Sure Rich, I agree tires are more important. They are the most important factor since they are the only thing in contact with the road. I just didn't want to sound redundant since many other people made that point earlier. Including yourself. I wanted to compare a FWD w/out computer assistance vs RWD cars with computer assistance. How many FWD cars out there have all those features? I don't even think the RSX has a LSD or TCS, does it? Many people consider the RSX a daily driver, so I don't see why the RX-8 shouldn't be. I'm sure some people can agree with that?

 

I don't see where people get the impression the RWD needs some kind of assistance to be better than FWD...

In a FWD car the engine is above the gearbox so the center of gravity is too high... and all the weight is at the front so the balance is all off...

RWD is IMHO "always" better.... "The best way to push is from behind"

 

Amazing how FWD is now the norm, considering it is burdened with power, torque steer, lock-to-lock steering, and braking. It's overload, imho. No wonder CV joints and half-shafts rob your wallet to replace. They have their place in snow though.

I always liked the metaphor that FWD is like a dog trying to crawl forward while dragging both broken back legs. Little tough to change direction, too. Where's the suspension/powertrain balance?

 

I agree… it appears that many people seem to favor a FWD platform over RWD. I do see this trend changing though. Lately manufacturers are introducing more and more RWD cars to the market like the IS300, G35, RX-8 and many more. I prefer RWD myself. I thought if I mentioned that the RX-8 has some extra safety features (compared to other FWD cars in it’s class) that would persuade other people that are sitting on the fence the credibility of RWD or the RX-8 as a daily driver in snow. Tires held constant.

 

To the sports car enthusiasts i believe we prefer RWD cars because we know what the advantages are but to the normal driver i think they would like FWD because of the responsive steering and handling it has at the average speeds.

 

My bro's GSL-SE handled CO winters very well. He got it in December with 70 series tires and the roads were either dry or snow/ice covered. Never had a problem. He didn't even know how it handled on wet roads untill the spring! :p I bet an RX-8 will be just as good if not better.

 

I learned to drive in the snowy state of Montana with a RWD car, a 1976 VW Beetle, it was very easy to slide the rear end around even with that little power. It was also very fun. The best tires I used were studded snow tires (not legal in many states) but I still managed to get myself seriously stuck in the ditch at least once a winter. I am going to have a back-up vehicle for the seriously snowy days, i.e. 6-12", this may also depend on the snow removal of your driving area. Before I plunk down 30k+ for a car in an area with a lot of snow I am going to want to test drive the rx-8 in winter conditions.

 

Frankly, it was an awesome car to drive in the winter. Slapped on some 205/55/16 winter tires (still have a set waiting for an RX-8 ) and it hammered along great. The FD had perfect winter driving characteristics; low torque, limited slip diff, 50/50% distribution, and terrific chassis feedback. The RX-8 will do probably even better without turbos and slightly heavier curb weight.

 

Daily driver??? I'm moving into my RX-8 for the first month.:D

 

LOL