We're considering replacing our 1991 Mustang with a 2005 RX-8, but I'm hesitant about how it will handle the New England winters, as the front wheel drive Mustang was a winter nightmare.
If anyone could share their experience and opinion of an RX-8 for the winter, it would be greatly appreciated. I know it's not a great winter car, but was wondering if it were adequate for a short daily commute and around town.
THANKS

 

wait, what? Mustangs are RWD.


RX8s are RWD but they have about 50-50 weight balance so it wouldn't particularly matter if this car was FWD or RWD. I've heard rotaries are very easy to drive in snow because of the low torque and that an 8 with snow tires is pretty nice to get around in. The snow tires are the key, though- don't risk it with summer rubber.

 

Get snow tires. Some members are good with all-seasons, I think for heavier winter driving, snows win hands down. I have driven thru 3 winters on mine - Dunlop Wintersport M3's on 18" Kazera rims - and have had good success. That being said...if the snow is deeper than the car undercarriage - forget about it. This past winter they were late plowing my street - I tried to get out of the driveway (snow was prob 6") and went about 5 feet and was stuck. If it's bad, I'll take my wifes SUV.

 

Snow tires and you're golden. Don't do what I did and decide that you'll deal with the two days it snows where you live (that's about our average here). I said that, then we got our heaviest winter in two decades.

 

You'll be fine.... just dont use the stock tires. After this past first winter of mine with my RX-8, I am convinced there is no difference between the death penalty and driving an 8 in snow with stock tires.

 

Do you have mutch snow in "new england"?

 

Exactly right Rootski. 50/50. low center of gravity, relatively low torque and with dedicated snow tires it's quite good. Most folks go with inexpensive 17" steel wheels (for taller sidewall) and dedicated snow's.

We don't get a whole lot of snow here in New England most winters what with 'global warming' and all, the exception being a few years ago where we got as much as when I was a kid. Typically it's cleared to bare pavement in a day or two anyway. Too much sand and salt use tho', which is why many of us opt to go with a "beater" vehicle in Winter and save the '8 for better conditions.

 

Amazingly, the stockers i used during the ice storms down here weren't so bad. Then again, we didn't have 50 feet of snow :P

Just get yourself some winter tires and you'll be great.

 

Dunlop Winter Sport M3's did amazingly well for me, and on the rare dry-but-cold winter day they let me rip around like it was still summer. I drove them in snow up to 5" deep without any problem at all. I suppose the real concern is that the car is low, so you can only drive in shallow snow, but once it gets deep you should probably just stay home anyway.

 

I havent drive it in snow but the the rain is pouring down and the ice starts to come its alot of a funny car to drive. Siiiiideways all the time.