MR2 vs. Snow - Round 2 - FIGHT

Yozuki Ri · 10-09-2009, 10:22 PM

#!$%@#% @#$%@#$ 234@#$^ @#$^@ 2346@#$^ 2346@#$^@#$^

20% forecast of snow my Q#$@#$^ 2@#$^@#$^ @#$^@!@# !#@%

Winter is now upon Minnesota, and she is wasting now time in dumping this crap on us. I didn't have a license last winter, so my snow driving consisted entirely of getting the deuce in the garage, along with killing the engine three times

Some of the roads are already iced up and it's still snowing pretty good so I took the MR2 for a spin. First thing I noticed is the lack of recoil on the steering. No more understeer to oversteer when going into corners either, pure oversteer. I walk to work thankfully, so my car is getting garaged.

But for those of you that have winter driving experience in this car, what's it like? I hear these things spin out easily in the snow.

mr3 · 10-09-2009, 10:32 PM

It's fun. I have a driveway that I couldnt make up and out. I was pulled in then tried to back out. I ended up spinning around in my 2 car wide driveway. When I did drive it around in the snow it was as bad as I wanted it. I could pitch it sideways and get some good snow drifts or just be careful and make the turn normal. Try in a near by parking lot if possible.

Maruki-kun · 10-09-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr3

It's fun. I have a driveway that I couldnt make up and out. I was pulled in then tried to back out. I ended up spinning around in my 2 car wide driveway. When I did drive it around in the snow it was as bad as I wanted it. I could pitch it sideways and get some good snow drifts or just be careful and make the turn normal. Try in a near by parking lot if possible.

just make sure there aren't any curbs, unless you need to see my video again.

Timon · 10-09-2009, 11:03 PM

Snow driving all depends on the tires and how well you know the car. MY advice is just like everyone elses, the first good snow take it to a parking lot. Have fun in it, but make sure it's good practice too. Do things you might run into while driving around town normally i.e. trying to avoid rear ending someone, or keeping on your own side of the road in the event the car decides to oversteer.

I'd highly recommend a straight set of snow tires. These cars are relatively light weight and RWD, which makes for an overall bad combination. The biggest benefit we have over most RWD cars is our engine sits just in front of our drive tires giving us a little bit more traction. I drove my MR2 all last winter and I only had two instances where the car was out of my control while on public roads with people around. Both had to do with the car not stopping, so make sure to practice this. Locking up the brakes is the worst thing you can do. Unfortunately we don't have ABS, so if you're out practicing in the snow try pumping the brakes. Sometimes that just isn't going to be enough, and in my case it wasn't, I ended up breaking the rear end loose just before an intersection and turning right (instead of going straight as I originally planned) to avoid rear ending another vehicle.

A few people have mentioned adding weight to the car, I personally haven't tried this, but it is certainly worth looking into.

Sh0ty · 10-09-2009, 11:11 PM

I drove my two as a DD last winter (in Michigan). I drove it on all seasons and only got stuck twice, once in a snow drift and another at the foot of my driveway. The car loves to oversteer, so you have to constantly pay attention and countersteer, which I love doing. This winter I'm going for snow tires on skinny mini wheels to get a good bite in the snow.

David · 10-09-2009, 11:33 PM

I wished it snowed here.

Snow drifting sounds like so much fun.

Tycoon788 · 10-10-2009, 12:09 AM

a few years ago i was also using my mr2 as a DD in Michigan all winter long.. only lost control when i wanted to really.. jus to mess around. i went to alota parking lots and messed around to find the limits of wut the car can take in the snow. It can be tricky sometimes but overall its decent in the snow. i also had stock rims on my 91t with all season tires

Don't Worry, It's Just Me · 10-10-2009, 03:19 AM

Where do you live Yozuki Ri? im in Eden Prairie and i haven't seen one snow flake yet. A little bit of front on my car. but no snow.

Yozuki Ri · 10-10-2009, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don't Worry, It's Just Me

Where do you live Yozuki Ri? im in Eden Prairie and i haven't seen one snow flake yet. A little bit of front on my car. but no snow.

Wadena

thx1138 · 10-10-2009, 02:02 PM

Have driven in snow for 24 yrs, 18 yrs with MR2 t.
Caution is the key. Have all weather Michelin's on as an upgrade for 15 wheels. They are good. But I hitch a ride to work on snow days. For this help I am greatly thank the people of Tulsa.
Usually I can drive tops in second. Any acumulation of an inch or more posses more challenge than it's worth. I then go as quickly as possible to the car wash to remove whatever.

Watch turns, take slowly.
Most important stay away from others.

THX 1138

Don't Worry, It's Just Me · 10-10-2009, 07:27 PM

so i peaked out my window last night as i was going to bed........ and what do ya know! the ground had a small tiny layer of snow on it. Where is Wadena?

Yozuki Ri · 10-10-2009, 09:22 PM

Eden Prairie to Wadena - Google Maps
Wadena -- Welcome to Wadena, Tourism Destination in Central Minnesota
Wadena, Minnesota - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Google
Wadena Pioneer Journal | Wadena, Minnesota
wadena tri-county hospital - Google Search
http://wadenacountyhistory.org/

YouTube - 1+2 DPU Through Wadena, MN on June 21,...

