Sports Car vs SUV in Snow - Dangerous? | Everyday Driver TV Season 6

Most people think of Sports Cars as a poor choice for snow vs an SUV. Many people believe a RWD car is dangerous in the snow and AWD is required. So we put a MX5 RF with winter tires against an AWD CUV on All Season tires to find out what makes winter safe and fun.
#RWD #snow #MX5 #TV
This is an episode of our TV show from February of 2020, now available on KZbin.
00:00 - 1:10 Intro
1:15 - 5:56 The Contenders
5:56 - 11:04 RWD vs AWD
11:04 - 16:27 Winter Tires vs All Seasons
16:27 - SUV or Sports Car
All our TV episodes can be found on Amazon Prime and Vimeo. Find them, our films, and much more on our website:
www.everydaydriver.com/
More Test Drives coming every week right here, plus new content on our other channel as well:
/ everydaydriver
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Thanks for watching!

[@kennyg3819]

A wise man once said: “Miata is always the answer” 🤣

[@xavicon64]

And that spells out M.I.A.T.A 😉

[@andrealoi4426]

I've been using my 2019 ND RF all year round in Germany for 2 and a half years now. Just swap tyres and keep driving. I love that the small cabin gets warm real quick and the heated seats help a lot. I'm still thinking about the Toyota dealer that wouldn't let me test drive a GT86 because "That's a sport car, it's dangerous in winter." I bet he's very good at selling SUVs.

[@ag4allgood]

Northern Illinois in a 2016 ND Club soft top for 5 and a half years now. We call them winter tires here across the pond. The MX-5 I drive is Artic White almost like it was made in winter at the factory. The thing I love about the car is the 50 / 50 weight distribution shows the cars balance in a much more focused way on snow. Communication with the car is more pronounced in snow & ice. My seats are not heated but the cabin becomes very warm very quickly. Its a great car to drive & have fun with in winter ! I switch out the tires myself & do a rotation by marking them each time. TY Mazda for a brilliant little car !

[@max.bintener]

@@ag4allgood We call them Winter tyres too here in Europe😅

[@ag4allgood]

@@max.bintener There are friends at work that use All Season tires instead of switching out for each season. The Pros of All Season tires are no extra effort needed plus cost is cheaper usually than 2 sets. The cons would be not as good handling in the extremes of the seasons. Plus your not rotating tires every season either like for 2 sets.

[@abbshurz]

NC in snow belt of Erie county PA. I get told I’m crazy almost daily. Don’t have a garage to store or another car/truck. Grew up with cars and terrible winter snow. Snow tires, some sand bags, and not driving like an idiot have worked so far.

[@sergiovelasco5020]

2020 ND2 RF GT, on my 3rd winter with blizzak tires here in Long Island, NY. Love this car.

[@gman68137]

Drove my Miata 4 winters in Colorado @ 120mi/day; never missed a day of work. Snow tires rock.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Love the shot about 40 seconds in of the Miata sliding into the shot as the option to the SUV. Great video!

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

[@holycow512]

@@TestDriveVideos That shot brought a huge smile to my face, thanks for another great episode!

[@Uvvibes]

Yes that was fun

[@jonp761]

I couldn't agree more on the value of winter tires vs. all-seasons. We put a set on my wife's AWD Tucson and it turns that thing into a beast in the snow. It can stop, go, and turn. Winter tires rule!

[@dogwink]

Yeah, we constantly worry about following vehicles that can't stop nearly as quickly in the snow

[@davebarron5939]

I have been driving 90K+ per year for 10 years 6 days a week in the frozen wasteland of N MI. Snow tires (all the way around) AND good brakes are a must period. (never stuck or an accident) The PROBLEM with driving ANY car in winter is not traction, it is the shear destruction of the body / chassis by salt. I dont drive any of my pony cars or motorcycles until we have had several good rains. Love your presentations / podcast guys. Thanks.

[@cliftonfrey1174]

I have been daily driving my ND for four years and yes it is very capable in the New Jersey winter’s with snow tiers!

[@treycanterbury9646]

RF or softop?

[@Hehexd944]

Good to know! This will be my first winter with my ND and am getting snow tires on real soon! I’m from NJ also

[@cliftonfrey1174]

@@Hehexd944 good luck with the car just make sure the snow is not too deep we don’t have a lot of clearance.I live in Paramus .

[@jaylee9918]

I carried a trunk shovel in my passenger side seat for deep snow. 😆😆

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

I agree with Todd, they really should offer the ND in sunburst yellow and mariner blue. However, I'd still be worried about encountering an un-plowed or poorly plowed road and getting stuck.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Or having to stop and start on a hill

[@mikeb9569]

@@ChoPi-Eww I've found an LSD can help by providing power to both rear wheels. It can help prevent that sideways torque steer.

