For me, it's the other way around, I only started the special conditions yesterday. My first try was the Toyota RSC from the second SC-race. I couldn't get it around the Grand Canyon with a decent time, so, since I had some cash to spend (left over from the Cleared Professional Hall and 2 Endurance races), I bought the Peugeot 206 WRC, first try: won easily with more A-spec points (4, it's not a lot but better then 1 ;-) )
I still can't get used to driving on ice and snow but I'll manage soon enough (did so on Colin Mc R. Rally so I also will on GT4.
Anyone any suggestions for settings, I only tried default!