Right now I am trying to decide between buying the 350Z and the Acura TSX. One of the biggest differences is RWD vs FWD. I live in Rhode Island so driving in the snow is a bit of an issue. I can't imagine making a decision based on driving in condition that might occur 2 weeks out of the year. Is the 350Z extremely bad in the snow? Or is it no worse than the average pick-up or car. Also the dealer said it was fine to put in 89 octane, but I just read what someone posted that is in the manual about 91. Can you get away with 89? Thanks!

 

1. The car is fine in the snow with the proper tires. DO NOT try driving the car with the stock summer tires. If you are used to a RWD car, you will be fine with winter tires.

2. Use 91+ octane. It is only a few bucks more per tank. Do not skimp on this one. The manual requires 91, use 91 (or 93).

 

Also, read the sticky at the top of this page:

350Z's USE PREMIUM GASOLINE

 

A familly FWD 4 sedan vs a RWD Sport coupe ???

Get the Z if you don't need cargo space. Get winter tires.

 

There is just no comparing the Z and the TSX. While the TSX is a sweet little sedan, the Z owns it in every way except.......driving in the snow. I live on Long Island and have only tried to drive my Z in the snow one time. I got stuck in 1" of snow(of course with my summer tires) A remedy is buy the Z and a beater. I bought a 95 Corolla that I use in winter and as a daily driver. The insurance is cheap and gas mileage great. Also don't put anything less than 91 octane in the Z.

 

The Z is a no go in snow or even a couple days after snow... At least not safely...

There are a few among us who can drive the Z with snow-tires, but I'd venture to guess the TSX with summer tires will outhandle a Z with snow tires for most average drivers.

Further, you really only get snow 2 weeks a year there?!

I think you'll be better with the TSX, especially if you are considering comparing the 2 and buying cheap gasoline.

 

I wouldn't even try, but I don't like to risk things like that when I have a second car to crap around in

 

350Z + snow = hello telephone pole.

 

I live in Mass real close to Rhode Island. The Z is fine in the snow just as long as you have mud and snow tires. I never got stuck once.

 

Can you drive on the summer tires when it's cold, if there's no snow? I live in No. VA, and won't bother with getting snow tires because we don't get snow all that often and I have my Maxima for when we do. But does the compound in the summer tires tend to lose flexibility as the temp. goes down?

I'm just wondering if I should plan on garaging the car entirely from December through mid-February or if I can drive it ok as long as there's no snow.

 

Ive driven the Zed in the snow on stock tires..I was fine until anything major had to happen..IE go faster than 15 mph, turn, etc. If you buy a sports car, be prepared for these little things!

 

No comparison...

 

i live in Alaska and ill be getting a Z in a few weeks. paper work is the only thing holding me back. and im plan on fully driving the Z in the winter (6 months long)

but i only plan on driving it to work, not every where. you should have a back up plan. mine is my wifes F-150.

just get winter tires and drive carefully.

 

I disagree that the TSX with summers will out handle the Z with snows in the winter. Maybe in acelaration it will (a bit), but in stopping and cornering...no way. Think about it, four tires touching the ground, snow tires will always perform better.

 

I do have an Olds Alero I could keep as a beater, but the service engine light came on this morning, so it is just giving me more reasons to get rid of it. I am under 25, so the insurance company is out to get me. The winter is much longer than 2 weeks, but I am talking about maximum snow days. Do you guys think it is possible to get the dealer to put all-seasons on it before I buy it? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask. Thanks for all the help!

 

Interested at all in a WRX/STi? AWD always wins the snow arguement.

 

Dealer will probably not put different tires on it. You can always buy them and do it yourself or find a shop to do it for you.

 

All seasons are not going to work very well on the Z for winter... you need SNOW TIRES... aka, Blizzaks, etc. I tried the all-season thing once and almost died 2 winters ago.

 

Are snow tires any good for the summer? If I buy those I cannot put them on the stock rims without ruining the stock tires, right? So I would have to buy a whole set of snow tires with rims and swap them as needed. Or sell the stock tires on the rims, but who buy them? It just kind of makes me sick that driving in the snow is the only obstacle to getting this car. The WRX/STi is no more sporty than the TSX based on appearence. Plus, the Z is actually roomier, in my opinion, when compared to the WRX and TSX.

 

I drove my Z all last winter here in Minnesota. Make sure you get some good snow tires - Blizzaks, Dunlops, etc.. drive slow and you'll be just fine. I used Dunlops Snow tires last season and actaully did better than some sedans with all season tires. My wife has a new Mazda 3 and I was able to get around better than her on snowy days. Be smart and it will work just fine.

As far as snow tires you can use them in the summer but it is not recommended. They have a softer compound than other tires and wear down a lot faster in warm weather. One summer of driving on the winter tires and that will pretty much be it for them. If you switch them in and out for winter use only they should last a good 3 seasons. Don't bother with all season tires- they will give you a limited benefit for all seasons. Just get snow tires. Check E-bay if you are concerned about the cost. Sometimes you can pick up some used winter tires for cheap. Otherwise use Tirerack or another online tire retailer, they usually have the best prices.

Using them on stock rims is just fine and will not cause any issues at all. I would recommned, if you have the money, get a seperate set of cheaper rims and have the winter tires mounted on them. It makes it easier and cheaper as you can change out your wheels every winter yourself in your garage without having to pay $100-120 at the beginning and the end of the season to mount and remove the winter tires. I have the 18" rims on my Nissan and switch them out in the winter for 17" cheaper rims* with snow tires. *Note that this will not work with the brembo brake kits due to them being to large.

As for this year- my girl will taking the winter off. You can drive them in the snow but it's a sad sad sight when they have to sit covered with salt and grim in the garage. All said and done it just might be cheaper for you to get a winter beater for $1000 or less and take a break from car insurance on the Z for a couple months. Brand new winter tires plus mounting an unmounting alone will probably run you close to $1000 if not more.

Keep in mind this is a rear wheel sports car. If you want an all season machine that will suit every season get the Acura or the Subaru. If you want the sports car get the Z but realize that this a completely different car. My good friend has a STI and loves it to death. Drives it all year long without issue. If you want something that will perform like this get the Acura or the Subaru.