Trade my 05 TSX for 09 G37/x? How does G37 drive in the snow?

[docboy]

Hi Everyone,

First time member here. I am looking forward to some solid advice!

Current car is a 2005 Acura TSX, auto w/nav. Great reliable car, but horrendous in the snow/ice/slush in the winter. Plus no power whatsoever. So I've been looking at getting a performance manual AWD car that I can enjoy driving, as well as hauling my wife and kid around.

My current choices are: Subaru Impreza WRX, BMW 335xi, and the G37x. The WRX seems like a good practical economical choice, but people have reported blown engines; I don't want to spend $30k and always wonder if and when the engine will go. The interior also is cheap looking. The 335xi is nice, but quite pricey and seems to require expensive upkeep and maintenance. So then I come across the G37x; it's AWD, very reliable and luxurious, but NO MANUAL.

So, some questions I have are:

1) Ideally, I need AWD for my winter commutes of snowy/icy backroads. The general consent is that the G37x AWD is great for winter, but only comes in auto.

I would like to get a manual if possible. How does the non-AWD G37 handle in the snow? Does the Limited Slip Differential help? What if I add snow tires all around?

My TSX is horrendous in the winter; I can't even make it up my driveway, even after new tires up front.

I would kick myself if I get a non AWD G37 and face the same annoying problems in the winter, given the unpaved snow hills here.

2) I test drove a new G37x today; it was so new I couldn't really get a good feel how fast the auto transmission shifts. For those with a G37x, how does the paddle shifting response time compare to that of a manual?

My TSX has a "shiftronic" mode, but I find very slow response times when I manually shift. Not very sporty....

3) What are people paying for a G37/x these days? Edmunds is reporting $1500 above invoice as TMV in the Seattle area.

Thanks!

[harleydav88]

I have an 08 G35XS. It is pretty good in the snow. I had a 2002 Passat W8prior to this and that was far better in the snow. Remember the G35 (or g37) is not FULL TIME four wheel drive. I believe the AWD effectively turns off at 13 MPH or until slippage is determined. If you are going to get the g37, just get a set of snow tires for the winter. The Dunlop Sport Maxxesare most likely the reason why the car is not as great in the snow as it should be. The BMW 335 XI is a great car, but with comparable options the cost will easily exceed $52,000 and you are right about the maintenance. The WRX is not in the same league, although it is an excellent car. My wife has a Forester XT. It is a great car and is fairly good in the snow. Better than the G, but not as good as the Passat was. Again, it is full time four wheel drive and since it only has 17" rims, does not have "High Performance" tires. You also asked about the Paddle shifters, I like them very much. Lastly, I love my G, it is an excellent car, and you will not be dissapointed! It is an excellent value (I paid $35 withthe "premium package" and a rear spoiler)- the BMW with the same options would have came to $54K. Best bang for the buck and will be great since it is much more reliable than the BMW (we used to have a 325).You sound like a Honda fan, why not wait for the new TL with AWD and the 6 Speed manual due out next year? I think it is butt ugly, but you may like it.

[docboy]

Harley,

I am a big fan of Honda and Acuras, but I'm not sure what Honda is doing to the new TLs and TSXs. They have lost their sporty character and are becoming grand touring Lexuses; plus their exterior "futuristic" redesigns are questionable at best. So I dunno...

Any other thoughts?

I would appreciate other opinions, and am still curious how the non AWD G35/37 does the in the snow, given that its RWD but still having LSD.

[scjconsulting]

It sounds to me like your TSX had summer tires. Putting winter tires on it would have helped a great deal.

My best suggestion is to get the snow tires for the G37x, or like I did: (I no longer have room to store an extra set of tires) I bought the G37x with Nokian WR G2 tires, which are considered to be an all-weather tire that are GREAT in the snow. I had a '06 M35x which came with terrible OEM tires. I equipped it with Nokian WR tires, threw away the OEM tires, and spent a very happy 2 1/2 winters in Minnesota. I never got stuck or off the road.

All of my past cars, except the M35x, came with a MT. I no longer miss the MT with the 7-speed AT of the G37x. Just put in sport mode and forget about shifting.


