Hi,

I've done quite a bit of ready into the subject, but almost every response I have seen is either just speculation or is extremely obvious responses like 'drive carefully'. There is probably a good thread like this already, if someone could link me to it that would be awesome as I have not been able to find one.

I live in Edmonton, AB. Winters here can get quite cold, about -20 celsius on average with some spikes to -40 or so for a weak or two. Though, relatively speaking, we do not receive a huge amount of snow, about 123cm in a winter.

My question is, how manageable would a 350z be for a year-round car in this climate? Purchasing a winter beater is not something I really want to do. This is of course assuming that I will be purchasing the best possible snow tires, possibly some sand bags in the back, and a 350z with traction control. I am also no stranger to winter driving, so driving carefully is a given.

Also, assuming that I don't hit a snowbank or anything, how bad is winter driving for a 350z? There is no salt on the roads here, but there is a fair amount of sand and gravel. At the moment I am driving a Sunfire, how would a 350z be in light snow compared to a average FWD car such as this?

Any information you guys could give would be greatly appreciated, or if there is another thread on this topic that I could be redirected too.

Thanks!

 

I live in Colorado and I'm experienced with winter weather also. However I wouldn't drive a m/t rwd sports car in the snow no matter what, too risky. My fwd GST was hard enough in the snow and I hit a fair share of curbs with it.

If it's an auto and your really going to do tires, etc. Go for it.

 

If I purchase a 350z it will definitely be standard. Though, also something to keep in mind, Edmonton generally only receives 2-3 blizzards a year, and I have no problem keeping the car in the garage for a day or two while they clear the roads. The rest of the winter the roads are pretty much free of snow.

 

Makes sense then. I wouldn't worry about it.

The reason I was saying manuals are more difficult is because I use to always have wheel spin when moving from a stop and in the lower gears on packed roads.

 

True enough, but starting from 2nd or even 3rd can usually keep that under control.

 

True but it wasn't at 18 psi

 

Sorry but I have little to add to this well covered subject.

 

haha david always makes me laugh

 

there is no specualtion about it. 350z + snow = fail

 

You need more ready.

 

350z + rain = near fail. I can't imagine snow. I've surprised my self accellerating in a straight line in rain(not pleasantly)

 

pheen,

I live three hours from you and drive my 350Z year-round in the snow. You will have nothing to worry about if you buy some really good winter tires and have a Z equipped with VDC. I put four sand bags in the back during winter months and try to always have at least a half tank of gas when it is really snowy. I have had 3 seasons in the Winter with this car, no problem.

 

I forgot to mention, I drive a standard as well.. If the snow is too much, I don't drive it that day. But that maybe happens three or four days in the winter season.

 

The tire matters more than the car. I would look at Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires. They will allow you to get far more traction in the winter than any other performance tire will, and you wont have to switch out for winter tires every season. I have driven one winter in the snow, it is fine until the snow gets to my bumper then i have the "snowplow" effect and get stuck (im dropped). As Evan said, with sandbags (or in my case a 65 lb subwoofer box) you will be fine. Just make sure you get heated seats .

 

you live in an area where 3/4 of the year is snow and ice. i would really consider getting a cheap and reliable winter beater if i were you.

 

/thread

 

A couple of points: If you get a Z, dig down deep under the hood on the driver’s side for a coiled up 110 volt power cord, as Canadian Z’s come factory equipped with a block heater. Sports cars with minimal ground clearance don’t do deep snow well and the Z is no exception. That being said with the appropriate tires a Z can chug through light or packed snow moderately well. I live in Vancouver where it rarely gets much below freezing so all season tires work fine for me, but they would be little frozen bricks at the frigid temps in Edmonton, you need the low temperature abilities of real snow tires.

Be sure to get a model above the base, as it lacks the limited slip rear differential of the of the higher models. The LSD makes a huge difference in the ability to get going on a slippery hill. The traction control on the Z is of the nanny variety, as it will also kill engine power with the mere hint of wheel spin. To get up my steep driveway in icy or slushy conditions, I must switch off the traction control, and use some significant wheel spin to break through the slush.

I don’t find my manual transmission or rear wheel drive to be such a big deal in the snow. After all,(Mr Ruthless18x) my grandmother and my mother both used that combination in the snow, so I can handle it as well.

 

I know plenty of people who put on Blizzaks or a similar high quality snow tire on all four corners and have no problems at all in the snow. Deep snow/ground clearance will be your only issue.

 

@EvanV: Thanks, thats pretty much the exact info I was looking for.

@BoomerZ33: 3/4 is a huge exaggeration.

@Jennifer 2: Thanks for the info about the LSD and the block heater, thats wicked to know.

Well, this pretty much confirmed what I was thinking. Obviously a Z isn't the greatest winter car, but with snow tires, a bit of weight in the back, and keeping it in the garage after the 2-3 snowstorms, it should be far from unmanageable.

 

Less your a complete moron, driving in the snow should not be that difficult. Things you have to watch out for is hills, or red lights at the top of hills. and certain areas to start off at a roll to get some grip. But this is with mostly any car for that matter.

You also cannot just jam on the gas, you have to ease on it (6sp) till you feel the vehicle grip nicely and move. Same goes for (auto) but that is a little easier to control out of the gates, so to say.

I personally came out of a comedy show in New Brunswick NJ, and it had blizzard outside. I ended up not loosing it on an uphill battle when a taxi stopped in front of me.

If it looks like your going to be plowing the snow with your Z then i suggest not to even attempt to move it.

It all comes down to the decision at hand depending on what type of weather is outside.