[@ag4allgood]

@@mikeb9569 In 5 & a half years of winter driving my ND Club soft top has never been " STUCK " ! I have gone thru some major snow / ice storms & this car is amazing ! If the snow gets above 7 inches I'll wait for the plows to come by.

[@mikeb9569]

@@ag4allgood I suggest spraying the undercarriage with "Fluid Film" or some other rust inhibitor before every winter if you have heavy salt use on the roads.

[@joelrichards4965]

Totally agree! Many years ago my daily/only car was a 2nd gen. Mazda RX-7 with a set of winter wheels/tires for winter driving. I was working in the ski industry in New England and travelled throuhout the winter in NH, VT and ME regularly. One of my favorite routes in VT would take me up and over an unpaved gap or mountain road; there was a sign before the road went up saying the road was not prepared for winter use. It was a blast driving that rwd sportscar on these snow covered roads and getting quizzical looks from the drivers in 4x4 trucks.

[@geoffrideout1728]

Todd has raised the point that everyone was driving around in the 1970's in massive RWD cars with no ABS, and there wasn't mass carnage. My memories of that time also include there being only snow tires on the rear wheels. When FWD became popular, many folks then put two snows on the front only. Amazing "get going" traction, never got stuck, but many random snap spinouts in our 1981 Ford Escort. That was far scarier than any controllable throttle-induced oversteer in the big RWD sled...

[@richardmichael59]

Yup two snow tires on the front of 88 Honda Accord were scary at highway speeds because I was too cheap to buy four. A couple of trips later I had four and never got stuck and it was very stable at highway speeds. Lesson learned.

[@Shortymack420]

They were also sturdy steel bodies and not meant to crumble up like the all aluminum miata lol

[@xiondFirst]

@@Shortymack420 yeah but if you hit something like idk another car. You didn't live.

[@AlicesMazduhs]

It's sad how far society has regressed in inclement driving. I've been driving on all seasons in my fwd mazda3 in the snow and I drive circles around everyone else in their audis and subarus and I don't feel that I'm anything special, just adequate

[@DJMotoVlogs]

I say this all the time, my RWD Infiniti on Blizzaks was better in the now than my FWD Honda is on the snow with All seasons. I miss driving a RWD manual car.

[@senseicorey9979]

Those blizzaks are really amazing. Had them on an old solara and that thing was invincible. Never mind on the audi quattro

[@prkgmx]

Have been driving Mustang GT Manual year-round for over 4 years in NJ, NY by using Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires during winter and never had issue in snow/ice conditions. Drove even in snowstorms of whole day through hilly areas during cross country journeys. Ascending hill gets tricky at times in snowstorms if momentum is lost because of slow cars (SUVs :-)) ahead but descending is very easy. Traffic of 4x4 SUVs go really slow while descending hills in snow/snowstorm because they don't use winter tires and lack grip, testing patience of mine in Mustang behind them :-). In the first winter, my friends and colleagues scared the shit out of me saying that I can't drive Mustang in winter. Even the mechanic who changed my tires to winter tires told I can't drive the Mustang in winter and there is no point in using winter tires creating a doubt in me. But the Nokian winter tires proved them wrong and never doubted the winter tires/mustang after the first winter. If you live in northern states, do yourself favor and get a Quality set of Winter tires for your safety. Rotating all-season/summer tires with winter tires prolongs your tire tread life too making it win-win.

[@andrewm5840]

nissan rouge photo shoot? Miata: PHOTOBOMB!! edit: also! the fade in transition are awesome guys! Also, the video over video comparison on the 25 and STOP was great!

[@62Sketch]

I learned this lesson around 1995 when I put Blizzaks on my Toyota Supra Turbo. What a blast to drive... and the look on the faces of the SUV crowd as I'd pass them on the freeway was priceless.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We agree. The shock of other drivers is a bonus! Thanks for watching!

[@scottanthony3426]

LOL. I had a 2002 Civic Si, and in winter, ran a "minus one" (wheel diameter 1" smaller than summer wheels with a higher profile and 10mm narrower tread width) set of winter wheels and Blizzaks. It went through snow amazingly well. One winter I had to trek to Portland International when we'd had the rare big snow. I-5 was totally compacted snow (I think the area had received 8-12"). It was rock solid stable, and I was passing Ford Explorers (being driven by people who looked like white knuckled types). I remember some of the puzzled looks as these people watched a little hatchback bomb by their mighty all-terrain suv's. Amazing what tires can do. The folks at Tire Rack had suggested the "minus one" set-up. I now have Blizzak's for winter on my BRZ, although I was not able to do a "minus one" (likely due to brake clearance issues).

[@shawn576]

@@scottanthony3426 In general, getting the smallest rims possible saves a ton of money. My friend refuses to buy a winter tire and rim setup for his car because he insists on getting 19 inch rims with thin tires, but the price is about half if he would just use 17 inch rims with thicker tires.

