RyanJZ

Hey guys, wasn't sure what the best place to post this was since this is also my introduction post. I'm looking into buying a C5 or C6 if the price is right. This would be my first RWD sports car, and it would be my daily driver. I live in Rhode Island, so the car would have to contend with winter conditions. I've heard of people driving this car in the snow with winter tires, but I have my doubts. Is it doable? Or am I biting off more than I can chew? Anyone with first hand experience driving the car in the snow please chime in.

Evil-Twin

FOrgettaboutit.

I got caught in some snow " Once " with my C5... I've lived in Michigan and the North east all of my life.. I drive in snow without issue. But I would never attempt to drive my car in the snow ever again... its not an ice or snow car. Not a daily driver in the North
East corridor when it's your only transportation.
Bill aka ET
Welcome to the forum

RyanJZ

What I've heard is that the width of the rear tires is what holds the Corvette back, and you can solve that by getting skinnier wheels. I love the Corvette, but I don't know if it's worth that. FWIW, I'm also looking at the Infiniti G37 coupe. Maybe that would be a better choice since its available with AWD?

Evil-Twin

Infiniti G37 coupe awd a much better choice... Don't always listen to what you've heard. .

RyanJZ

Yeah. I'm taking what I read with a grain of salt, considering this would be my first performance car. Also most of what I see mostly seems to just point to it being that the Corvette will get you home if you get caught in a snow storm, but you don't want to depend on it all season long. So right now I'm leaning towards the G37

Evil-Twin

While I am a seasoned ice and snow driver. I got caught 20 minutes ( normal day ) from my house. My butt was in high pucker mode for an hour trying to get us both home in one piece, both me and the car.

Bill aka ET

Vetteman Jack

with E-T. I would not like to have a Vette as a DD in areas where the snow can get very deep. Other than that, the C5 is a great DD.

grantv

I've had rear wheel drive year round DD cars most of my life. But while my Z is my DD, it is parked every winter for about 3 months.

Rob 02

Get a old $2000 SUV for the snow. and buy a Vette. If you have to have work done on the Vette you have a back up vehicle.

Eastwood6

Welcome to the forum. C5 owner in Connecticut. The advice offered is sound. We don't get a lot of snow out this way, but when we do it can make driving a Corvette nearly impossible. Having a second vehicle would help.

That said, I'm one of those who drives their C5 year round as a fair weather DD, as long as there isn't snow or ice on the roads. Had her out this past Thursday for my daily commute down I-95. A Corvette always makes the trip home after a stressful day at work better. Good luck.

Koufax

The Infiniti is way more practical. The Vette is way more fun. Unless you have a backup plan for the really tough winter days (work from home or buy a cheap winter beater) you're better off with the Infiniti.

DDaaryl

Bad idea

Glasact

As others have said......NOT a good snow or ice car! Too low to the ground, tires too wide, too much power and RWD! Buy a used suv for the winter!

RyanJZ

Well, I've decided I'll hold off on pulling the trigger on Corvette. Thanks for the insight guys

friou

Happy to see your holding off on the vette for winter/snow driving. I lived and worked in the NY/NJ metro area for 30 plus years and owned vettes for a good part of that time.The C5 would be fine on non-storm and non slippery roads if you wanted to subject your vette to northeast winter conditions to include salted roads. If you do change your mind, do yourself a huge favor and buy yourself a bad weather beater and save your vette for nicer days. Best wishes!

IMXCITD

I wouldn't count a vette out just yet. There is a guy in C6 that puts certain tires on his and drives it year round w great success. That being said...maybe you could have the vette and a cheap beater, truck or suv? I will get the C6's name and post. I think it's like JerriC6 or something.


Went back and looked...its: JerriVette and it's a C6 coupe. I'm sure if you touch base him he can give you his thoughts.

Tusc

CT neighbor here. I drove my first C5 through 3 winters here in the northeast. There are days when you're not going to be taking the vette anywhere such as when it is dropping 6 inches of snow. Driving stick is probably easier than auto. I'd not want auto in snow with active handling.... May as well just let the computer throw you at a wall.

For those 2 or 3 days a year you can't take the vette.... That is the day you take your $3k Explorer beater to work.

Evil-Twin

This dosen't go away in a day.

These are Next door in New Hampshire.

My Grandson Ian