EX vs FX in snow

[AD1787]

Howdy everyone

I have a 07 M45 and was thinking about getting an infiniti that can handle snow a little better. Does anyone have a comment on how much better a AWD EX or FX is compared to the M's with AWD in snow? I realize ground height is going to make a big difference but as far as AWS systems are they nearly the same?

I also wonder if a AWD in any infiniti is going to make a huge difference over my RWD M w/ winter tires. When i think AWD, i think Subaru and Audi so I am a little skeptical of infiniti AWD.

Appreciate the help

[EXceptional]

I can't specifically answer your Question, but I found Threads that compares EX's to FX's...

post5330085.html

It says nothing about Drive-trains... but I'll keep looking, while we wait for an answer.

Here's a couple of more...

post5201880.html

post4973892.html

[wysguymd]

Here's a review that tested the EX in snow:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 04457.html

"Lesson two was that all-wheel-drive vehicles are not all the same. In the first February blast of snow and ice, I discovered that Mitsubishi's claim of superior stability and traction for its 2010 Outlander XLS crossover utility vehicle, equipped with its patented Super All-Wheel Control, was just that -- a claim. In strong crosswinds, ice and light snow, the Outlander wiggle-waggled its way along northbound Interstate 87.

The Mitsubishi Outlander XLS came with 18-inch-diameter "all-weather" radials. The Infiniti EX 35 Journey was shod with 17-inch-diameter "all-weather" tires. But the EX35 Journey proved a much more stable companion on roads pounded by sleet and other icy precipitation.
....
Lower ground clearance/better balance usually equals better handling, which proved to be true in driving the EX35 Journey and Outlander XLS in the snow.

There is another lesson learned from our snow-and-ice driving experiences: No vehicle can trump the laws of physics and common sense: "Ice is ice and too fast is too fast on roads covered with snow and ice," Ria said. Each of us witnessed evidence of that truth in our respective drives of the EX35. "

[AD1787]

thanks everyone for your help. I keep waiting for Consumer reports to do snow test for AWD/4x4's.

[basementman]

I have a 2008 EX AWD and a 2009 Audi A4 in my garage.

I can tell you (and this will be an oversimplification) that the Audi system is different from the Infiniti system in that all four wheels are getting power all the time in various percentages, and the Infiniti system is basically a rear-wheel drive system that kicks into AWD only when slippage occurs. As a result, the Audi system is a little more sure-footed in acceleration, cornering and straight-line driving. Those are seat-of-the-pants feelings. Also, the tires are not the same on each car. In my experience, tires can make a huge difference in traction in the snow. If a RWD car has exceptional electronics and tires, it can handle pretty well in snow. However, physics still take over at some point, and having 4 wheels power the vehicle vs 2 is still a benefit in poor traction occurances.

The Audi system is phenomenal in snow. We have all-season Pirellis on it. The Infiniti is still very good, but I think the tires reduce some of its capabilities, as they don't have the same grip in the snow as the Pirellis (we have the Dunlops on the EX). However, I don't think twice about driving the EX in snow. It does as well or better than the Lexus RX we had previous, which is a FWD system that kicks into AWD when slippage occurs.

By far the most annoying element of the EX in winter driving is the elecronic nanny that cuts power when excessive slippage occurs going around corners in snow. That's really the only time of the year I constantly shut it off. (Drifting = fun , no power = not fun .)

[EXceptional]

The Dunlops have been an issue in the Snow, for EX35's.

I can't wait until mine wear out... and then I can slap on some Michelins from COSTCO.

[jmess]

AWD EX35 is about 325 Lbs lighter than FX35 AWD. Lighter is better on the slick stuff.
The 2WD EX is about 521 Lbs lighter than the FX35 AWD which is one of the reasons it does so well in the snow when equipped with a good set of snow tires.

[EXceptional]

Lighter might be better on the Ice, cause you're dealing with stopping the forward momentum.

However, when plowing through the Snow, I'd rather have a heavy Car, good Tires and AWD.

Survival is # 1

[jmess]

The only time my 2WD got bogged was when I tried to snow plow my way out of my driveway to the street in deep snow crusted with ice. I got high centered and had to dig my way out. AWD would be able to push more snow than my 2WD could. Once on the street I had no troubles. Ground clearance or lack of is an issue in deep snow for any car.

