I don't think an S2000 with hardtop is more prone to damage from the weather than any other car. People where I live don't stop driving their rwd Bimmers and Mercedes in the winter, why stop with an S2000? Personally I couldn't stand 4 months of the year in a car that I didn't care about....life's too short! I don't know how many heavy-duty snow storms they get in Chicago every year, but in CT we're lucky to get more than half a dozen or so. And lately, with what's going on with global warming, we've had a few winters where I never even picked up a snow shovel. I'll take my chances on those 6 or 7 days of the year so that I can be in that zoomy little ride for the other 359 days!

 

Our winter driving is probably equivalent to yours. We get an occasional 3-8 inches about 5 times a year and the streets our almost clear when the snow stops and back to regular pavement within a day. Thanks for the input!

 

to me, I hate the salt and bitter cold much more than the snow....
The snow is fun when you aren't in a hurry anywhere, but the salt just eats thru a car and the cold makes me hate it even more. I've only had 1 occasion when my car has been "stuck" actually it was 3 occasions, but on the same night on my way home from work. And I drive am FWD, RWD i wouldn't have attempted.

 

barefutr51,
I own a MY 04 and have driven it successfully through three (3!) Michigan winters, which are very comparable to Chicago winters. First, it doesn't matter if the car is fwd, rwd or awd. The important aspect are your tires, and their contact patch to the pavelment. For the same reason you use performance summer tires in the summer time and at the track, you need winter tires for the winter tire...no question about it.

With that said, I've found it easier to purchase a second set of 16" wheels with winter tires mounted on them. I keep the stock rims/tires for summer use, and the second set for winter only. Don't even dare drive in mildly hazardous conditions on the stock Bridgestone Potenzas. I used Yohokama Ice Guard 721's for the first two winters with no problems. I recently upgraded to Dunlop Winter Sport M3's because these are a performance winter tire (i.e. speed rated). I have never been stuck or had problems in the snow and Michigan is notorious for bad roads and crummy weather. Additionally, I'm using stock suspension. If you lower your suspension you will scrape and have more trouble in the winter. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me at christophernofar@hotmail.com.

Regards,
Christopher

 

ive been driving mine in the snow now for a while (michellin alpine pilots on stock 00-03 rims). i am more than pleased with how it performs. the guy's are right about snow depth, that will stop you. i've driven through blizzards, ice storms, and snow packed roads. if you keep the revs low, your left foot in check, and your mind on the road, you will have no issues. when the car does lose control, the 50/50 wt. distribution makes is very controllable. one thing i would caution against is driving at speeds greater than 100km/hr, the revs get a little to high(hp @ the rear) and it can and will become unstable on icy corners and banks.

 

I drive mine most the time and i live 20 min from Chicago

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 00MRSi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you can afford and S2k you might want to invest in a beater/daily driver especially for winter.. </TD></TR></TABLE>


Go this route! You can pick up an early '90's Accord for under $2,000 and drive it until it croaks. This will not only keep your S2000 from being exposed to salt and other typical winter debris, but it will also keep the miles down. Plus, you would be able to insure the S2000 as a secondary driver which may make it cheaper than just insuring the S2000 alone. Put the S away for the winter and get a beater.

Brian.