OK, so as some of you know I've wanted an S2000 for awhile now. Here's the dilema. I could possible get a new 03' S2000 in a couple of weeks (yes, 03' cause of deal) or wait till August for a new STi.
This would be my only car, probably for the first two years, eventually getting some sort of beater, or just have the STi. I've driven S2000's and love em, but I haven't driven an STi. I know it's more practical, but I'm here looking for advice. Please shed some light on what I should do... thanks all

 

I have heard (from a dealer) that the STI really isn't that practical for winter driving - not sure if there's any truth to that; however you might want to talk with a few owners to find out.

Either way - sounds like you're going to end up with a wonderful ride!

 

I would think that an STi is fine in the winter as long as you get winter tires.

 

That was my belief; however when looking for a winter car the dealer steered me away from an STI and towards one of the more tame Imprezza's. I have no idea the truth (or lack thereof) behind it.

 

interesting cause the WRX forum says they're good with winter tires, but blow with the OEM's

 

The S2000 is fine on snow tires in light to medium snow. Haven't driven it yet in heavy snow, though if you want, I'll see if I can finish digging it out and take it for a spin right now.

 

Sounds like you need practicality at this moment at least in the next two years. Buy the STi and when you get a few years with it buy an S2000 as the ultimate summer car still having your STi to play in the snow or any type of inclimate weather. My .02 cents.

 

I drove my S2000 for about 3 winters before I finally got a "Beater". I will now always have 2 cars as long as I keep the S or a deticated SUMMER car.

I got around in the S but it didn't do the BIG snow. 6" or more was BAD NEWS. Though with FRESH winter tires and extra weight in the trunk it did just fine. Though with WORN winter tires it's a bit sketchy. Plus the wear and tear, salt, chips, etc.

Just my 2 bits. Being in the upper area's of CT it might not be a smart move to get an S as a sole car. Unless you can borrow one for a day or 2 when things get really bad!

 

my .02 centers....

if you can afford a 30k car, then spend the extra $1,000-$2,000 to get a winter beater. last year i bought a jeep, got it through the winter and sold it in the spring for more than what i paid for it. this year i got a saturn and am certain i could do the same thing in the spring (get what i paid for it). it's like a free car for the winter without doing damage to your investment.....

 

Update - on hard packed dry snow, I had to be very gentle getting going from a dead stop, and was afraid I would get stuck a couple times. The torque sensing limited slip differential does not provide much help, unlike the more common friction limited slip in many other cars. Four to six inches of loose chunky stuff on top of the hard pack exacerbated things only slightly. Handling and braking were fine, as was gentle acceleration once moving. If it's wet or loose all the way down to the pavement, things seem to be fine.

Note that I'm using compromise H rated "performance snow" tires. Next time I will consider getting the pure snow tires, if I think I can remember to keep my speeds below 99 mph (Q rating) for the entire season.