24 Hours a Day with Wadena
Cooking with Wadena
How to Wadena
Have you Wadenad with Wadena lately?
Wadena MAMMOTH SMILE ^_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _^

halo434321 · 10-10-2009, 11:04 PM

When I bought my 91 MR2 recently, te guys at the base said "what are you nuts?" After thinking long and hard about it I did go ahead and purchase 16 inch 205 extreme snow and ice tires. I am planning on weighting down the back and more so the front with roofing shingles (in case I get stuck) and sandbags. What do you guys think?

Don't Worry, It's Just Me · 10-11-2009, 04:21 AM

well thanks for the history lesson Yozuki Ri!

Kurdain · 10-11-2009, 11:21 AM

Didn't read all the posts...but if you want to drive your MR2 in the snow without problems you need TIRES TIRES TIRES.
Get a good set of snow tires/studded tires mounted on cheap or OEM wheels.
Low profile, soft compound performance tires are terrible in the snow and ice.

Fazed Out · 10-11-2009, 12:05 PM

what's up thx 1138! Good to know there's another Tulsan!

When I drive in the snow/ice, I find the first thing I lose is steering. Since its relatively light up there, you tend to lose it before the rear. I never spin out, but sometimes I straight-line it. You will most definitely want to watch spinning out when you turn, but you're pretty OK on traction in the rear for the most part.

I recommend, as did everyone else, dedicated snow tires if you venture out. I run Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's on all four corners (don't just run two). They go on in November/December and don't get switched out until March.

Though given the low stance of our cars, be very careful of high-centering the car on a pile of snow.

One last thing: If you feel the urge to add weight (I don't and wouldn't recommend it), DON'T add it in the trunk. You have plenty of weight there and it'll upset the balance. Use the frunk.

flybikes1593 · 10-11-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ku-sama

just make sure there aren't any curbs, unless you need to see my video again.

I think we need to see your video

LeePeyton · 10-12-2009, 01:13 AM

I was talking to a guy that flew in from up there at work Saturday.
He was talking about how he has to put his Vette up during winter.
Sucks you guys get that much snow. I don't think I would like that much
snow.

Maruki-kun · 10-12-2009, 01:20 AM

YouTube - MR2 Video

pix:

Accident pictures by Ku-sama - Photobucket

to sum it up:

and the long solid bar running from the lower control arm to the front somewhere got bent a little too.

Madlife · 10-12-2009, 10:24 AM

Nice looking Rex Timon!!!

Up here in central NY I wouldnt dare take my 2 out in the snow with all the salt here.... Hence why I have my subie.

10-09-2009, 10:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Yozuki Ri Cage Fighter Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 170 Thanks: 8 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	MR2 vs. Snow - Round 2 - FIGHT #!$%@#% @#$%@#$ 234@#$^ @#$^@ 2346@#$^ 2346@#$^@#$^ 20% forecast of snow my Q#$@#$^ 2@#$^@#$^ @#$^@!@# !#@% Winter is now upon Minnesota, and she is wasting now time in dumping this crap on us. I didn't have a license last winter, so my snow driving consisted entirely of getting the deuce in the garage, along with killing the engine three times Some of the roads are already iced up and it's still snowing pretty good so I took the MR2 for a spin. First thing I noticed is the lack of recoil on the steering. No more understeer to oversteer when going into corners either, pure oversteer. I walk to work thankfully, so my car is getting garaged. But for those of you that have winter driving experience in this car, what's it like? I hear these things spin out easily in the snow.

10-10-2009, 02:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
thx1138 Some Skills Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tulsa OK Posts: 95 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have driven in snow for 24 yrs, 18 yrs with MR2 t. Caution is the key. Have all weather Michelin's on as an upgrade for 15 wheels. They are good. But I hitch a ride to work on snow days. For this help I am greatly thank the people of Tulsa. Usually I can drive tops in second. Any acumulation of an inch or more posses more challenge than it's worth. I then go as quickly as possible to the car wash to remove whatever. Watch turns, take slowly. Most important stay away from others. THX 1138

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10-09-2009, 10:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
mr3 unskilled Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Plymouth Mtg, Pa Posts: 2,408 Thanks: 24 Thanked 98 Times in 93 Posts iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	It's fun. I have a driveway that I couldnt make up and out. I was pulled in then tried to back out. I ended up spinning around in my 2 car wide driveway. When I did drive it around in the snow it was as bad as I wanted it. I could pitch it sideways and get some good snow drifts or just be careful and make the turn normal. Try in a near by parking lot if possible.

