May have a deal on a C2 and was wondering how the car does in snow. Spoke with one person who says it is fantastic in the snow with the right tires. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

Ya wanna see what the C2 can do on the snow.
Check this video out 64Mb.

The C2 on snow is about 3 minutes into the video
http://www.lotus-elise.org.uk/stuff/...ife_winter.mpg

 

I hope you are not buying a car from the person that told you it is great in the snow!

If you have 17" w/ snow tires and the snow accumulation is low, it is still poor at best.

 

No he is not the one selling. I am still waiting for my c4s cab which is due in Sept. The dealer had an 03 c2 cab with aero kit and other options with only 1380 miles on the car....it was just a thought.

 

Mark can you tell us a bit more about your experience with this? I was thinking of mounting snow tires on the old 17" rims I have for my 99 and putting it to work this winter. But maybe I should reconsider ... Please give me some more detail.

I have to say I'll be surprised if with a good set of snow tires that it isn't pretty decent in the snow. Seems like it has a lot going for it, ie lots of weight over the rear wheels.

 

My experience is being in a friends car multiple times in the Midwest in probably 3 - 5 inches of snow.

With the regular tires (dont recall which ones), basically no traction on any type of incline and minimal traction anyplace else.

This immediately kicked in the Traction Control (it was a 99) which effectively shut the car down. Turning off the traction control the wheels spin in place but really pushed the back end around more than a normal RWD.

Somewhat better with snow tires in similar conditions but far from being what I would consider safe. You reach the potential for losing control much sooner than in another car based on 1) this car was designed for speed nit snow; 2) false since of security with the snow tires; and 3) RWD / engine location (lots of weight but more chances to lose control). The oversteer was obviously more dramatic in the snow and without TC, flat out dangerous!

Also, no matter what car you are talking about, snow tires are much better on smaller rims. 17" sport rims really limit the effectiveness of snow tires, I think.

C2 or C4, 17" or 18", think about the distance between the undercarriage and the ground and what you encounter in snow conditions.

Buying a sports car is not the same thing as buying an SUV that can be used as a year round driver....if that makes sense. Of course, this is my experience but I think that it is very important to realize that this car CAN be driven the the snow but that does not mean that it is ADVISABLE.

Just my .02.

Snowmobiler's, Flame Away!

 

I drive my 993 C2S in the snow all the time. I use Pirelli snow tires and it has great grip. I have never been stuck or out of control, but when the snow is more than 3 or 4 inches I would leave it at home. You do have to know what your car is doing because as was mentioned the back end can step out. Just be light on the throttle and you will be fine.

Don't even think about driving it without proper snow tires though. You WILL end up off road or worse.

 

Mark, Thanks for the follow up!

 

With proper snow tires the 996 C2 is a stellar performer in snow.
I don't know what the naysayers are basing their experience on, but I can give you my hand's on
with a series of snowy winters in the NE. Never , ever an issue, it just goes.
With standard tires watch out.
That's like playing golf in your wing-tips.
perry

 

Perry, Thanks for the info ... amazing how different the opinions on this subject!

What type of tires and rims did this C2 have on it? I'm thinking of Blizzaks on 17" rims. Any advice would be welcome.

-pete

 

My experience with a MY03 996 C2 equipped with 17 inch snow tires is that it does well. As suggested above, you need to be light on the throttle and remember that snow tires are not performance tires. Prudent driving and consideration of conditions are suggested. I found the C2 to be great fun all of last winter with lots of snow here in the Boston area.
Bob

 

OK, I have thick skin so I am not offended BUT let me clarify.

First of all, I have lived in Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, Denver and other snowy places. Snow is snow but an inch or two not much to talk about!

Second, how are we defining what 'good in the snow' means? For example, an SUV of any make is going to be better than most cars and an exotic with summer tires will be at the opposite (and negative) end of the spectrum.

Third, a 996 or any other car with snow tires will be better than one without. However, that doesnt make it good in the snow.

Fourth, recent picture posts on snow testing of the 997 aside, porsche spent more time and money on high speed performance than snow and ice conditions.

To summarize -- if you are going to drive a 996 in the snow: 1) you should have snow tires; 2) you will get better performance from your snow tires on a smaller rim (my opinion) 3) the 996 is very low to the ground ... once you get past a few inches of snow, it may be better to leave it at home and take the Range Rover! Thats what I do anyway.

 

Pete,
I run the 17" standard wheels, using Dunlop Winter sport M2.
I've also ran Pirelli winter and Michelin winter on other cars.

I'd stay away from the blizzaks, unless they have improved them. Older models were good in snow, but too soft
for regualr driving. With the weight on the rear wheels and the proper rubber, you are good
to go.
Perry
Perry

 

Pete,
For what it is worth. I am running 17" Factory Technology style wheels with Blizzak 205/50HR-17 LM-22 in the front and 205/50HR-17 Blizzak LM-22 in the rear for my winter set-up. My experience with the Blizzaks has been positive though I have not tried the Michelins or Pirellis on the C2.
Bob

 

Does the stability management offer alot in the snow on the c2?