Those of you who live in a snowey area...

What do you do with your Z's in the winter? I'm considering purchasing one, but I am moving to Omaha, NE soon. If I buy this car, it will be my daily driver. This might seem like a strange question, but all I've ever owned are SUV's and trucks, and when it snows, you just throw some chains on them or switch into 4 wheel drive.

If I don't get the Z, I am also looking at a WRX for it's all-wheel drive. But I'd rather get a Z if possible.

So, any advice will surely be appreciated.

I live in NH (for 11 yrs offand on)and can tell you from personal experience that the 350Z is absolutely horrible in the snow. I bought mine in october and only encountered snow once before taking it off the road in mid-november. It was a small snow storm, leaving around 1/2" on the ground, but I slipped, slid,and skid to work before finally getting stuck in the parking lot. I spun the tires once (t/c disabled) and turned the snow to ice. Then, I had to have someone push me out of the rut I created. I would not rely on snow tires to get through a NH winter and I think Nebraska is the same if not worse in severity and duration.

I also looked at the subaru WRX and ultimately decided against it because of the uncomfortable seats (maybe only people with sensitive backsides like me would notice this), styling, and lower performance than the Z (on dry pavement). Car and driver acheived a 0-60 time of 5.4 in the first WRX they drove, but sebsequent vehicles yielded times closer to 5.9s. I did stop-light drag race a WRX (at the young drivers request how could I resist). He didn't win. The Z accelerates faster handsdown. However I did have to buy another car for winter.

If I were you I would wait until subaru starts to sell the WRX Sti or the. It sounds like it will have the best of both worlds Faster than the Z (300hp) and awd for the nasty winter months. It really is the most practical vehicle with the most bang for the buck if you live where winters are harsh. I think the base price is 31K. Check Car&Drivers website for more information.

I would also recommend researching the mitsubishi Lancer EvoVIII. It should be on dealer lots by now and it is in direct competition with the Sti. It is on the cover of this months Car & Driver.

Good luck,

Roark

I've owned a WRX for about 8 months now, and just got an orange 350Z Touring.

If you purchase some decent tires for the WRX (they don't even have to be snow tires, or all-season; they just need to be something other than the crap that comes from the factory) it does great in the snow! Better than an F-150 even! I look forward to bad weather just so I can play with that car.

As far as the Z goes, I bought mine on a day after it had snowed. All you have to do is think chilly thoughts, and that car loses all composure. It is DEFINETLY a fair weather car.

If you can have one, and only one vehicle, go with the WRX. If you can afford an additional beater Subaru, or a beater SUV, then go with the 350 Z. It's easier to have fun with, and is MUCH more of a looker.

-Josh

I can tell you from very recent experience that the 350Z is absolutely the worst car I have driven in the snow. I live in VA now but used to live in CT, when I lived in CT I used to love driving in the snow and was very good at handling it. I had to get home yesterday in a snow storm and was literally scared to death at the way the 350 was handling. I also used to have a '78 280z with wide tires that floated on the snow and was terrible, I think my 350z is worse. From now on I will avoid driving it at all cost in the snow. When it is nice, the car is a dream but snow makes it a nightmare. I am still glad I have it since we usually don't get much snow. I think I will buy a little beater car for snow days.

Thanks all. That's what I was afraid of. Guess I'll have to research the WRX a bit more, or check my finances and see if there is any way I can squeze out enough money for a winter junker... Why did I have to get stationed at Offutt???:rolleyes:

Jim

well, i had my Z for 2 months now and im living in denver, colorado. I agree that the Z is one of the worst car for snow but im so happy that i have it....heheheh..oh well the winter is almost over but i have to save some money for a old very old truck next winter or....maybe i will get a brand new v8 Audi S4 for next winter...