Topic: WS-60 Blizzaks stick

[johngenx]

like a cat on velcro!  Today was our first real test of them.  No major snow, but some very icy roads and super-polished intersections.  On one intersection, the surface was super-polished as the stopping zone is on a pretty steep little slope.  The Blizzaks allowed the Corolla to motor away from everyone else with no effort.

With the Forester on WS-50's that are just above the wear bars (but reserve snows are ready), the Corolla currently offers superior snow and ice ability to the AWD wagon.  It's all about the tires...

[dave]

I've got WS-60 Blizzaks on my 135i.  They are incredible.  I can jump off the line with minimal slip (a light foot is required), corner with confidence, and most importantly, stop on a dime.

I was having a little discussion with a co-worker who drives an '04 Audi A4 avant with all seasons.  He claimed that his quattro didn't need winters to start/stop as quickly as mine with winters.  I disagreed.

Over lunch, we put together a little test in the parking lot which has a light dusting of snow over ice yesterday.  Take off was pretty close...but I embarrassed him when it came to stopping distance - over a car length.

You're right johngenx, "it's all about the tires..."

[Carzzz]

Some people always think 4WD with all season tires is good in snow. This is true when you are comparing with 2 wheel drive car with all season tires. 4WD helps the car move, but it does not reduce the stopping distance. <- that's why you need a set of snow tires !!!

[1TSX]

The Blizzaks are also very very soft. Do they have a squishy feel to them? To me, I can't stand that feeling, which is why I have performance winter tires. They are obviously not as grippy as the Blizzaks, but have a sporty feel to them.

[Black Hatch]

like a cat on velcro!  Today was our first real test of them.  No major snow, but some very icy roads and super-polished intersections.  On one intersection, the surface was super-polished as the stopping zone is on a pretty steep little slope.  The Blizzaks allowed the Corolla to motor away from everyone else with no effort.

With the Forester on WS-50's that are just above the wear bars (but reserve snows are ready), the Corolla currently offers superior snow and ice ability to the AWD wagon.  It's all about the tires...

I dunno, I was in my RX-8 with the Blizzaks WS-60s as well and I slipped (slightly) a few times turning (could be because the RX-8 is RWD?)
but I do agree they are pretty good tires because I was able to recover pretty quickly.

Maybe the Blizzaks I have arent broken in yet.

[Black Hatch]

Aw gawd i sux. (My slippage has probably nothing to do with the WS-60s)

Had the slippage light come-on when I was turning with RX-8 on the icy/snow roads.
Good thing the LSD/DSC (with Traction Control)  brought everything back in control.

Maybe I should start in 2nd gear... 

[awdpath]

I've got WS-60 Blizzaks on my 135i.  They are incredible.  I can jump off the line with minimal slip (a light foot is required), corner with confidence, and most importantly, stop on a dime.

I was having a little discussion with a co-worker who drives an '04 Audi A4 avant with all seasons.  He claimed that his quattro didn't need winters to start/stop as quickly as mine with winters.  I disagreed.

Over lunch, we put together a little test in the parking lot which has a light dusting of snow over ice yesterday.  Take off was pretty close...but I embarrassed him when it came to stopping distance - over a car length.

You're right johngenx, "it's all about the tires..."

The Audi A4 avant is about 300-400 lbs heavier and its center of gravity height is higher than the 135i.

[dave]

I've got WS-60 Blizzaks on my 135i.  They are incredible.  I can jump off the line with minimal slip (a light foot is required), corner with confidence, and most importantly, stop on a dime.

I was having a little discussion with a co-worker who drives an '04 Audi A4 avant with all seasons.  He claimed that his quattro didn't need winters to start/stop as quickly as mine with winters.  I disagreed.

Over lunch, we put together a little test in the parking lot which has a light dusting of snow over ice yesterday.  Take off was pretty close...but I embarrassed him when it came to stopping distance - over a car length.

You're right johngenx, "it's all about the tires..."

The Audi A4 avant is about 300-400 lbs heavier and its center of gravity height is higher than the 135i.

Yes, the Avant is 400lbs heavier and I was still able to get off the line as quickly in my RWD coupe with winters.