Modified by scjconsulting at 1:57 PM 5/10/2009

[docboy]

Scjconsulting,

Did you get the sport package with the paddle shifters?

How do you find the manual shifting? Is there a quick response when you upshift and downshift?

I believe the TSX, probably b/c of its drive by wire throttle among other things, suffers shifting response lag.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I think you should find a G37xS...

That way you get the sportier suspension and rims and you can get the better tires for the snow! You can also get the paddle shifters too!

Also I saw a review about the 7speed and it was said it was the best auto trans that they had ever driven... I was like well that sounds good!

Drive a loaner and see if you like... They get beat on bad!

Drive a few and see if you like better than the manual!

I love my 6mt and don't like autos... I would have something for winter and just buy a G37S with a 6MT

DJ

[scjconsulting]

Scjconsulting,

Did you get the sport package with the paddle shifters?

How do you find the manual shifting? Is there a quick response when you upshift and downshift?

I was not interested in the xS package because it did not include what I really wanted - the bigger, better brakes. I think paddle shifting gets to be a real bore very quickly.

See the my answer above about manual shifting automatic transmisions. Just put it into S mode and let it make the decisions.

The only real way to shift is using a MT. If that is what you want to do, buy at non-AWD G37S.

There is not much difference 0-60 anymore between a MT rear-wheel drive and a AT AWD. The AWD puts the power down better.

[pfarmer]

I was not interested in the xS package because it did not include what I really wanted - the bigger, better brakes. I think paddle shifting gets to be a real bore very quickly.

See the my answer above about manual shifting automatic transmisions. Just put it into S mode and let it make the decisions.

The only real way to shift is using a MT. If that is what you want to do, buy at non-AWD G37S.

There is not much difference 0-60 anymore between a MT rear-wheel drive and a AT AWD. The AWD puts the power down better.

The place I like the paddle shifters is in normal 'D' mode. In 'DS' mode if you shift it stays in the gear you shift to. This is fine but the fact is I generally like to do this with the console shifter. Now in 'D' mode you can not use the console shifter but you can use the paddle shifter. So if you want to slow up a little bit (without the tail lights) you can use the paddle shifter and it will downshift and then stay in the lower gear for a little while before shifting back to 'D'. I use this all the time and really like the paddle shifter for this single reason.

Perry

[docboy]

Bump...

Thanks for all the responses thus far! Keep them coming..

Still interested in some feed back regarding the automatic's manual shifting. Is there a quick response and "manual feel" when you upshift and downshift?

[zozoka1212]

X or XS plust winter tires = tank.

[scjconsulting]

X or XS plust winter tires = tank.

Let me guess - you do not live where it snows!

[G_whizz]

LOL... we're in Canada...we know all about snow!

[joe603]

Let me guess - you do not live where it snows!

I think he knows about the white stuff

[zozoka1212]

Let me guess - you do not live where it snows!

2008 winter





That's my old G.

I don't have 09 winter pictures uploaded but it was prety much the same.

Love winter. Sooooo much fun.

LOL

I find myself driving every time we have a huge snow storm. Just love how the G handles. Time to time I turn the VDC off in the snow and shift manually. Love it. Still controllable and let you go a little more extreme.

[G_whizz]

2008 winter





That's my old G.

I don't have 09 winter pictures uploaded but it was prety much the same.

Love winter. Sooooo much fun.

LOL

I find myself driving every time we have a huge snow storm. Just love how the G handles. Time to time I turn the VDC off in the snow and shift manually. Love it. Still controllable and let you go a little more extreme.

Now go do it in a Coupe!

[telcoman]

Hi Everyone,

First time member here. I am looking forward to some solid advice!

Current car is a 2005 Acura TSX, auto w/nav. Great reliable car, but horrendous in the snow/ice/slush in the winter. Plus no power whatsoever. So I've been looking at getting a performance manual AWD car that I can enjoy driving, as well as hauling my wife and kid around.

My current choices are: Subaru Impreza WRX, BMW 335xi, and the G37x. The WRX seems like a good practical economical choice, but people have reported blown engines; I don't want to spend $30k and always wonder if and when the engine will go. The interior also is cheap looking. The 335xi is nice, but quite pricey and seems to require expensive upkeep and maintenance. So then I come across the G37x; it's AWD, very reliable and luxurious, but NO MANUAL.