10-09-2009, 11:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Timon MR2 MKI AW11 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 669 Thanks: 13 Thanked 42 Times in 37 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Snow driving all depends on the tires and how well you know the car. MY advice is just like everyone elses, the first good snow take it to a parking lot. Have fun in it, but make sure it's good practice too. Do things you might run into while driving around town normally i.e. trying to avoid rear ending someone, or keeping on your own side of the road in the event the car decides to oversteer. I'd highly recommend a straight set of snow tires. These cars are relatively light weight and RWD, which makes for an overall bad combination. The biggest benefit we have over most RWD cars is our engine sits just in front of our drive tires giving us a little bit more traction. I drove my MR2 all last winter and I only had two instances where the car was out of my control while on public roads with people around. Both had to do with the car not stopping, so make sure to practice this. Locking up the brakes is the worst thing you can do. Unfortunately we don't have ABS, so if you're out practicing in the snow try pumping the brakes. Sometimes that just isn't going to be enough, and in my case it wasn't, I ended up breaking the rear end loose just before an intersection and turning right (instead of going straight as I originally planned) to avoid rear ending another vehicle. A few people have mentioned adding weight to the car, I personally haven't tried this, but it is certainly worth looking into.

10-09-2009, 11:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sh0ty Armchair Racer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Novi, MI Posts: 1,273 Thanks: 22 Thanked 57 Times in 54 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	I drove my two as a DD last winter (in Michigan). I drove it on all seasons and only got stuck twice, once in a snow drift and another at the foot of my driveway. The car loves to oversteer, so you have to constantly pay attention and countersteer, which I love doing. This winter I'm going for snow tires on skinny mini wheels to get a good bite in the snow.

10-09-2009, 11:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
David Banned Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 2,621 Thanks: 120 Thanked 55 Times in 54 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (4/100% )	I wished it snowed here. Snow drifting sounds like so much fun.

10-10-2009, 12:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tycoon788 Banned Seller Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canton Michigan Posts: 567 Thanks: 74 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	a few years ago i was also using my mr2 as a DD in Michigan all winter long.. only lost control when i wanted to really.. jus to mess around. i went to alota parking lots and messed around to find the limits of wut the car can take in the snow. It can be tricky sometimes but overall its decent in the snow. i also had stock rims on my 91t with all season tires

10-10-2009, 03:19 AM	#8 (permalink)
Don't Worry, It's Just Me I'll have skills someday! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hopkins, MN Posts: 923 Thanks: 23 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	Where do you live Yozuki Ri? im in Eden Prairie and i haven't seen one snow flake yet. A little bit of front on my car. but no snow.

10-10-2009, 07:27 PM	#11 (permalink)
Don't Worry, It's Just Me I'll have skills someday! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hopkins, MN Posts: 923 Thanks: 23 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	so i peaked out my window last night as i was going to bed........ and what do ya know! the ground had a small tiny layer of snow on it. Where is Wadena?

10-10-2009, 11:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
halo434321 Learn Through Experience Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 61 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	When I bought my 91 MR2 recently, te guys at the base said "what are you nuts?" After thinking long and hard about it I did go ahead and purchase 16 inch 205 extreme snow and ice tires. I am planning on weighting down the back and more so the front with roofing shingles (in case I get stuck) and sandbags. What do you guys think?

10-11-2009, 04:21 AM	#14 (permalink)
Don't Worry, It's Just Me I'll have skills someday! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hopkins, MN Posts: 923 Thanks: 23 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	well thanks for the history lesson Yozuki Ri!

10-11-2009, 11:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
Kurdain Cage Fighter Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 685 Thanks: 39 Thanked 35 Times in 29 Posts iTrader Rating: (9/100% )	Didn't read all the posts...but if you want to drive your MR2 in the snow without problems you need TIRES TIRES TIRES. Get a good set of snow tires/studded tires mounted on cheap or OEM wheels. Low profile, soft compound performance tires are terrible in the snow and ice.

10-11-2009, 12:05 PM	#16 (permalink)
Fazed Out Die 4 Dëthkløk Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tulsa, Ok Posts: 425 Thanks: 8 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	what's up thx 1138! Good to know there's another Tulsan! When I drive in the snow/ice, I find the first thing I lose is steering. Since its relatively light up there, you tend to lose it before the rear. I never spin out, but sometimes I straight-line it. You will most definitely want to watch spinning out when you turn, but you're pretty OK on traction in the rear for the most part. I recommend, as did everyone else, dedicated snow tires if you venture out. I run Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's on all four corners (don't just run two). They go on in November/December and don't get switched out until March. Though given the low stance of our cars, be very careful of high-centering the car on a pile of snow. One last thing: If you feel the urge to add weight (I don't and wouldn't recommend it), DON'T add it in the trunk. You have plenty of weight there and it'll upset the balance. Use the frunk.

10-12-2009, 01:13 AM	#18 (permalink)
LeePeyton Building Motor from Hell Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tennessee/USA Posts: 1,696 Thanks: 23 Thanked 67 Times in 61 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	I was talking to a guy that flew in from up there at work Saturday. He was talking about how he has to put his Vette up during winter. Sucks you guys get that much snow. I don't think I would like that much snow.

10-12-2009, 10:24 AM	#20 (permalink)
Madlife Cage Fighter Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cental NY Posts: 211 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Nice looking Rex Timon!!! Up here in central NY I wouldnt dare take my 2 out in the snow with all the salt here.... Hence why I have my subie.