 550 when it gets cold, and I also drive until it gets salty. Something even more special about a V-12 Ferrari out and about when most people have already put their summer cars away.

 

At a constant air pressure a change in the temperature of 20°C to 4°C makes a difference in hp from about 2.8%. That would be in the case of a 456 approx. 12hp.

BTW: A change in barometric pressure of 1013hPa to 1042hPa makes also a difference in hp from about 2.8%.
Conclusion: with a little bit luck you can tune your car for no money.

 

The engine drives better but the tires don't particularly like the colder weather

 

That's why I switch from my Michelin PSS to Continental DWS once the temps drop, makes a huge difference. With the Michelins, the traction control is constantly intervening, with the all seasons, no problems. The MPSS turn into hockey pucks once the temp drops to single digits (Celsius). I happen to have 2 sets of wheels (car came with both), so it's easy to swap in the garage.

 

And so.....if you want the pop of the winter dense air in the summer what you do is run straight water or water methanol in the windshield reservoir. You plumb the output of the reservoir to atomizers exiting into the intake and add requisite electronics. The atomized water will cool the intake charge and give you a nice horsepower boost you can actually feel at the seat of your pants.

 

Thermal efficiency of an internal combustion engine is also improved in cooler ambient temperatures. I think that's what daniel was getting at with his example.

The cooler, denser air does create more drag though. So your 0-60 times might be a wash. :^)