So, some questions I have are:

1) Ideally, I need AWD for my winter commutes of snowy/icy backroads. The general consent is that the G37x AWD is great for winter, but only comes in auto.

I would like to get a manual if possible. How does the non-AWD G37 handle in the snow? Does the Limited Slip Differential help? What if I add snow tires all around?

My TSX is horrendous in the winter; I can't even make it up my driveway, even after new tires up front.

I would kick myself if I get a non AWD G37 and face the same annoying problems in the winter, given the unpaved snow hills here.

2) I test drove a new G37x today; it was so new I couldn't really get a good feel how fast the auto transmission shifts. For those with a G37x, how does the paddle shifting response time compare to that of a manual?

My TSX has a "shiftronic" mode, but I find very slow response times when I manually shift. Not very sporty....

3) What are people paying for a G37/x these days? Edmunds is reporting $1500 above invoice as TMV in the Seattle area.

Thanks!

Here is my $.02

You have the greatest control over a vehicle whether in heavy rain, snow, slush or ice with a manual transmission.

Having to apply brakes as the only means to slow and control a vehicle in bad weather is a frequent cause of loss of control and accidents.

It never ceases to amaze me how many AWD, 4W drive vehicles and SUV's go off the road or roll over because those owners believe they outperform in snow and bad weather.

In my opinion, get a stick shift

Telcoman

[docboy]

Here is my $.02

You have the greatest control over a vehicle whether in heavy rain, snow, slush or ice with a manual transmission.

Having to apply brakes as the only means to slow and control a vehicle in bad weather is a frequent cause of loss of control and accidents.

It never ceases to amaze me how many AWD, 4W drive vehicles and SUV's go off the road or roll over because those owners believe they outperform in snow and bad weather.

In my opinion, get a stick shift

Telcoman

Telcoman,

Thanks for your input. How does your G handle in the snow? On straight paths? Does it do well in the winter on hills, up and down?

Do you put snow tires on in the winter? Or do you use all seasons?

[scjconsulting]

Here is my $.02

You have the greatest control over a vehicle whether in heavy rain, snow, slush or ice with a manual transmission.

Having to apply brakes as the only means to slow and control a vehicle in bad weather is a frequent cause of loss of control and accidents.

It never ceases to amaze me how many AWD, 4W drive vehicles and SUV's go off the road or roll over because those owners believe they outperform in snow and bad weather.

In my opinion, get a stick shift

Telcoman

Sorry to completely disagree with you. The most important automobile item for snow/sleet is a good set of winter tires or all-weather tires like my Nokians. The transmission has absolutely nothing to do with handling in snow.

The idiots who are go off the roads are a bunch of idiot drivers. I have driven for over 45 years in Minnesota winters and have NEVER gone off the road.

Before we started putting summer tires on cars and most of the cars were rear wheel drive, people did not seem to have as much trouble getting around in winter weather. Not as many other cars in those days.

ANY car gains at least 35% traction by having a set of winter tires. This is for rear wheel, front wheel, AWD, SUVs, & trucks! There have been a number of auto magazine studies on this. A winter tire rear wheel drive car can be just good as a front wheel drive car, but NOTHING beats a well equipped compentently driven AWD vehicle in bad weather.

Just my .03.

[zozoka1212]

Now go do it in a Coupe!

Hhahahahah I pass. LOL

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

a Manual will help you the greatest in snow. You can used your clutch and brakes to control the car.

an awd is best but a rwd 6mt > rwd auto IMHO

DJ

[Pip]

Sorry to completely disagree with you. The most important automobile item for snow/sleet is a good set of winter tires or all-weather tires like my Nokians. The transmission has absolutely nothing to do with handling in snow.

The idiots who are go off the roads are a bunch of idiot drivers. I have driven for over 45 years in Minnesota winters and have NEVER gone off the road.

Before we started putting summer tires on cars and most of the cars were rear wheel drive, people did not seem to have as much trouble getting around in winter weather. Not as many other cars in those days.