[@ElijahsAba]

The “Moose Test” got its name after a journalist accidentally rolled a car at the launch of the first generation Mercedes A-class, when he swerved to avoid an actual moose. The car’s response to this emergency maneuver was a huge embarrassment to MB but it had a positive long-term effect for the entire car industry which then began to test for this new standard.

[@cubbiibbuc]

lol no that actual moose part is not true, nice try though

[@samlepro3]

I daily drove a beater NB Miata through a Canadian winter once and it was the most fun I've ever had in a car to this day. It was my first car at the _very_ mature age of 20 years old with barely 3 years of driving experience with my mom's Yaris... I only had the car since spring of that year so barely a couple months of RWD experience in the dry. I put General Altimax winter tires on it and it was all the Initial D fantasy I could've hoped for. Plenty of practice sliding in empty parking lots was key to get used to the weight transfer and short "snappy" wheelbase. I did spin out a handful of times at first, but I got used to catching it mid-slide and I never hurt anyone nor the car; I only got _purposefully_ sideways on empty roads. Snow storms were the best because grip is more consistent on fresh snow and you get the bonus satisfaction of passing scared trucks and SUVs in a tiny Miata during a blizzard; that _never_ got old! I only got stuck once because I had to street park on an unplowed roadside for work during a huge snowstorm and the snow was so deep the car was like a beached whale. Coworkers helped me push the Miata back on the plowed road after my shift and off I went. Hills were anxiety inducing for sure, but momentum and good tires is key. I live in a very hilly area and never had a problem except once I had to get a bit of a "running start" to go up a 45 degree incline driveway covered in packed snow. By the end of that winter, my adrenaline receptors were fried and I felt like I had went on a 5 month driving course. I actually got pretty good at sliding that little car around just from "feeling it" and it thought me a lot. That car was rusting away (even well before that winter) so I sold it the next year. Oh and I almost forgot to mention it was open diff- it did fine! To sum up the experience: it was equal parts fun and scary, but in a good way. It's driving that keeps you 100% focused and connected with the car at all times because one small mistake could send you into oncoming traffic with your only safety equipment being 20+ year old air bag and a seatbelt... That being said, it was still very predictable and not overly dangerous with some common sense and a basic understanding of physics. Now all this reminiscing got me shopping for a used Scion FR-S to do it all over again... Life is too short to drive boring cars. 😄

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

This is awfully high quality for the test drive channel. It could be a main channel video.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

@Pohjois Disaster Moon thanks. I know. I have been following EDD since 2010 😊

[@samlepro3]

It's called the moose test because the average bull moose is so much larger/heavier than a deer (6-7ft tall, ~1500lbs VS a 5ft tall, ~300lbs deer). That means you have to swerve or you significantly decrease your survival rate. Since all that mass is up high on thin legs, the cabin often gets crushed in the case of an accident. They're so big they can even crush SUVs.

[@shortstories3349]

With every video I see of my MX-5 RF, I fall in love with it more and more. And, I look forward to driving anywhere in it. Such a fun little car to drive everyday, and it doesn’t break my bank in half! ✨

[@bobtista88]

I used to drive my rx8 year round as long as I had the proper tires, and I drove through some awful snow storms, where it started out buried in snow, it handled beautifully.

[@HandsomeAlex25]

In terms of scheduling, I think it would have been better to have this released at the beginning of a winter season, rather than the end.

[@GodleyX]

It's the beginning again :D

[@AlexisGitarre]

living in the AUSTRIAN ALPS with my MX5 ND RF. I drive it every Winter! Most people would shit their pants but people here are so used to drive in snow they basically just don't give a f*ck about it haha Tires are everything! You really have to get GOOOOD ones and don't spare a dime.

[@ag4allgood]

That is the great thing about owning an MX-5 .... tires are not that expensive ! Even with buying a dedicated set of wheels / tires the cost spread out over the years is minimal compared to Buying / maintaining a winter vehicle.

[@EgVetsje]

Just got my 2L supra in norway, gonna drive it all winter (only driver car got no choice) but the learning curve of driving and getting to know the car is gonna be great. This made me feel safer, cheers guys!

[@TestDriveVideos]

Supras are great cars. Congratulations. With winter tires you’ll have a blast. Glad this was helpful!

[@denmarktwp]

Thanks for doing this public service, documenting the transformation made by using real snow tires. I discovered how well a fun car can go in the snow about 10 years ago. I live in MN and have a 2006 Pontiac GTO with the LS2 6spd. I put snow tires on and 200 lbs of tractor weights in the trunk. It will plow snow with the front air dam up and over the windshield without stopping. I've since used the same set up with a Mercedes e320 CDI and an e350 bluetec with similarly good results. I've been telling anyone who'll listen to put real snowies on and go have some fun. One trick to remember is to park with your drive axle on the downhill end of the car. So, park a rear drive car with the nose pointing up to drive out and a front drive with the nose pointing down. The weight transfer when applying torque to the drive axle is significantly helpful to get going.

