Redfusion3

iTrader: (2)

Ya got me, Thanks for the info.

Redfusion3

iTrader: (2)

So would holding down the TCS for a second have the same results in the auto and stick? I'm still a little confused.

draco067

but is a 5% reduction in width going to make THAT much difference?

Gord96BRG

It'll make a noticeable difference. It's all about compromises... the guys running 245/40-18 size in deep snow will be the ones having big problems! :D (Still far better than the OEM summer tires, but nowhere near as good as the 225/50-17 or 215/55-17 winter tires).

Regards,
Gordon

Howard

I had a lot of trouble on packed snow this week with my Pirelli Snowsports but it wa fine where there was loose snow. I think the problem could be more with ground clearance then tires in the case where there is 6 in of snow. Doesn't the RX8 have about 5in of clearance. I pick up my car this afternoon from the service department. We have gotten about 3-4" in the last hour with expectations of a foot by this evening. I guess I'll find out about deeper snow.

oi812

The type and depth of snow have a huge difference in how various vehicles do in the snow. In deep fluffy snow, ground clearance will be an issue on the RX8. In 3 inches of slushy snow, the RX8 with snow tires is very good due to the balance.

I have a Chevy 2wd long box as a winter beater. I have 450 lbs of sand in the back and all season tires. It’s better than the RX8 at getting going and maintaining momentum in the deep stuff since it has almost twice the ground clearance. The Chevy is scary on the corners though, takes a whole different approach to turning than the RX8. The Chevy is also horrible in 3 inches of slush, the back end keeps wanting to pass the front end. Throttle control is key.

Paul_in_DC

Buzz. Been there, done that many, many times over the years. (Back in the day when all cars were RWD.) I had a similar problem with a Triumph Spitfire that did poorly in snow and was also 50/50 weight distribution. The added weight in the back helped traction... and it's not like I was trying to win any races in the snow anyway.

zoom44

no it doesnt. abs is always on.

RX8_Buckeye

Ground clearance definitely was an issue. There were numerous times when I heard and even felt the snow scraping the undercarriage. When I got to work, the openings in the front air dam were plugged with snow. Maybe some of my traction issues were caused by having to "plow" through the snowbanks with the front of my car, or maybe the full weight of the car wasn't actually on the tires since the underbody was in a way "floating" on the snow. Who knows, I just hope I didn't hurt anything underneath the car or scrape up my front air dam.

r0tor

iTrader: (1)

I put a big ol bag of sand in my trunk and it helped out a good deal. It does seem that ground clearance was probably the thing that was holding you back the most though.

Hellbreed

We got dumped on with snow overnight here outside of Toronto and it was my first drive in it in the RX-8, had to shovel 12" from my long driveway this morning. I have to say I was VERY impressed with the way the card handled with the TOYO Garrit HT's. I have a few inclines on my way into work that had quite a bit of snow built up and I got through them quite easily on a higher gear and lower speed. I much prefer rwd in the snow over fwd any day.

Redfusion3

iTrader: (2)

I know...Gord corrected me,

Thank you!

2ks2k

DAAAAMMMMNNNNN!!!!! You have 1,465,000 miles on your truck...you should call Toyota as I'm sure they'd put you in a commercial or something. I've never met anyone with a million miles on a vehicle...

Johnnyma45

Yes Buckeye, much like you I got hit with the same storm and it was my first time using winter tires in snow. I was non-plussed as well at this car's performance; from what I read and from what the dealer said ("Yea, winter tires make it drive like a FWD car! Completely changes the dynamics of driving in winter!") I personally think the car's driveability in winter (as presented to me by various sources) is greatly exaggerated. I spent a half hour in my parking lot because I parked on the slightest - maybe 2 degrees - of inclines, spinning and rocking the car to no avail. Granted, they had not plowed yet and the snow was close to 6in deep, but I can't help but think another (non-RWD) car would have had a much easier time (indeed, a Camry tore *** out of the spot next to me, making me feel like the stupidest person alive). When my roommate finally helped me push it onto the road, it took another 40 minutes slipping and sliding on 696 and Orchard Lake before I finally got to work, as almost every other car passed me easily (even a mustang!).

I guess what I'm saying is, had I known it'd be this bad I most likely would have chosen another car as my daily driver. Granted, days like this are few and far between and I should have been more realistic about the capabilities of this car, but its frustrating days like this that make me wish I did get that X5 instead...sorry for the rant but its been a trying day...

(fyi, before I had this car I had an LS400, rwd, with the sh!ttiest tires imagineable, and it wasn't this bad. My RX-8 is equipped with 225/40/18 Hankook W300s.)

Buckeye3d

Hmm...we had about 7 inches of snow and some serious ice buildup last night in Columbus. I drove around a LOT today after I finally was able to get into my ice covered 8. I have the 18" Blizzak LM22s. I found the 8 to handle extremely well in the snow and ice. Getting moving was no problem. Braking was great. Steering was steady. When TCS kicked in it seemed to do its job well. I would say I was getting around much easier than most cars I saw on the road today. I did grow up driving a Nissan 240SX with all season tires all year round so the 8 seems like dream in the snow in comparison. I definately did get some nasty snow and ice noises b/c of lack of clearance though.

loco4rx8

Personally, I've driven in 4" of fresh snow one time last winter and had no problems at all with getting the car going, stopping, inclines, etc. I have Dunlop Winter Sport M3's. I don't think I'd try anything more than 4" until all the roads were plowed.

Buckeye, I really believe you were plowing due to lack of clearance. We can't realistically expect a "lightweight" RWD sports car with about 5" of clearance to go through 6" or more of fresh snow. Honestly, I'm surprised you got there as well as you did, and I think it's a credit to your driving skills and perseverance!

kellybrf

iTrader: (2)

yeah, drove through the same storm w/the blizzak lm-22s and they did pretty well yesterday. i would not by any means said it was easy to drive. a trip that normally would have taken 7 mins (or 4, if you drive the 8 right) took me about 30. on the way home i did have an open wide road and played around a little bit. i wasnt trying to put it into a full spin, but did try to get it to come around a good amount and there were times that i coudlnt. im coming from a supra though, so im used to the rwd winters.

today however, i couldnt get out of my driveway. yay unplanned day off! i will say it was very bad out today, and i saw 4wd cars getting stuck in my neighborhood. it has yet to be plowed, so its slushy/icy and packed which is a terrible combination. yesterday it was definately looser. have to head down to cincy tomorrow so im hoping that i dont die...

Sullibr

I was weened on rear whele drive cars. We always put dedicated snow tires on our cars and always through some weight in the trunk for good measure. Most of my early experiences were with straight six's. I remember some years where I didn't want to be out there, but never failed to get myself home. I have driven the X twice in the snow to date and I have been vindicated on my choice of an RX-8 for my daily driver. Yes, it is not meant for snow service, but I have found it to be te, and maybe a better than I had hoped. I opted for dedicated winter tires (Dunlop M3's), and to date have been pleased. My record has stayed complete, I have made it home on both attempts. Couple that with the fun I'm having betweeen snowstorms and you have yourself a winner. Gosh this is a fun car.