ANY car gains at least 35% traction by having a set of winter tires. This is for rear wheel, front wheel, AWD, SUVs, & trucks! There have been a number of auto magazine studies on this. A winter tire rear wheel drive car can be just good as a front wheel drive car, but NOTHING beats a well equipped compentently driven AWD vehicle in bad weather.

Just my .03.

I completely agree. I had a Subaru Legacy Spec.B. 2 winters ago I couldn't make it up my iced driveway with summer tires (car would go sideways). Got some Nokian snows - no problem. The difference in traction was amazing.Haven't had the chance to check out my G37x in the snow yet.

[jardolei]

Now go do it in a Coupe!

Thats what I did last winter! With the coupe as long as you dont go heavy on the right pedal, its not so bad. You wont win any 0-60 races, but its fun on the street corners!

Coupe = NEED winter tires (well if your in Canada like me)

Zozo, I feel those pictures

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

2008 winter





That's my old G.

I don't have 09 winter pictures uploaded but it was prety much the same.

Love winter. Sooooo much fun.

LOL

I find myself driving every time we have a huge snow storm. Just love how the G handles. Time to time I turn the VDC off in the snow and shift manually. Love it. Still controllable and let you go a little more extreme.

Im Glad it is summer time Now FLA FTMFW

[zozoka1212]

Zozo, I feel those pictures

Sadly the farm on the other side of my road is gone. Burned down. I loved it so much. Oh well there are so many cool things around where I live. This is today. Nice full rainbow. Actually 2 of them. One is really hard to see on the pictures but the other showed well.



I love living at the edge of the city. The wild life we see here is awesome too.

op sorry for the hijackking.

[crazyboy3012]

Hi Everyone,

First time member here. I am looking forward to some solid advice!

Current car is a 2005 Acura TSX, auto w/nav. Great reliable car, but horrendous in the snow/ice/slush in the winter. Plus no power whatsoever. So I've been looking at getting a performance manual AWD car that I can enjoy driving, as well as hauling my wife and kid around.

My current choices are: Subaru Impreza WRX, BMW 335xi, and the G37x. The WRX seems like a good practical economical choice, but people have reported blown engines; I don't want to spend $30k and always wonder if and when the engine will go. The interior also is cheap looking. The 335xi is nice, but quite pricey and seems to require expensive upkeep and maintenance. So then I come across the G37x; it's AWD, very reliable and luxurious, but NO MANUAL.

So, some questions I have are:

1) Ideally, I need AWD for my winter commutes of snowy/icy backroads. The general consent is that the G37x AWD is great for winter, but only comes in auto.

I would like to get a manual if possible. How does the non-AWD G37 handle in the snow? Does the Limited Slip Differential help? What if I add snow tires all around?

My TSX is horrendous in the winter; I can't even make it up my driveway, even after new tires up front.

I would kick myself if I get a non AWD G37 and face the same annoying problems in the winter, given the unpaved snow hills here.

2) I test drove a new G37x today; it was so new I couldn't really get a good feel how fast the auto transmission shifts. For those with a G37x, how does the paddle shifting response time compare to that of a manual?

My TSX has a "shiftronic" mode, but I find very slow response times when I manually shift. Not very sporty....

3) What are people paying for a G37/x these days? Edmunds is reporting $1500 above invoice as TMV in the Seattle area.

Thanks!

hello,

I have an 03 G35 ...auto trans and 2 wheel drive. I used to live in everett WA until 2 months ago and I was less than impressed with the handling of my G in the snow we got last yr. I have to drive slightly uphill to get to work and also to get to my apt and i'd have a horrible time climbing uphill.A couple of times I had to leave the car and just walk uphill to work and pick up the car when the snow melted.

I did not have winter tires...just the OEM tires..

However, in the end of march 09 i drove from Everett WA to Montreal Canada (yeah-moved for good) and i encountered heavy snow in Idaho and throughout the cascades and surprisingly the G handled very well. I assume it's coz my G was loaded with suitcase and boxes approx 200 pounds which helped with the traction.

I think if u get the snow tires you will not have a probelm. Or maybe just load the trunk to get some traction.

Hope this helps.