That would be a hell of a combo in the snow


Not really. If AWD was the end all to handling, you'd see a lot more supercars and Halo cars with it. RWD varients tend to handle a fractionally better than they're AWD counterparts (Lamborghinis, Porsches). The reason being AWD tends to push and understeer a bit more, mostly because the weight balance is thrown off (usually 90-120lbs more weight near the front axle). The overall feel of AWD at the limit can feel a bit odd and it tends to bother diehard drivers. Though AWD is very forgiving and gives you a sense of security.

Don't get me wrong though, the Gs AWD system is probably one of the best, if not the best system on the market because of the way is distributes the power and trys to keep a RWD balance in most situations.

 

I do get pumped up cause it is so much fun in the winter.

My wife has to go out of town on business quite often and she will travel 60 miles each way on sometimes very slippery and snow covered back roads cause the main roads are closed. As long as visibility is ok I don't worry cause she is in the G.

DaveB-The above reasons are why we went to the Blizzaks on the AWD, it is an unbeatable combinationn for inclement weather.

 

As a Minnesotan, I'll chime in here as well. I have driven FWD Vs. AWD. In the city, after a snow, there is nothing like AWD when trying to make a left turn in traffic after 2-6 inches of snow. AWD shoot across the intersection, FWD, white nuckle it.

Going up our hilly driveway; AWD just like summer, FWD get a running start or back up to the bottom and try try again .

We bought the X in July after test driving both versions last winter. So far we love the car!!

 

Well actually, at least around here, black ice is patchy in nature and with AWD you've got twice the possiblity that the one or two tires that are on dry pavement have power going to them, big difference. The Infiniti guys selling the X have a spiel they like to do. You pull off the road where there is gravel, so two left wheels on the road, 2 right wheels on gravel. They tell you to floor it, and you don't hear any gravel shooting out from the right side and you pull arrow straight ahead. It's impressive.

As to my hillyness comment, that's my experience and judging by other posts, other folk's experience too. Take it or leave it.

 

If your G has summer tires, they are useless in even an inch of snow! I live in Philadelphia and had to go for Bizzaks for the winter. My 6MT almost spun at 10 mph on a level road as I tried to ease into a driveway.

With the Blizzaks I feel unstoppable. Well within reason.....

 

I'm not sure I agree 100% with your analysis. Yes, the G35x will under steer, but mostly because of the added weight over the front wheels. As far as the "normal" G making better use of its front wheels, the G35X is a RWD car until the electronics/sensors call the front wheels into play. Just being in a turn, even an aggressive turn, is not necessarily going to call up front wheel drive.

 

I am in Toronto..
snow all over the Winter,
but i managed to do well with my RWD

i believe the VDC saved me a few times
but overall, the G is a very balanced and safe car

just get urself some good winter tires and drive safe
Cheers

 

I didn't mean to imply that our cars were poor handling.
They don't push too hard, and as you say, most of the push is probably due to the weight. As you pointed out, it's basically still a rear drive car until a slip. Getting on the throttle mid-turn will provoke understeer. It's not bad, just different. When the front wheels do dig in, I feel it's a bit more difficult to aim. It's an AWD car mid apex.
That being said, I also feel the handling dynamics are pretty damn solid, super predictable.

 

The summer tires are really usless below 40. They might grip very well but as soon as it gets below 40 you have to be very careful especially in the rain.

 

I think anyone who gets AWD because of the snow is making a mistake unless they live in Alaska. All RWD cars need is a good snow tire. My M3 couldn't get up the slight incline in my driveway with 1" of snow with all season tires, but I had no problems driving in the snow with Blizzaks. For around $800 you can get snow tires mounted on wheels form the Tire Rack. Also, keep in mind that AWD helps when you are going up snow covered hills, but it provides no help when going down hills. Snow tires help when either going up or down hills.

 

Really !!!! I guess I really screwed up then .

 

Guess it's time to trade for the M35 c/w NAV

 

I wish,,,,,if it was, it would be the loaded M35X

 

.........soooooooo when do you move to Alaska Wayne????

C.

 

I've read numerous reponse that Rwd + snow tires will make your way through the winter. However, can someone answer this question?

You woke up and on your driveway is 7+ inches of snow around your G rwd, can you get out from it?

What about you parked your car on a city block with cars in front and back of you with 7 inches of snow that just had fallen while you were working. Can you get it out with your rwd+snow?

Some of you might say, "Oh I have another car for winter...etc etc". But let's say you really need to get home and your only option is your own RWD G.

I know rwd + snow can get you on the road but the question is does rwd + snow get you out from your spot to drive onto the road?

I mean for AWD, you might have to wiggle your car a bit but getting out of 7+ inches of snow, or even 8 or 9 or 10, etc is an easy job. With FWD, you have a chance too even with crappy tires.

Nothing against rwd but just wanted how you guys repond to the question since I've asked it before and no one replied.