g37x in the snow (Kuhmo ecsta 4x)
#16
Infiniti offers the best of both worlds. The "x" is rwd. It gives the driver complete control and handling of a rwd. When it needs it the car can kick in the front wheels to helP with traction. I don't know about you, but after driving fwd, rwd, awd, in great conditions, I will tAke the rwd any day. The imput and feel is the best for the driver. When you are aware of the back end kick out it should be no problem. Just have to learn and know the vehicle. It's like that for any new vehicle in the first snow. I will take the Infiniti with the same tires against your sienna any day in the winter, especially after driving/learning the car for a bit. With the same tires on, we should race in a snow storm and see who gets from light to light quicker, and stopping as well. I'm not tracking the car in the winter, but it sure as he'll is better when properly driven in the snow with descent tires on
#17
#19
Registered Member
I have read this a couple of times here, "car does well in the snow" followed with "be careful or the back end will come around on you". I can't see how the car can be that great in the snow when if you take a corner slightly to fast you might go into a spin. I have a 37x running aggressive snows (blizzak ws-70s) and even with the AWD, traction control etc. our FWD Toyota Sienna with WS-60s blows the Infiniti away for winter driving confidence.
#20
I know the car quite well and am aware of the benefits of RWD - which is why I drive the Infiniti but my point still is that people comment on how the Infiniti is pretty good in the snow BUT it sure likes to have the rear-end come around if you are not careful. To me, that is not great performance in the snow. Sure it could out accelerate a non AWD vehicle in a straight line if the tires were the same but for going around icy corners, the G is not a great car. Again, when I compare my G against my Sienna, they have the same tires (Blizzak WS series) so I don't need to "race" anyone as I have a pretty good comparison in my garage. I'm also pretty familiar with the G as I have changed it to coilovers, changed the sway bar, added a strut tower brace and switched the Dunlops to Pilot Supersports so I understand a bit about its performance character. But again with good tires a Sienna (or Camry or BMW xDrive) is simply a more confidence inspiring vehicle in the winter.
I would even disconnect the rear sway bar in winter, but that is just me.
#21
You have alter the handling characteristic of the G by changing sway bar and installed coil over. If you installed rear after market sway bar it is more likely has a bigger diameter and the rear will step out more easily, much faster in the dry but dangerous in the slippery stuff (unless you are a experienced drifter or rally driver)
I would even disconnect the rear sway bar in winter, but that is just me.
I would even disconnect the rear sway bar in winter, but that is just me.
To the other comment about understeer vs. oversteer: I don't think many people would favor oversteer relative to understeer in the winter. One is inconvenient while the other one is just dangerous.
#22
I know we all want to be safe with our cars in the winter but I think we have all lost the ability to drive in bad weather because of all the modern gizmos in cars. My 1st car I ever owned was a 1978 Monte Carlo (think Denzel's car in Training Day without the hydraulics) when I was 17. It was RWD, no traction control or any of that namby pamby stuff. I put in new springs that raised the rear end (back then it was in style, trust me) and mag wheels and I never put on snow tires and back then they didn't salt the roads half as much as they do now. All I did was throw a few cement bags in the trunk to weigh down the back end and I was good to go for the winter. You just had to drive carefully and I never felt unsafe driving a snow storm but with all the safety features they have now it gives drivers a false sense of security and they drive in January like they do in July or feel they have the right too. Compared to the Monte Carlo, driving my G in the snow with all seasons is a piece of cake. It's pretty easy to do when you discover the key is not driving like a retard.
I've actually never put snow tires on any car I've had in the last 25 years. I live in Toronto and I've never been in a bad weather accident. It's really more on the driver. If you drive carefully with all seasons you'll be fine. If you drive like an idiot with snow tires on you will get in alot more trouble. Again for alot of people snow tires give them a false sense of security. I've see lots of people get rear ended by a car with snow tires because they tailgate and take turns way too fast and the best snow tires aren't gonna help you then because you were born a moron.
Last edited by Yosemite Dan; 11-22-2011 at 06:46 PM.
#24
Registered Member
iTrader: (2)
Mounted my new Ecsta 4x couple days ago. Today I got a chance to drive in the mountain(no snow). I must say the review on tirerack is spot on. Steering feels tight and very responsive in the twisties. Very much like the stock Potenza. I did not get a chance to push them hard since I am still breaking them in, and there's a lot of traffic ahead of me. Ride comfort also feels about the same as the Potenza, but it's too early to tell.
Looking forward to do more spirited driving after break in. So far I am a happy customer.
Looking forward to do more spirited driving after break in. So far I am a happy customer.
#25
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Twin Cities
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Mounted my new Ecsta 4x couple days ago. Today I got a chance to drive in the mountain(no snow). I must say the review on tirerack is spot on. Steering feels tight and very responsive in the twisties. Very much like the stock Potenza. I did not get a chance to push them hard since I am still breaking them in, and there's a lot of traffic ahead of me. Ride comfort also feels about the same as the Potenza, but it's too early to tell.
Looking forward to do more spirited driving after break in. So far I am a happy customer.
Looking forward to do more spirited driving after break in. So far I am a happy customer.
#26
I too live in the Twin Cities. I just got my 2009 G37x coupe. It came up from Houston. It desperatly needs good all-season tires and I was looking at the Kuhmo's too. Just have to find the best price now.
#28
Registered User
I agree. I used to fish tail too much on my old xS with the stock all season tires. My current RWD with Blizzak's does not fish tail in the snow.
#29
Just got the 225/50/18's Kumho Ecsta 4x -- on dry they drive very well -- no flat spotting noted and I got 'em for $550 shipped with $50 visa card as well on the way.
Will report back after snow falls...
Will report back after snow falls...
#30
Registered Member
iTrader: (2)
To people with the Ecsta 4x, how do you feel about the ride comfort?
For me they are definitely a bit on the harsh side. I've been driving sports car most of my life, so I am somewhat used to the harshness. But still I was expecting more ride comfort from an A/S tire.
For me they are definitely a bit on the harsh side. I've been driving sports car most of my life, so I am somewhat used to the harshness. But still I was expecting more ride comfort from an A/S tire.