I'm on the verge of buying a 350z but have a couple of questions. This car is going to be a year-round driver but won't be used in the snow unless completely necessary. Is the traction control offered with the enthusiast model a big must or does it not make a huge difference? If I get a set of winter tires, is it necessary to get the enthusiast model? I'm gonna be living on long island so the snowfall won't be too bad..thanks!

 

I live in North NJ and get along fine in the winter without TC. As long as you avoid the really big snow falls(like the 2 footer at the end of winter) you should be fine. I use all seasons too but winter tires would be a help thing to have.

 

Your best purchase would be snow tires. I bought a 370 this year and it absolutely would not go on the snow with stock tires. I bought some Bridgestone Blizzaks and they were awesome. I went zipping by cars with FWD and 4WD with no problems. Of course I work in KY and most don't have a clue how to drive on dry pavement let alone snow. TC is nice, but not 100% necessary.

 

Welcome. Please search and read.

 

I drive my Z year around, and in the winter months, in snow and on ice.

TCS and/or VDC is “nice to have,” but not “need to have” for winter driving.

You must have snow tires to drive on snow and ice. I mount 4 studless snow tires (you need to stop as well as go).

--Spike

 

long island daily z driver here had z for 2 snow seasons stock tires sucked the tires i had on this year worked much better but snow tires and traction control and a lsd are a big must if you get stuck just rock it it will come out i drove my z right out and it was covered with snow over the roof just be smart and you will be good i loved passing by all the hoda ricers stock in snow on my summer tires lol

 

stop answering him

 

thanks a lot guys..I'm new on this site but i'll make sure to do a search before i ask any more repetitive questions davidv

 

Its all good. Bottom line is that the 350Z was never designed to be driven in snow. You can make it work with 4 snow tires. Be careful.

 

Yeah, i'm looking to use it use it as little as i can during the winter but when necessary it looks like i'll be able to make it with a nice set of blizzaks

 

You won't regret it.

Keep your eyes open for sales. I bought some for my 370 and paid $139 apiece (Tirerack). Another site had them for $247. Tires, rims and shipping for around $1250.

 

So how does a 350Z with snow tires compare to a run of the mill FWD econobox (civic, corolla, etc) in average winter conditions?

 

The 350z is sexier!

If you know how to drive on the snow, it's fine. I tried to slide mine around corners (I didn't try REAL hard though) and it was fine.

 

My 350z with 4 studless snow tires is way better than my Saab (FWD with AS tires) in snow and on ice.

It’s not the car or FWD/AWD; it’s the tires that make the difference.

--Spike

 

Yes, be careful... this past winter (MD) was brutal... had to put it away for three weeks as sliding was persistent this winter.... with Traction Control engaged.

 

What tires do you have?

--Spike

 

sounds like it's doable!

 

Keep an eye out for a set of used 350z oem 17s. They're perfect for winter shoes.

 

u have any good suggestions of where I can find those?

 

Another alternative to blizzaks are the Vredestein Wintraks. I Live in North Chicago and they worked great this past winter. Obviously you still have to drive carefully because it's still easy to go sideways on any corner.