I think it is fair to say that the weather conditions in the Northeast and other snow areas are hard on any car. Low slung sports cars like the Box are very prone to damage to the suspension and undercarriage. Pot holes are very hard on low cars and the winters and salt are rust developers.
That is why SOCAL is the best location for finding used Porsches. The sun is our biggest issue and that is easily handled as compared to say, what New Englanders face (hey, they do have the Pats and BOSOX!).
As to these snow drivers being morons, well, many folks can only afford one car and they simply choose one of the world's best. You can 't help but admire them for that.
And, it is my opinion that we here in CA have the nation's worst drivers. But, that is not a fact, just an opinion.