[@ag4allgood]

denmarktwp , with the MX-5 Miata it does not matter. The car can claw its way through even a steep snowy incline. Its so light & power is just about perfect to start without spinning the tires. No weight to counter any balance issues .... its a perfect 50 / 50 weight balance from the factory.

[@benwells2338]

Tires are SO key. I don’t have to deal with much snow here in CA unless I travel to it to go skiing, but similar surprise for me is when I stuck some grippy wet weather rubber on my motorcycle and rode through some heavy rains. No slippage whatsoever! I daily my motorcycle so to me, I draw the comparison to trying to drive the Miata year round. Great comparison guys, very informative!

[@9speedbird]

I currently drive a Mazda 3 with winters, contemplating getting an MX-5. Thanks for this video!

[@steveo8424]

Let’s see the lotus on snow tires.

[@TestDriveVideos]

It’s on the to do list...

[@HandsomeAlex25]

@@TestDriveVideos surprised to read this, cause Todd has for so long said that the open diff and scratch-it-and-it's-totalled clamshell is just too much of a risk for the winter.

[@jibokwy5773]

I was happy to see a new episode’s out.. only to find I’ve watched it on Amazon already...

[@EricGCraig]

Really great review, nice to see you shaking up everyone's assumptions, thanks 👍

[@gerglmuff]

great video, been driving an NA6 miata daily/winter and lake race it with studded tires for 8 years now. love it. i have a truck, for towing things, never take it out in the winter time.

[@ntinamorris]

If you have snow tyres you don't have any problem at all. Great video. Mazda is the best

[@JohnnysGarage]

ive been daily driving a miata for the past 4 years in NY throigh all kinds of weather... it does just fine and i dont see the need for awd suv's. only problems is when theres a lot of snow

[@sublimekid247]

I drive my 16 ND club in NE snow and it kills it! I have had zero issues with some decent snow tires and trucks right along

[@VPoje]

The MX5 has the old Mazda interior, it's still good, but the new interior in the 3 and CX-30 is great. Looking foward to the refresh. Good video as always!

[@BikesandBriar]

The beauty of the old interior is that it’s simple and it works. I don’t really want the ND to have a posh interior I love that it’s a back-to-basics car that gives you all you need and nothing you don’t. The one thing I would change though is the ugly screen poking out of the dash.

[@VPoje]

@@BikesandBriar Go look at the new Mazda 3 interior it is as simple and clean as anything on the market, imo the best interior Mazda ever did.

[@BikesandBriar]

@@VPoje I know. I own a Mazda3 turbo. I still think the interior of the Miata suits it well, except for the screen.

[@chrisej5987]

When I finally put winter tires on my rwd MB CLK350, it was revelatory. I felt like a rally champ whenever it snowed, lol.

[@allimikej]

I drive a 2019 rf club with blizzaks . Two winters so far in Buffalo NY. Never stuck . Always fun. Who needs an SUV . Keep them for the boring people of the world.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We applaud you!

[@erickvart]

I have both these vehicles and I drive both daily when the weather changes. They both do great!

[@jeffreyfigueiredo1740]

Great video guys! Here’s my thought as an enthusiast living in Toronto Canada who owns a 2019 MX-5 RF 30th Anniversary in Racing Orange 🍊. I used my car for two consecutive winters and only rust proofed it once. It was great and I had no issues but having said that, it’s a very special car so I decided to garage it for the winter and use my Dad’s Mazda 3 GT sedan which is no compromise. I just don’t want to chance Toronto’s streets with all the salt and brine and ruin my undercoating. But you guys brought up valid points and it was an awesome video 👍🏾

[@dylanwong1977]

Hey, also someone from Toronto considering an ND. Currently drive a 2020 WRX, obviously much better but always loved the looks of the miata and considering it. How did you find it for the two winter that you drove it, what kind of tires did you have?

[@donovanmyers7600]

Awesome, love the Miata in snow, what's the music at the end, sounds sweet?

[@RagingEmmissary]

Dude the miata just looks so happy its hard not to smile when looking at its front 😄

[@MrT33CEE]

Only thing missing from this was the journey back down that hill climb and how sketchy it would have been, thankful I live in the UK, we get very little snow but when we do get it, the country grinds to a halt as no-one (hardly anyone) drives on winter tyres and literally everyone has no clue how to drive their car in the snow….. plus the fact we put salt down everywhere so my MX5 is tucked up nice and warm in my garage thanks very much. Really enjoyed the video, some great drone shots.

[@TestDriveVideos]

The Mx5 is shown going up and down the same hills throughout the video. And the braking demonstration was also down hill. We get Salt in Utah too, a tough call, but tots are key. Thanks for watching!

[@gregmason2760]

I love my MX5. Can’t wait for the snow.

