I am new here and tried to search but could not find anything that answered my question. I have loved the G35c since it has entered the market, but I am stuck driving my WRX because I cant afford a G. Well my mom called me up and said she is looking for a new car and after a lot of discussion, I think she should go with a G35 sedan.
My mom is under the impression that all RWD cars are like mustangs and vette's in snow I know its not nearly that bad, and I assume the traction control is pretty good but how good is a G35 sedan in snow? I live in Chicago, so the winters can get pretty nasty. She cant afford the G35x and I figured that a rwd sedan with good tires will perform quite well in the snow... am I wrong?

thanks

 

I think your mom should get a G35X. Advising someone to buy a RWD sedan where "winters can get pretty nasty." would not be great advice. But if she's a driver, I mean she really knows how to drive (good weather and bad) then I see no reason why she couldn't make it through the winter with a G35. The best scenario would be that she gets a full set of winter tires to help cope with the snow. I don't think traction control, AWD, or any sort of electronic coping device can make a car safe to drive. Safer, yes, but that's a long way from saying it will save her from an accident.

 

Go for it. she will love the car

 

i agree with calejohnson. i've had no problems driving my sedan in the snow and our winters (midwest) have been pretty bad lately. but then again, i'm used to these conditions. and being from chicago, i'm sure your mom is used to those conditions, too. i say take her G shopping.

 

Lets see-- your mom can't afford the G35x but can afford the G35 and snow tires. What is the difference- $1000 or so between them? If things are that tight then tell her to get less options on the G35X to make up the difference. In the situation you described her best option would be AWD and add $1000 to the financing of the car over 36 months or $3 a month. If she is paying cash, the extra $1000 or so should not be a deal breaker. Tell her to use her head and get the AWD.

 

Spend the extra few bucks and get the X!

 

not to nit-pick but, that's $30 per month, not $3. Ya missed a zero.

However, I would have to agree. That is about 3% of the purchase price.

 

Good catch, Homeslice. After 20 (fingers and toes) I get confused.

 

.......and I figured that a rwd sedan with good tires will perform quite well in the snow... am I wrong?

thanks[/QUOTE]

No, you are quite correct. By opting for the RWD version and equipping it with winter tires, you maintain an edge over the X in acceleration, braking (though small) as well as fuel economy. Keep in mind that you are dragging the extra weight of 4WD around even when it's not in use. Change-over of summer/winter tires is a bit of a nuisance, however I have found that it can be scheduled w/ an oil change, etc. at a local shop. As for the dirt issue, one of my Indies power washes the wheels, while the other places each wheel/tire in a large and clean plastic bag. No muss, no fuss. The security engendered by winter tires is nothing short of amazing.

 

Snow tires are certainly a valid option. I bought the X because I feel an AWD car with good all-season tires will offer more security in the snow than a RWD car with snow tires. Changing tires twice a year is not only a nuisance, but it creates the strong possibility of damaging your nice rims during one of the switchovers. And when you factor in the amount of money spent up-front on the X it really isn't much more than buying a new set of snow tires plus a new set of rims plus the cost of having the sets changed twice a year. It's a hassle and an expense I'd much rather take care of immediately than over the course of owning the car. And like I said, I feel much more secure driving my family around in the snow in an AWD drive than in a RWD car w/snow tires.

Just my humble opinion.

 

Just get RWD. If you lived in a snowy mountain area or area that sees heavy snow all the time, then I could see the point to AWD. The winters might be bad in Chicago, but the snow gets removed quickly and if the snow is excessive, most people don't go to work until the roads are decently clear. Is it really worth the $2000-3000 premuim for the X?

A good set of all season tires should be fine and if she's nervous about driving in any snow, then she could get a set of snow tires/wheels. From the Tirerack:

Blizzak WS-50 205/65R16 $352
Fox Sport 16X7 rims $356
Shipping $40

Total $748

That setup would probably offer better handling, traction, and stopping power than the G35X can on all season tires. Snow tire technology has come a long way in the past 5 years. The tires are now quiet, wear good, and handle good in the dry. She should only have to run this setup 2 months out of the year therefore the setup could last well over 4 years.

The traction control and stability control system on these cars is quite good. We recently got 4-5" of dry powder snow in 20 degree weather which is very dangerous because it's very slippery and doesn't melt. I had my doubts about my G sedan making home. It did fine. On hills making right turns from a stop took a little time to get going, but I never got stuck or out of control. In regular typical "wet" and packable snow, this car gets around perfectly fine.

 

That was a big debate I had when considering the G35 vs. the G35x (how the RWD would handle in the snow). I ended up getting a good deal on a G35, and bought some Michelin Alpin snow tires & steel rims. I don't regret buying the RWD version one bit....besides, I kinda like that I won't trash my stock rims w/ potholes or road salt, as they use that heavily here in MA. I am quite impressed with the VDC/traction control too....you can be at a stop sign in a snow storm, make a right hand turn and floor it, and the throttle is regulated as well as the brakes applied in the appropriate locations so that you don't slip.

On a side note, if you or your mom are that concerned, I know there have recently been great deals on '04 G35X's, as the '05's came out. Just a thought.