garage makeover
 

Ok so I have a problem...I cant seem to decide whether I want to keep my BRZ or sell it in place of two cars.

The replacement vehicles in question would be a 2015 WRX and a ninja 300.

Since I live in the PNW, would the WRX be worth the AWD or would i be just fine with my brz? I havent had this car for a winter yet and have only driven FWD and AWD in the snow.

Anyone care to offer some advice?

Do whatever makes you happy man. We really can't decide for you. I'm struggling with my BRZ decision also.

Well, if it helps any, I had a 2008 Shelby GT500 that I daily drove for 2 years in Virginia. That means I got to drive in both rain, snow and ice. Not ideal, but it can be done. Considering these cars make so little torque, especially down low, I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Especially if you put some good all weather tires on it. of course, if you're getting tired of the car or just ready for a change, well I'm sure the 2015 WRX would be alot of fun.

FWIW my old STI hatch was much better in the snow than my FR-S.

That said, my advice would be to mount snow tires and rear ballast on your BRZ and see how it does this winter. If it gives you a lot of issues, then go with the WRX + bike. It's not like Subaru is going to discontinue the WRX anytime soon, so no harm waiting and giving the BRZ a shot.

I daily drove my FRS last winter in Chicago with a cheap set of snow tires on the stock wheels, and the car was an absolute blast to drive. With summer tires its not possible to, but if you invest in a winter alternative, turn off traction control and you'll find out what the little boxxer is actually capable of. Good luck!

AWD is overkill for rain :thumbsup:

That being said, bikes will offer a much more "pure" driving experience than any car can. The FR-S definitely gets left at home a lot more than my bikes when the weather is nice.

Last winter was horrible, the worst winter I can remember ever having to drive in and the first real winter of driving my FR-S in those kind of conditions. The first winter I owned this car it just fine on the stock all-seasons, but last winter I was so glad I sprung for the snow tires. Put some good snow tires on it and you'll do just fine. You might have to take it slow if it gets bad, but the nannies are really good at keeping you pointed forward, so even if you start to slide, unless it's really bad, you should be fine.

winter tires if you're really worried about the odd snow the PNW gets or get some really good all season tires for when the weather averages less than 45 and wet. Continental DWS is a great tire for just that.

I bought my bike first. Then I bought my BRZ, then I sold my bike. For me, the BRZ offers a lot of the fun of the bike, but with air conditioning and without the risk of painful death. Especially around where I live. It's too hot and there are too many drunks.

For snow, a good set of actual snow tires, not all seasons, will do nicely. All seaons are great for lower temps and rain, but not so good on snow and ice.

Thanks for the replies guys, I wont be deciding until after this winter, if I'm still considering it. Ill just slap on some nice winter tires on the stockers and see how well that goes.

Used to drive up to Crystal Mt. and Alpental all the time in a 64 Pontiac Le Mons or a 64 Plymouth Savoy.
Never had a problem with the appropriate cables. Ran cheap retread bias ply tires.

You don't NEED AWD to get around. Marketing.

Last winter in Seattle, we only got about 1 inch of snow for one day. No big deal.

I've got two bikes though 8)

get rid of the stock tires at least and give it some good winter tires :) should be fine. Or you can be hardcore and garage the 86 and put studded tires on the bike during the winter. :P