[@mikeb9569]

My NB was great in the winter. With winter tires all around mounted on steel wheels to make swapping out easier, I had no issues and never got stuck. An LSD will kept the torque even between the rear wheels and prevent torque-steer. I drive my ND1 all year with all seasons, now, but I avoid the heavy snowfalls. I recommend using Fluid Film every year on the undercarriage- I have no rust after many seasons.

[@alexandrosstogiannis9589]

I just came back home from a four hours drive in a snowstorm in Sweden with my miata nc. It wears a set bridgstone blizzak with spikes and it is so much fun, I guess I will miss the snow when it goes away.

[@zeiar1987]

I drove two Finnish winters with MX5 NB soft top. It's not really for everyone, but I enjoyed it and miss it still. LSD helped the traction with studless winter tires. Lightness helps also. Most fun car also in winter!

[@tomdoe1234]

I have a second set of wheels for my Miata. Those same tires the blizzaks. It's almost overkill for NE but nice to know I'm not going to get stuck

[@alanthomson1227]

I’ve had 2017 MX5 for four winters now , no problem , and I stay in NE Scotland .

[@wallymarkewich2960]

I have had 2 Rogues and each were HORRIBLE in snow for stopping even with winter tires. It just rolls and rolls and rolls by first front brakes only seem to grab unless you jump off the seat and slam on them and still its anti lock shutter but keeps sliding. I have had the brakes checked and tried to re-calibrate them and no change. Have a 2020 Mazda 3 Hatchback and it stops on a dime. it feels like the back brakes grab before the front and the car just pulls to the ground its impressive.

[@johnathankain8033]

Mustang S550 is surprisingly capable in the snow and ice when fitted with Continental All Season Contact tyres. Had it for two winters now.

[@sniggitty]

I have the exact Miata (same color). whats not mentioned is driving the miata in the snow is gonna rack up the nose and lower lip very quick when you hit a pile of ice/snow. Not enough clearance. So, on a flat well paved snowy road things are fine, but b4 the road is groomed, bad news

[@lincolndickerson1293]

seat heaters for the win !!! Seriously my Mazda 6 just gave up it’s rear subframe. I have wanted a Mazda Miata since its inception. I am going there. I am 5’10”, thinking that will be fine. Looking to test drive later this week. Thank you so much for the snow review. Kills one of my biggest concerns, just need to do the old school summer winter tire exchange. Note: I drive abouy 8k a year, this will be a 10 year car for me.

[@eaglewolf5]

I had a new 2010 Mini Cooper clubman . had that car 6 years . was my only car . I live in Michigan . I never got stuck once . the deepest snow I drove in was 12 inches with drifts . that day I passed two stuck f 150 s . I started driving in 1975 and my fist 4 cars were rear wheel drive so I know what I am doing . plus its fairly flat roads around here . not saying you cant get stuck . but you have to time the lights , and watch your following distance . I worry more about the car behind me . used to take my motorcycle on Christmas eve rides . never missed one even with over 10 inches of snow for 25 years . used to ride my bicycles when I was a kid , in the snow all winter , you learn how to do controlled slides . I drive my Mustang now that I am retired , year round . its fun . I like to drift the snowy corners . don't use snow tires either . I am 62 never have used snow tires in all my years of driving . Drove an LTD back in the 80s through the smokies on a two week vacation . there was 14 inches at times . twice cops told me to put on chains - hell what for I told them . don't think I could get away with that now days . but that LTD was a heavy car . drove like a bull dozer . miss that car. plus its fun drifting corners in the mountains , although I did do a 360 on one sloping corner . fun fun fun ! 1200 miles on that trip . all I can say is learn how your car drives , but do not over - react , and you will be alright .

[@Zach_Beebe]

I'm shopping an RF GT. If I can fit, I'm gonna buy one and daily it through MN winter.

[@Kacpa2]

It's common practice in europe to have set of winter tyres and summer tyres and changing whe needed. As for american car choices... they sadly killed off anything other than SUVs, save for Subaru Outback and maybe Audi A6 there is nothing left from wagons on that market. People should go for the station wagons tho. Outback 2 sets of tyres and more interior and storage space than "bigger" suv's.

[@jackpalczynski7884]

My first car was an MGB and I bought a parts MGB for $150 that had 4 wire wheels with snows. Used them to go skiing all winter, 50 miles away in the Berkshires. Never had a problem. These days, we drive our Subarus with snows because we sort of like to turn and stop in snow. Who needs an SUV?

[@Will_Tomorrow_Be_There]

I wish you could share pictures on KZbin, I used to daily my NA and ND Miata with winter tires. I have this picture of me at my job with like a foot of snow on top of the car and it was no problem

[@EXPIOWA]

I loved your test. The reason I was watching it is because I drove my Fiero with Winter tires for the time on snow last night. It was the most fun I have ever had on snowy roads. Because the motor sits directly over the rear wheels there was no problem getting traction for accelerating The front wheels never broke traction because they weren't using any of the available grip to pull the car forward. It all went to steering. Braking was excellent too. It has a 50/50 weight balance. You could feel the rear tires clawing it down from speed. It was amazing! Please test a rear engine sports car with winter tires on snow against the MX-5. I guarantee it would eat up a front engine sports car. You will love every second of it. It was the most fun I have ever had on a snowy road.

