I have been using the OEM stock Panasonic battery for 4.5 years. Now its starting to get a little weak starting in cold winter weather.

I have been looking around for a replacement battery and I found this one:
http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinu...p-02850035000P

A couple of things that concerns me are:
Battery weight. The Die Hard Platinum weighs 50 lbs.
Vent tube. The Panasonic has one. but the Die Hard doesn't. I know these battery are sealed.

I could go to the dealership and get the Optima Red Top with the vent tube, but its $370. (ouch)
I think the Optima weighs 34 lbs.


What do you recommend?

 

Looks like you are out of your warranty, but I thought there was a TSB for that battery that stated it should be replaced with the red top optima. I would look into it, I know I saw that TSB on here somewhere.

 

Absent a warranty or TSB claim, I would suggest an Enersys Odyssey or Braille, AMG battery. Lighter, more flexible, more options and more powerful. Cheaper too, than the red top.

 

OP has a 2008. Battery only under warranty for 3 years.

 

Are you planning on racing the car? If you are, go for the lighter option. If you can wait 3-7 more days, get the Braille. If this is only going to be a DD, the P5 Die Hard will be fine, and if you really live in colder weather, you could also consider the P4 - 800+ CCA for below freezing temps lol

 

I have an optima yellow top, no huge CCA but enough for the 2 liter. Plus mine is in the garage so it isnt soo much of an issue.

 

I found out at the stealership, that our group size is 48.

 

Happy with my Optima Yellow top for miata. Save about ten pounds and still have plenty of amps.