There always seems to be more focus on 0-20 performance than 20-0 in snow and ice. Most of the time 20-0 is the number that is more important for survival.

[jamesstock]

Hi all,

Of course AWD is better in snow (regular driving..and not under extreme conditions) than the 2WD / RWD version. I have a 2WD version and I am eager to know how well this 2WD / RWD handles in snow. I am used to driving FWD vehicles and have zero problems in snow / blizzard conditions. Sometimes I was forced to put on snow chains (when I was driving my FWD vehicle) which I didn't think I needed anyways...but had to put them on because it was required. But back to the RWD EX35, anyone have experience driving in snow w/ OEM tires / 4 seasons tires? Does the 'SNOW' button really does the trick? What exactly does it do anyways? changing the torque? or the differential? I had a chance to drive my EX on sandy roads, my impression was that the front seems too light compare to the rear and it didn't 'grap' the road.

[EXceptional]

For that answer, check out this Thread >>> 2008-awd-what-does-the-snow-button-do-t467197.html

[Obsidian EX]

When i think AWD, i think Subaru and Audi so I am a little skeptical of infiniti AWD.

I've got an AWD EX and a Subaru Impreza in my driveway, so I'll give you my impressions.

To begin with, both are excellent in the snow, IF equipped with snow tires. I am also in agreement with basementman on his assessment of the EX vs an Audi. The Subaru has a similar AWD system, so under slippery conditions I have never felt the car slip. The EX on the other hand, you can actually feel a slight slip before the AWD system kicks in. As basementman stated, it's more of a seat of your pants type of feeling.

The critical factor here though is winter (or snow) tires. Don't be fooled by the AWD into thinking that you can get away with using the OEM all season tires. If you get any snow at all, you can't. All season tires (an oxymoron) are simply too much of a compromise in the snow. Don't spend 10's of thousands on an Infiniti and then cheap out on the tires (2k at max, including a dedicated set of winter wheels)...it doesn't make sense! OK, stepping down from the soap box....

Bottom line is that the EX is very good in the snow when equipped with winter tires. The AWD system is comparable to Subaru's, although marginally inferior, in that is is not as "invisible" as the Subaru system. During a heavy storm, if forced to choose between my 2 cars, I would probably go with the Subaru, but mostly out of fear of being hit by some moron without snow tires on. If I had an STI and the EX parked in my driveway, I don't know which I would take in a storm!

Hope that helps.

[Jason Tucker]

The Dunlops have been an issue in the Snow, for EX35's.

I can't wait until mine wear out... and then I can slap on some Michelins from COSTCO.

+1

[Jason Tucker]

Had two Subaru's...Outback LL Bean...Tribeca...both have fulltime power to all wheels and were better then my EX. That said the Ex does just fine...use the snow button when at a dead stop if you want instant power to all wheels and not let the computer read for slippage.

[EXceptional]

Had two Subaru's...Outback LL Bean...Tribeca...both have fulltime power to all wheels and were better then my EX. That said the Ex does just fine...use the snow button when at a dead stop if you want instant power to all wheels and not let the computer read for slippage.

Boy, you're out to Lunch on that one...

2008-awd-what-does-the-snow-button-do-t467197.html

Engine power is REDUCED by the Computer to prevent anxious Drivers from spinning their Wheels... and it's all done in efforts to control Wheel-slippage.

Is your definition what your Salesman told you ?

Dean...Alberta, Canada.
NICO EX35 Moderator.

[Jason Tucker]

Had two Subaru's...Outback LL Bean...Tribeca...both have fulltime power to all wheels and were better then my EX. That said the Ex does just fine...use the snow button when at a dead stop if you want instant power to all wheels and not let the computer read for slippage.

Boy, you're out to Lunch on that one...

2008-awd-what-does-the-snow-button-do-t467197.html

Engine power is REDUCED by the Computer to prevent anxious Drivers from spinning their Wheels... and it's all done in efforts to control Wheel-slippage.

Is your definition what your Salesman told you ?

Dean...Alberta, Canada.
NICO EX35 Moderator.

Don't know what the salesman said...too long ago...I know about the "soft pedal" the button creates...got power to all tires and kicked out (stopped working) at 12 mph.