[@dct124]

Todd look on the bright side, you could swap out the driver seat for a floored race seat and simply add a blue memory foam gel and save the driver seat for resale 🤣

[@scottanthony3426]

I am fortunate enough to have both the SUV and fun car in the stable, but after a recent snowfall, did a bit of testing too. We don't get snow more than a couple times per winter, but due to temperature range limitations on summer performance tires, I' equipped my BRZ with winter wheels and Blizzaks. The other vehicle is a Forester XT running all-season Michelin tires. I found that with compact snow and some less compacted about 6" deep, I could provoke some rear end slide in the BRZ if I pushed beyond prudent snow driving enthusiasm. I replicated the path with the AWD Forester and it was rock stable. Of course, if the snow gets deep, the BRZ front end turns into a snow plow, so in deep unpacked snow, it is no contest. Sometimes you still have to bust through that snowplow ridge in front of a driveway too. Once those freeze/thaw cycle a few times, you really don't want to try to plow through them in your low ground clearance car - it is like hitting a brick.

[@tomoneal5627]

BMW RWD is Great to drive in real European Snow ❄️

[@exoticargeo]

I used to drive my Fiat X1/9 in winter with studded Pirelli Winters on it, and never had as much fun! Also never saw so many people taking the ditch trying to keep up with me (them not knowing what tires I had)

[@rubberducky6411]

Are these miatas that r driven all year round(salt bryne etc) turn out to be rust buckets ? Would love to know how the metal holds up.

[@milk1472]

Pretty much any car that's driven on salted roads will be a rust bucket, it just eats the hell out of the car undercarriage

[@NickLantzy]

I wish I could like this video more than once.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RockstarBruski]

I think the biggest difference for me would be ground clearance of the SUV would fair better in deeper snow. Quality video as usual! Thanks for making it! Now do I take the blue pill or the red pill? 😉

[@Willppyro]

You can get adjustable suspension you can raise in the winter and lower in the summer for the mx5

[@Kacpa2]

I think Subaru(Crosstrek 2.0 for example) with a manual should be used as example for proper all wheel drive car. Instead of faux awd that almost everything else has(ie its always FWD until slippage on top of traction control nannying you).

[@alangross2277]

Many people today don't realize that back in the 50,s 60's and early 1970's there were very few 4WD vehicles and almost no front wheel drive cars. Most people drove rear wheel drive vehicles, even trucks; and yet, somehow we made it to where we wanted to go...even on tires that suck, big time, compared to todays tires! I grew up in Northern Idaho , we had no 4WD. no AWD, no slated roads and yet we never even had to chain up. VWs ruled the winter roads though; they were traction kings back in those days and still not many people owned one, at least not where I grew up.

[@johntechwriter]

I grew up in Ontario, Canada, one of the snowiest places on earth. As a toddler and a little kid I loved the snow. In my teens I’d skate on the river that ran through our town, and play hockey. I started driving at 13 and though prudent about safety I had no fear. By the time I got my license I could drift pretty well in the snow. Spring forward a couple of decades and I’m a sports car nut able to afford a gently used ND. It made only 100 hp but then again had only 2200 lb. to move around. I sensed fun winter driving possibilities with this car, and ordered some cheap steel wheels, mounted four skinny, deeply lugged snow tires, and was set for winter. It was nice to know my alloy wheels were never going to see ice or snow. And I already knew that skinny tires give the best traction and handling in snow. It didn’t take a lot of sport rides on snowy back roads for me to discover I had a party on my hands. With a little practice I could put the MX-5’s lightness, balance, and moderate power to work. (On snow, 400 hp is a liability.) On the mountain passes I could run circles around the lumbering SUVs. (The thing you don’t hear about SUVs is that very few have AWD. To make matters worse, their cheapskate suburban owners have this fantasy that they can get away with all-season tires on snow and ice. In other words, they’re poseurs.) It’s no wonder we see so many of these 5 thousand pound monsters stuck in snow banks after running off the road. Without even limited slip, my MX-5 had super traction in the snow. Doing four-wheel drifts on the backroads, the back end hung way-y-y out yet fully under control I felt like Colin MacRae. Now I’m in Northern California, near the coast where there’s never snow. For consolation I can drive my ND2 down the Pacific Coast Highway with the top down in February. It’s bracing!

