BRZ vs. Snow?

[trackmagic]

Most of the cars I see crashed in the snow are FWD sports-"looking" cars that young girls drive. I don't think the car is the issue normally.

I think a RWD car is better when it is dry since you will have more control. By that logic you should own a RWD car because it is dry most of the time in NY. A FWD or AWD car is better in the snow, but no better than the RWD is better than a FWD in the dry. You just need to be careful (as does everybody else).

[thill]

I am more worried about ice than snow. Honestly, get snow tires, weigh down the back of the car with some salt bags, have an emergency kit to dig yourself out, and drive slow and you will be okay.

I have seen more SUV's in the ditch than sports cars because people get over confident and drive to fast. AWD/4x4 does not help you stop if there is ice and you are going to fast.....

[Laika]

Originally Posted by brzninja

I'm having the same worries...where I live in PA we either get pounded with snow or have a very light winter. Guess I'll be getting another set of wheels! Though I am glad to hear that others with RWD cars are not having much problems!

PA is incredibly random. What did we have last year? 3 inches? Btw what part of PA are you in?

[brzninja]

Originally Posted by Laika

PA is incredibly random. What did we have last year? 3 inches? Btw what part of PA are you in?

I'm not going to lie, last years winter is one of the main reasons I even started considering the BRZ (actually started with the 370Z).

I live in the great* Pittsburgh area.




*pothole

[Smudgeous]

You could do what I did.. vacate the northeast for the sunshine state. Some people down here have still only ever seen snow in movies

[Lytheum]

will adding weights/sand in the trunk help at all?

[thill]

Originally Posted by Lytheum

will adding weights/sand in the trunk help at all?

Yes. It will give you additional traction over the back wheels. A good thing on a RWD car

[whaap]

I spent most of my life in the snow belt state of Michigan and I never let the snow be a factor in deciding what I wanted to drive. Admittedly I spent a few winters when I would use my wife's VW Bug to cut a path in our driveway so I could get my Corvette out of the garage.

If and when it comes to ice it won't matter what you're driving.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by Phaedrus29

I drove my 93 Mustang GT in Ithaca, NY in many bad winters. Obviously I couldn't move at all with summer tires but the car handled amazingly well once I threw some snow tires on. I suppose I'll do that with the BRZ too, but like others, I'm more worried about clearance and what the salt on the road will do to the beautifulness.

salt is a fact in winter,however it is because of this FACT,that
"car washes" are in vogue! make sure ys get it "all" off from under the car,and you should experience no problems with corrosion,also,before winter,apply a "good " car wax on the exterior,AND spray anti-corrosion
chemical on your wheels,OR use vasoline for protection!

j.t.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by R8

The only thing you guys might worry about a little is how light the BRZ is compared to heavier RWD sports cars which do OK in snow. Might be a factor?

it WILL be a factor! "ballast" is very important with regards to proper traction too! the heavier the vehicle ,the better the traction,coupled with
proper snow tires!

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by WRXGuy1

It also has less inertia when stopping or turning

this is very true! the tendency to slide is greater,however can be mitigated a great deal by "light" throttle,and cautious steering in the white stuff!.it also will help tremedousely by getting your ass off the road during major storms ,IF possible! like i try to do,get my butt off the road and let the plow guys do their thing! 5 inches of ground clearance isn't a "hell" of a lot,because you do NOT want to find yourself in a condition where you are trying to drive in deeper snow,because in MY view,you will be f**ked!
and the snow will "lift" you up off the road,regardless whether you are running dedicated snows ,or not!..just sayin'

j.t.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by Partial Stall

As far as traction is concerned, heavier is always better. It's easier for the tires to crunch through loose snow. Skinny tires will also help because they have less surface area so more of the weight is in one spot. Don't listen to people saying wider tires are better in the snow. It's absolutely false, and in fact the other way around.

this is "dead nuts" accurate!

j.t.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by whaap

I spent most of my life in the snow belt state of Michigan and I never let the snow be a factor in deciding what I wanted to drive. Admittedly I spent a few winters when I would use my wife's VW Bug to cut a path in our driveway so I could get my Corvette out of the garage.

If and when it comes to ice it won't matter what you're driving.

the statement about "ice" is "dead nuts" accurate! it won't matter 2 sh*ts
WHAT you drive if "untreated" ice is encountered! also "black" ice is "unseen" ice, and can be especially hazardous!

j.t.

[ngabdala]

Salt does not become corrosive until warmer weather.