Rikutsu Konetaro’s GR Yaris is an RZ High-Performance model (RZHP), so I honestly can’t say what driving on snowy roads with an open differential feels like.
However, I decided to write this article because explaining why I chose the RZHP might give some clues about what driving with an open differential on snowy roads might entail.
Let me clarify upfront: This article probably won’t be much help for readers specifically wondering how a GR Yaris RZ or RC would handle in snowy conditions.
This article is more for those who are thinking, “Since it’s equipped with GR-FOUR, maybe an open differential is good enough.” I hope you’ll read on with the understanding that everything here is just my personal, subjective opinion, as usual.
To cut to the chase: An open differential might be sufficient, or it might not be. But if you aim for a great driving experience, it’s more reasonable to think that adding an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) would increase your chances of hitting the mark.
Thinking that an open differential will be fine because it’s equipped with GR-FOUR could diminish the very reason for having GR-FOUR.
Now, the problem with an open differential is that when there’s a large difference in weight or friction (μ) between the drive wheels, the spinning wheel can take all the power, leaving the other, higher-load wheel unable to put any traction down.
On snowy roads, the conditions are far more varied than on normal paved roads. There’s a big difference between a flat paved road covered with a light dusting of snow and a road with residual snow and ruts left over from a few days prior. The former is quite different from the latter.
On a variety of snowy roads, there might be a few situations where an open differential works in your favor, but in most cases, an LSD would more efficiently transmit traction to the road. After all, that’s what LSDs are designed for.
Put simply, when driving on diverse snowy roads, using an open differential means you’re not fully capitalizing on the benefits of GR-FOUR in terms of traction.
The key question becomes whether the additional cost of an LSD, like the price difference between the RZ and RZHP models, is worth the improved traction.
Here’s Rikutsu Konetaro’s conclusion: On flat, lightly snow-covered paved roads, as long as your tires are decent, an open differential can be plenty of fun.
This is because, with a uniform road surface, you don’t get a big difference in friction (μ) between the left and right wheels.
To be honest, on a road like that, even I, a somewhat inexperienced driver, probably wouldn’t notice the difference between an open differential and one with LSD.
However, if the road has bumps, ruts, or uneven friction and weight distribution due to snow or other factors, you might find yourself in a frustrating situation where the open differential fails to provide adequate traction.
If you think of the GR Yaris RZ or RC as a car for enjoyable driving, would you really be okay with these traction issues?
And would someone who values driving pleasure really choose a GR Yaris with GR-FOUR but without an LSD?
To put it another way, doesn’t having an open differential on a GR-FOUR-equipped car seem fundamentally contradictory?
So, why are there non-LSD options for models like the RZ? I think it’s because Toyota expects owners to install their preferred LSD after purchase.
It’s not necessarily about measurable speed differences or feeling the difference firsthand. But if you bought a GR Yaris primarily for driving fun, wouldn’t it make more sense to have LSD to maintain logical consistency as the car’s owner?
That’s the somewhat shallow reason why Rikutsu Konetaro went with the RZHP.
I have no experience driving a GR Yaris with an open differential on snowy roads, and probably never will. So, I don’t have the credentials to talk about how open differentials and LSDs handle on different surfaces.
If I were the kind of driver who enjoys playing with gear ratios, LSDs, suspensions, and brakes to match driving environments, I’d likely choose the RC model, which is closer to stock.
But, as my name implies, I’m just someone who overthinks things and is an average driver. When it comes to an open-diff GR-FOUR, I’m left with a “?” in my head.
I’m the kind of driver who enjoys self-praise, thinking, “That corner went well!” in a car where I can feel confident that the traction is working as it should.
Of course, if you’re prepared to bear the cost and install your favorite LSD afterward, then it might make sense to buy an open-diff GR Yaris.
But if you’re willing to accept a bit of performance compromise, an open differential might be a bit of a letdown—especially since we’re talking about a GR-FOUR.
I think Toyota’s intention was probably something like this: The RZHP is for people like me who don’t want to think too hard. The RZ is for those who like to think and try things out. The RC is for those who want to go all out in both thought and practice.
So, if you want to achieve psychological satisfaction based on theoretical reasoning, the RZHP is the cheapest and most reliable option.
And with that, we conclude for today.
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