[@MTater_]

Hey guys, awesome video and this gives me lots of reassurance when deciding whether or not to buy a fun RWD vehicle in the winter time. I am considering picking up a 2024 Mustang GT and it would be my first RWD platform vehicle, I have always driven FWD small cars. With that said I live in Southern Ontario Canada close to Toronto in a bit of a snow belt area where most people buy pickup trucks and SUV's. I currently drive a Hyundai Veloster N and like you stated winter tires make a ton of difference because stopping is more important than going. I was curious if you guys have the idea of making a similar video but with the question of is a V8 powered RWD muscle car serviceable in heavy snow the same as a light RWD sports car. I know the answer is most likely yes but I'm curious to know if it's a lot more difficult than a miata for example. Thanks :).

[@rossgoodwin2700]

Would it be accurate to say you guys had less room in this spec MX5 than the tiny toyota mr2 mk3 ? Great review guys

[@djthiccstar]

My 3rd gen mr2 is surprisingly roomy it feels bigger inside than any of the NDs I've driven ragtop or rf.

[@andrewstevenson6540]

The only negative is if some clown slides into your MX-5 during winter. Our roads are gritted so I'm running summer tyres and just driving cautiously. Winter tyres do make a huge difference especially on high powered cars.

[@petert7807]

Wish I could be on board with this, but have got stuck alot driving rwd cars in Wisconsin winters. Maybe limited slip is the trick? But I have lost hours of my life stuck in a rwd. Mostly due to ICE. 80's Mercedes sand bags and snow tires good in snow, terrible on ice and would high center so easy! Mazda 2 all seasons was on par or worse then the Merc. Bmw 128i snow tires awful in the snow. Subaru outback on all seasons worked well, Audi A3 on snow tires completely unstoppable almost unbelievably good in the winter.

[@judyduffey7501]

Living in New England, I had Blizzack winter tires on my 2004 automatic Miata. Drove 15 miles safely home from work during blizzards. But by 2020, the body was still beautiful, but the chassis was rusted out. I traded it in for a 2020 Miata RF. But now that I'm living in a high rise and have neither storage or ability to transport winter tires to get them mounted, I'm doing without winter tires. So far, I've just avoided driving in the snow. Does anyone know how it will handle in summer tires if caught in just a dusting of snow? Happy driving.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Moose test originated in Sweden, no? Thought it was a test of roof strength, since the thing lands on your roof when you hit it

[@josephandreuccetti7270]

Mazda needs more colors in the Mx5

[@KelGhu]

I had an NBfl and was caught in a storm in Switzerland. We all have winter tires in Switzerland. If we don't, our car insurance won't cover any incidents during winter. But I had no problem at all. Gor home safely. Winter tires make all the difference!

[@MrDavidRicketts]

Should do Mazda3 AWD vs Miata in the snow

[@robschaefer4305]

Dive my ‘17 86 all year round in the Northeast. Throw some Blizzaks on the stock wheels and get a nice set of aftermarkets for the warm months. If the lip clears the snow, you’re good to go.

[@booooooooooooooooooooooo]

I think we can all agree that it’s not so much so about the car that makes driving unsafe, it’s the driver

[@mostyles328]

Should we be worried about road salt and rust for longevity?

[@dogwink]

Winter tires give about 33% more grip than all-seasons in the snow. Therefore, the Miata with winters will stop and turn better than the CUV in the snow. AWD almost doubles (about 40% more) traction for acceleration and hill climbs, so the CUV will only be slightly better than Miata (40% vs 33%). Overall, the Miata with winters will be a better performer in the snow than the CUV with all-seasons.

[@aleckfedorkiw4005]

Driving with winter tires is the best solution because night driving is where ice can build up on roads and winter tires still grip. Plus if you have to slam the brakes it can be the difference of hit someone or stopping in time

[@Z020852]

A good solution to having a performance car you can have fun in for spirited driving - and slightly more spirited driving than even crossovers (ie low center of gravity) during light snow while hauling snowboards and luggage for two people : GTC4 Lusso. Problem : it's way more realistic for people to just have an AWD crossover with a spare set of wheels with snow tires mounted (let the stock tires go bad, get nicer wheels and put grippier all-season or summer tires that do well enough for the freeway in wet weather that doesn't feel like a crappy barge for crappy weather or any hauling and then have really fun RWD, lighter sports car like the Miata. Or just rent an AWD crossover if you live where there isn't snow but there is up in the mountains.

[@danr1920]

I'd be concerned about rust, being a Mazda. I think Mazda forgot about salt. I had a 31 mile commute each way in Minnesota. Never has AWD, only front wheel drive. My wife's minivan was best. Only had snow tires on one car. They were awesome. But not awesome enough to buy them for all the cars. ABS and stability control were nice.

[@johnnyfuglestad349]

looks like an Norwegian normal road in the winter- never been a problem for normal cars.

[@spendingtimetogether8428]

I drive my sportscar all year round, it's awesome :D

[@lezzbmm]

14:38 also most roads w moose and deer r 2x1 lane country roads w big bows (whatever the word for high in the middle and sloping off to the sides is) which is gr8 in the summer for drainage but in the winter on the snow, an unsettled car crossing the double yellows is drainage getting poured off the left side of road unless can control and go back to the right over the hump and straighten out so very important car is still controllable as it's passing the moose w/o hitting it gr8 video

[@lezzbmm]

20:06 lmao good advice

[@johnsolimine1164]

Posi Traction and the right tires make it happen.... I know, cause I live in the snowy mountains and have both.

