rai

Hi, I'm new here (first post)

Here's my situation. My next car may be a GS. I like the V8 better (natch) and the extra $$ doesn't bother me. However AWD is only available with the V6

So if I got either car I'd buy a full set of snows + rims.

I work where I have to get in unless the roads are shut down.

I've driven in ice storms before.

Just wondering what you guys think? Will GS430 RWD + snow tires + stability control (etc,,) be good in inclement weather? Or is the GS300 awd V6 the only way to go?

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Welcome Rai!

I gathered a bunch of winter links last year and saved them to help folks prep. Here are a few... I plan to put up a winter survival guide annoucement this or next week.

GS-specific winter handling Threads
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=102940 (Recent Experiences)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=97253 (NE Driving Recommendations)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=30388 (Snow and Ice how to)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=75306 (What to do with snow & ice)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=103160 Winter setting for wiper blades
GS Coolant flush DIY
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=92160

Maintenance:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=60527 (winter storage)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=60855 (more winter storage of car)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=59230 (antifreeze mix)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=103691 (car warm up)

Detailing
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=99000 (Winter 101)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=98570 (Winter Prep)


Tires and Wheels
http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/faqs.html (Excellent winter FAQs)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=95801 (Specials)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=99286 (winter storage of wheels)

rai

Thanks, I tried to do a search but got a lot of non-relavent threads.

I have a RWD car but not with snow tires. I have snows on my passat and try not to drive the rwd car in the white stuff.

I should have done a search for "winter beater". Seems to me, the GS can be OK with snow tires, but not great. In other words the AWD seems to me the better choice.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yup i agree. i have to be honest, among all the rwd cars i have heard, the gs isn't the best option out there. seems like it doesn't handle in snow very well at all

NT2SHBBY

honestly, I won't prolly know for a couple weeks, but IMO any RWD car with good snow tires will own any FWD car on ANY GIVEN DAY, period


RWD is more controllable, more predictable and doesn't hydroplane like FWD does.

It's all about the tread

LStyle

Does the GS 300 come in AWD? I think it's all about the driver. I love RWD cars and it doesn't bother me in the snow. Parking lots can be fun when the white stuff falls.

rai

The <new> 06 GS will be available with AWD as will the new Infiniti M35 and the Acura RL.

BTW awd can be a lot of fun in the snow, power slides...

LStyle

Very True.

LS4fun

I will probably go with an AWD GS300 versus the extra power GS400 when the new model comes out next year.

It doesn't matter for the folks in the country who do not really get any snow...but buying a winter beater, adding insurance, etc just doesn't make sense for 3 months out of the year. Top that off with higher gasoline costs, V6 power is plenty for what this car is meant to be...not a RACE car.

chuckb

you would think they would make an AWD 430 since it has all 4 wheels draining power instead of two.
maybe it's coming that would be interesting-AWD 6speed 300hp V8

BA_GS400

iTrader: (1)

I'm really not following you NT2SHBBY. I mean, yes, tread design is paramount, however, in a "head to head" test, FWD is almost always better for snow. More weight right over the wheels.

chuckb

I think what N2 means is that when it does break loose you have more control(and fun ) in RWD

What is this snow stuff you guys talk about anyway?

LS4fun

I wonder if AWD helps during hurricanes?

chuckb

My car hides in the garage for hurricanes

LS4fun

That's no wheel drive i guess....