typespirit

hello canadian rx-8 enthusiasts

i am looking to purchase an rx-8, but since i will only have 1 car, i was wondering if its suitable for driving during the winter time in toronto? i've heard mixed responses from friends that drive here, and some claim that these type of sports RWD cars can be dangerous with a bit of snow etc. im new to canada so i dont know how true this is. any input is appreciated!

Gecko69

I have an 04 rx8 GT and I drive it all winter long......the key to remember is that winter tires are a must......there is no option......our cars come with performance summer only tires. The rx8 is actually really good in the snow....you just have to have a judicial ( spelling??) gas foot. the esp is is reallt good as well and helps prevent slippage.....I think its a great winter car. IMO

early 30's crisis

+1
This is my 1st RWD car, and my 1st winter with it was last year.
It was great. I had a blast, and I was impressed with how well it did.
DEFINATELY get winters. I waited until the last min and well... it took me 45min to travel 13km to the dealer, which is where I bought my winters and rims. Suggestion as well, buy rims versus switching your stock tires off your stock rims. Less damage, and easy to switch yourself.

Anyway, the car did well but you do need to adjust your driving 'style' esp. if you are used to FWD. Work that DSC button and use your throttle accordingly, you will be fine in your lil RWD sleigh

DarkBrew

Two winters so far running 225-50-17 Hankook Ice Bears

climacus

You want good winter tires, which means no Pirelli Snowsport.

It depends on which part of GTA you live in, as snow accumulation varies wildly. There are more snow north of Steeles, and downtown streets are treacherous because they never plow them.

burnaby rx-8

I think you should be fine just as long as you drive steady. At least everywhere in TO is flat so winter driving is a lot easier. We don't get nearly as much snow or ice here in Vancouver, but every street has a slope of some degree. I haven't driven my 8 in the snow yet but I heard it performs very well for a sports car.

R888

Beware of the uphill driving, it will be a fun one....

jayrite

Just put bridgestone blizzaks LM25's on, car will handle like a dream on snow and ice.

lone_wolf025

Didn't someone say last winter that on some snowy day they were the only one to show up and that was while driving the 8.

qtwre

iTrader: (1)

Could have been me. I showed up to be the only one in the office and I managed to get my car stuck in the unplowed parking lot. Snow tires or not, don't try to drive in snow that goes up to the door.

jayrite

Also, from what i have learned through trial and error, it is better to start off in second gear if you are at a dead stop in heavy snow.Just have to bring the rpms up a little more but in 2nd there will be less wheel spin or slide.

rotten42

do a search on this. There is a lot of info out there.

boffam

iTrader: (1)

I can add my own "thumbs up" for these tires. They're cheap, to boot!

hobbes

Yes it is. Winter tires is a must as others have said.
________
Supra

9291150

Just as cheap are my Vikings, and they worked great!

Otherwise, leave it at home in any kind of deep snowfall, just not enough clearance. Otherwise, it's as good as anything else.

eug

iTrader: (2)

Ontario snowbelt + Blizzak WS50's + reasonable driving = no problem.

Rotator

OPP Patrol cars are RWD.
'nough said.

Rems31

+1

lancesir

Get some winter tires and take it easy and you'll be fine. I drove 2 winters and the 8 was not only my first RWD, but also first manual!

Try not to stop in deep snow otherwise it can be hard to get going again. Or put some weight in the trunk, though I never did this I just heard alot of RWD drivers do this.

Driving can be tricky in the snow so just be careful. The 8 can be used year round no problem

Julica

I'll be in the market for snows soon. The owner's manual says you can put on 225/45R18 tires and it looks like you can also put on 225/55R16's. Is that what everyone does? It's certainly a lot cheaper to get 16" rims for snow tires.

I'm not that fussy about tires, so I'm happy with a cheap set of rims for winter.

Any recommendations?

climacus

Sorry, no 16" rims since it won't fit over the brakes (unless you have a base model AT). Must be 17" or higher. The winter tires should be 205/55/17.