I am thinking about traiding my Mazda6-S for an RX-8. The things that are making me think about this trade are the reports that I have read that describe how the RX-8 handles on the snow (since I live in Indianapolis). The reports were not good, and they came from RX-8 owners.

 

future_rx8,

You probably want to look in the Wheels, Tire and Suspension forum to get a better explination. Actually most folks have said the "8" handles terribly in the snow with the packaged performance tires. However, I don't think I've heard a single person complain that switched to snow tires. As a matter of fact most of us (snow for me and I live in Indy too) think the car handles very well in the snow properly "shoed". However, snow tire stocks are very low until next season. So you might want to make sure you can find some before trading. Again, check the Wheels, Tire and Suspension forum for more detailed info.

 

Not RX-8 owners here - most here are now aware that it's the OEM summer high-performance TIRES that are useless in the snow, NOT the RX-8 itself.

See this sticky thread from the RX-8 Discussion section - First test of RX-8 in snow - it's great!

and then search for 'winter tires', and you'll read dozens of testimonials about how the RX-8 when fitted with winter tires does very well in winter. This isn't an exclusive phenomenon to the RX-8, either - ANY car fitted with performance summer tires will be terrible in snow, even cars such as AWD Audis etc. It's all about the tires.

PLEASE read that thread I linked, and do the search for 'winter tires' - then tell those other RX-8 owners that gave the poor reports that they are ill-informed, and need to learn about proper tire usage for conditions! I have been driving my RX-8 in winter conditions for over 3 months now, including taking it skiing to resorts in the Banff Rockies, and it's a great winter car.

Regards,
Gordon

 

How cold was it when you were there? Not down to -40 as it was recently? (Glad I visited Canada in May!) I'd be interested to know how easily the RX8 starts in very low temperatures.

Cheers
---Dave

 

The coldest temp I've experience so far in my 8 has been 7F, and the car started with no problems at all.

I also live in Indianapolis, and have driven my 8 in the couple of minor snows we've had here so far. I haven't had any problems with my Continental ContiExtreme Contact all-seasons (went to 245/40 18); they've been a pleasure to drive on in snow, wet, dry, and so far in temps from 7F to mid 60sF. If you decide to get an 8 before Spring, you may have better luck finding a good all-season (others have recently chosen a Sumitomo tire as well) to get you through our not-too-awfully-harsh winters here, and then consider getting some replacement summer tires, and maybe new rims, in the Spring if you find that the all-seasons aren't performing as well in the warmer temps.

Personally, I'm expecting good things from my Conti's, but generally all-seasons don't compare to summer tires in the warmer months... when Spring get's here we'll see.

 

I am driving my RX8 in New England. If you have been watching the news or if you are in this area you know that it was -15F and lower in Central MA last night (01/16/04). I have been driving all this week in -0F+ weather with 4 snows and the car handles better than my wife's 2003 Mercury Mountaineer with AWD.

 

I have to argee with most of the posts here. It's been down to -7 F and while the starter feel a little weak sometimes, it's always started. And once again, with real winter tires, the car handles excellent. Better than my front wheel drive MX-6, especially with the traction control. You can really feel it kick in and its almost impossible to spin with it on. Though it's fun to experiment with it on and off to know exactly what it does.

 

Okay, please forgive me everyone, but I'm closing this because 1) it's in the wrong forum and 2) there is a good thread already discussing this, as Gord has already pointed out. Future_rx8, you can pm me if you have any questions about why this is being closed. This is not being closed to annoy you.