Should i buy a Z or another mini ?
02-02-2009, 06:32 AM
#21
Hahaha,... Yeah Winter Tires or Snow Tires, whatever you want to call them.
Really All Season tires are not meant for the winter though. The name is a bit misleading. Kind of like one size fits all, well fits most except for the extremes right? When it comes to tires, the extreme they mean is snow.
Really All Season tires are not meant for the winter though. The name is a bit misleading. Kind of like one size fits all, well fits most except for the extremes right? When it comes to tires, the extreme they mean is snow.
02-02-2009, 07:05 AM
#22
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Never had problem with my Z on winter tires. Winter tires were 3 yrs old and car was lowered almost 2". No problem.
No VDC helps a lot if you know how to control it.
No VDC helps a lot if you know how to control it.
02-02-2009, 09:15 AM
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This is my second winter with the Z (07 ZR) - My opinion:
- you spent the $$ on the Z buy good winter tires
- Z handles great IMO in snow - I had a jeep and other than the clearance issue .. the Z drives just as well - if not better with the VDC
- remember its a sports car - adjust your driving habbits .. take it easy when there is snow or cold temps .. dont floor it like you woiuld in the summer
- you spent the $$ on the Z buy good winter tires
- Z handles great IMO in snow - I had a jeep and other than the clearance issue .. the Z drives just as well - if not better with the VDC
- remember its a sports car - adjust your driving habbits .. take it easy when there is snow or cold temps .. dont floor it like you woiuld in the summer
02-02-2009, 04:08 PM
#25
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I've driven a week in snow on summer tires (was selling car, new owner wanted to see it on OEM rims...)
Didn't have much problem... just requires a LOT of patience and tolerance of honking
Didn't have much problem... just requires a LOT of patience and tolerance of honking
02-02-2009, 09:20 PM
#26
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I have 225s all around on 17 inch steelies (non brembo). You always want to go with a smaller width tire in the winter, gives you better traction. Keep in mind that I don't have VDC, only TCS. And like most people are saying, the Z is not a fantastic car to drive in the winter. But if you do spend some cash on a set of good winter tires (not all seasons), you can definitely manage. Like buddy said, its all about adjusting to the weather at the time. And most importantly, understanding how your car drives in different situations. Be one step ahead of your car at all times.
02-03-2009, 06:58 AM
#28
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I have 225s all around on 17 inch steelies (non brembo). You always want to go with a smaller width tire in the winter, gives you better traction. Keep in mind that I don't have VDC, only TCS. And like most people are saying, the Z is not a fantastic car to drive in the winter. But if you do spend some cash on a set of good winter tires (not all seasons), you can definitely manage. Like buddy said, its all about adjusting to the weather at the time. And most importantly, understanding how your car drives in different situations. Be one step ahead of your car at all times.
haven't had an issue with the snow yet
02-03-2009, 07:23 AM
#29
Is the question whether you can drive it in snow or not, or how well it drives?
FWD > RWD on snow
I guess it depends on what you're comparing it to as well. If the Z is the only car you own and you have no choice but to drive it, your opinion is going to be different than someone who drives a FWD and a RWD day in day out in different conditions.
If I were to compare my Z's performance in the snow to my civic, civic hands down, you can drive in the snow with confidence even with allseasons.. but when I'm in the Z on a snowy day,and there's a patch of snow between lanes on the hiway, oh boy.
FWD > RWD on snow
I guess it depends on what you're comparing it to as well. If the Z is the only car you own and you have no choice but to drive it, your opinion is going to be different than someone who drives a FWD and a RWD day in day out in different conditions.
If I were to compare my Z's performance in the snow to my civic, civic hands down, you can drive in the snow with confidence even with allseasons.. but when I'm in the Z on a snowy day,and there's a patch of snow between lanes on the hiway, oh boy.
Last edited by kasimmmmm; 02-03-2009 at 07:43 AM.
02-03-2009, 01:29 PM
#30
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I missed my Z so I took it out last night with my summer tires on...clear roads, -4 it wasn't that bad. Just was a little bit more cautious turning and acelerating.
I don't recommend it as a long term fix but once in a while on a clear night/day with dry roads its not that bad for quick trips.
I don't recommend it as a long term fix but once in a while on a clear night/day with dry roads its not that bad for quick trips.
02-03-2009, 04:06 PM
#31
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02-03-2009, 04:14 PM
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I'm not afraid to die,i want to live in the moment and have fun,big decision to make !
at the US invasion in this thread .
Reading between the lines...the Mini will never, ever be what you see in the Z and the Z will never be right for the winter here.
You need to decide what is more important to you. After that, the answer will become more than clear.
.Reading between the lines...the Mini will never, ever be what you see in the Z and the Z will never be right for the winter here.
You need to decide what is more important to you. After that, the answer will become more than clear.
02-03-2009, 04:36 PM
#33
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Thanks guys !
Actually,it's not really true about me not beeing afraid to die,i do care some about my life. I am driving a 2005 mini regular engine and this car is amazing in the snow,it's like a little tank,very predictable,very stable in the worst situations so to loose that is a big deal if i **** in my pants with a Z on the first winter drive.Most of the comments were very smart and for sure you need good winter tires with that car,i never drive with anything else anyway,safety first.
The guys who told me to go for the mini,is it because you don't have a Z or you don't drive it in the snow.
After reading all this i might reconsider,i already have a cobra kit car under construction so i don't really need a Z but i want a Z. I would upgrade my standard mini for a Cooper S so it wouldn't be so bad after all. OK gang thanks to all and be safe out there,cheers
Michel
02-04-2009, 04:33 PM
#34
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Just drive your Z in the winter. But make sure you get a proper set of winter tires designed for performance car.
ie. Bridgstone LM22/25, Dunlop M3, or Michellin Pilot Alpin.
You are missing all the fun driving on snow.
I alway practice drifting my Z on light snow, it really fun, but it can also helps improve your winter driving skills by learning how to steer, brake, gas, shift and clutch when the car is skidding. It really helps to know and feel the limits of the Z when driving on snow.
Good luck and have fun.
ie. Bridgstone LM22/25, Dunlop M3, or Michellin Pilot Alpin.
You are missing all the fun driving on snow.
I alway practice drifting my Z on light snow, it really fun, but it can also helps improve your winter driving skills by learning how to steer, brake, gas, shift and clutch when the car is skidding. It really helps to know and feel the limits of the Z when driving on snow.
Good luck and have fun.
02-10-2009, 03:03 PM
#35
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Z is in forecast....
Thanks guys,it reassures me hearing from the GTA guys. I really hope finding a Z in the spring,i love that car. There's only a few times when it's really nasty,could deal with it. We'll see if my wife keeps her job and i keep mine.
Cheers !
Cheers !
02-11-2009, 05:51 AM
#36
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Get a Z, and take TTC to work =P
Do something environtment friendly for a change.
When Summer comes, dig some girls with your Z.
Do something environtment friendly for a change.
Do something environtment friendly for a change.
When Summer comes, dig some girls with your Z.
Do something environtment friendly for a change.
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