[@craigdeeter8042]

Ok, now put snow tires on the CUV. Now how long does it take to stop and turn?

[@depan55]

I think a point that is often missed in the conversation of having a dedicated set of winter tires is storage. I live in an apartment and having two sets of tires for my daily (and only) driver wasn't really an option. I opted for a set of all weather tires with the 3 peak mountain snowflake rating and they have been serving me really well this winter. The all weathers got me through the Jan 3rd snowstorm we had here in the mid Atlantic with very little drama all things considered. I drove through VA, DC, and MD coming home from the holidays and observed an Armageddon of stuck, slid off, and crashed cars I drove past presumably in their all season tires. Only issues I had were ground clearance, unplowed neighborhood roads, downed trees, and slower traffic not staying to the right (an issue in all conditions but is additionally unsafe in bad conditions)

[@shawn576]

Get a bigger apartment? I keep my second set of tires in my closet. The tires are about 25 inches in diameter and the height is about 35 inches when all 4 are stacked.

[@danielisbell]

@@shawn576 You can also pay a tire shop to store your off-season tires. Might be more expensive than some living the apartment life can spare, but it is an option to consider.

[@joelpeterson2074]

Excellent video and I'm pretty pumped because I live in Minnesota and want a sweet RWD car. But I am looking at something like a Mustang or Camaro. I see this works on a 190HP, super light Miata, but what about a 460HP, somewhat heavyish Pony car?

[@theabyel26]

Probably not as good as the Miata has 50-50 weight distribution which helps. Also thinner tires.

[@Spiritcr1jsher]

I just sold my 2019 mustang gt . I had a 1987 gt, 2005 gt,2011 gt , 2015 gt , 2019 gt . The coyote cars suck in the snow , snows help but they spin the wheels so easily . Tons of power , fat tires and no weight in the rear. I currently have a 2021 miata gt rf .

[@theabyel26]

@@Spiritcr1jsher just what I thought. Thanks for the input.

[@prkgmx]

You just have to be gentle with accelerator/properly know the car. Note that not providing enough power also will cause issue, especially during hill ascend. I drive Mustang GT manual in snow with winter tires with no issue. Drove in snowstorms too. In your first winter, add some weight in trunk (sandbags or rotated summer tires) for additional grip on rear tires. Once you get experience in snow, you can start to reduce weight in the trunk. Almost forgot... turn off traction control in snow.

[@prkgmx]

@@Spiritcr1jsher You just have to be gentle with accelerator/properly know the car. I drive Mustang GT manual in snow with winter tires with no issue. Drove in snowstorms too. In your first winter, add some weight in trunk (sandbags or rotated summer tires) for additional grip on rear tires. Once you get experience in snow, you can start to reduce weight in the trunk. Almost forgot... turn off traction control in snow, else the wheels spin in few situations.

[@dqitwithbrad]

Miata Is Always The Answer EVEN IN THE SNOW

[@lezzbmm]

10:10 yess lsd is key in winter my open diff '04 z4 was not good the way the lsds on my mom's brz was or my m6 is in the snow

[@Duramaximum]

I wonder if a high-horsepower sports car would have similar results to the Miata?

[@rash8487]

On snow I think weight is more important than horsepower

[@prkgmx]

It will. You just have to be gentle with accelerator/properly know the car. Note that not providing enough power also will cause issue, especially during hill ascend. I drive Mustang GT manual in snow with winter tires. And remember to turn off traction controls in snow.

[@GenuineGents]

I've just been thinking about what fun, manual transmission car can i get that i can fit skis in the winter... And possibly have a top down experience. Aaaaaaaand go!🤣

[@helovesoatmeal]

I had a 96 NA with all seasons that drove much better (in deeper snow too) than the Ford Focus with newish all seasons (Mich Pilot 4 all season) in less snow. I actually got stuck with the Focus. But now I have a BRZ with Blizzaks that blows both of them away. But I'm sure the Miata would be better than the BRZ with Blizzaks :D I love Miatas.. but I needed a more "practical" car since I can only own 1 currently.

[@NinoInTheComments]

i used to be a huge advocate for AWD, but i recently realized that stopping and cornering is waaay more important than accelerating. RWD ftw

[@lezzbmm]

amazing

[@glamdring0007]

You don't need to swap tires on the SUV for winter if you buy the right ones up front...grab a set of CrossClimate2 tires and you wont have to worry about swapping on dedicated snow tires.

[@marcuspeart6196]

WRX owners don't understand this video? Can someone tell me why my sports car loves winter?

[@roteroktober360]

whats the music at 1600?