RWD vs AWD

[Gennnnnnnnnesis]

For those that have AWD, how do you like it and how do the ride characteristics compare to the RWD version of the car?

 

[mike373]

For those that have AWD, how do you like it and how do the ride characteristics compare to the RWD version of the car?

I chose AWD bc I live in NJ but I had a RWD Cadillac ATS and the grip of AWD is great. Sport mode gives you a 90/10 split.

 

[Gennnnnnnnnesis]

Does the steering feel heavier since it's AWD?

 

[mike373]

Does the steering feel heavier since it's AWD?

Compared to the ATS, yes, but not by much. I like this steering feel more as it feels more substantial.

 

[EdP]

For those that have AWD, how do you like it and how do the ride characteristics compare to the RWD version of the car?

There have been other discussions on this that you may want to search for. Once in the past few days, in fact. If you live in snow country, I'd go with AWD.

 

[SeekingGen]

There have been other discussions on this that you may want to search for. Once in the past few days, in fact. If you live in snow country, I'd go with AWD.

If you want a heated steering wheel you have to go AWD.

 

[JayceM]

If you want a heated steering wheel you have to go AWD.

This is mostly my reason for going with AWD, but I figured it'll also help in crappy weather.

 

[SeekingGen]

This is mostly my reason for going with AWD, but I figured it'll also help in crappy weather.

Have to admit, this is my prinary reason for AWD. And the added plus for bad weather doesn't hurt. Absolutely agree.

 

[NLJ]

It also helps in wet and off-pavement conditions.

 

[joschneider]

Cons: higher weight, more drivertrain loss, higher repair costs. Just needed to even the playing field haha. I think anyone who sees bad weather on a regular basis, awd is a great extra piece of mind. Anyone else, rwd all day and appropriate tires

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[joschneider]

Or anyone who really really wants that heated steering wheel haha

 

[daviderle]

I am with Edp, to avoid repeat discussions, please let this thread be and if need please feel free to continue the discussion here:

Driving feel of 3.8 RWD vs 3.8 HTRAC?

 

[Beefer]

AWD is not just for bad weather...there is a handling advantage. Just ask Audi or Porsche

 

[Toddasaurus]

AWD is not just for bad weather...there is a handling advantage. Just ask Audi or Porsche

Also more grip for those of us looking to increase power.

 

[Beefer]

Also more grip for those of us looking to increase power.

Yep. I’m in the south. I got AWD for performance first...than weather. Essentially same reasoning why I had my Audi Quattro.

 

[CoconutRob]

I will be purchasing AWD and not just for snow but rain. When I started my search I was against AWD but wanting a vehicle with a little bit of power that I will be taking on road trips I thaugh AWD was the way to go. After a test drive in light rain with g80 awd and a test drive of another AWD car in pouring down rain with no slip I was convinced. I have had other semi performance and Rwd cars in the past.
I have taught about the more parts and repair cost but it does have a 10 year warranty. I have had a suv 4x4 for 18 years no repair cost.
As for performance, I am not going to the track and if it is .1 slower 0 to 60 oh well.
Then comes driving feel when I read disabling nannies 10front 90rear I was ok with that for spirited driving.

 

[joschneider]

AWD is not just for bad weather...there is a handling advantage. Just ask Audi or Porsche

Now that’s a debate for another time, one that would require a separate thread and a lot of beers haha

 

[Beefer]

Now that’s a debate for another time, one that would require a separate thread and a lot of beers haha

Um...nope. True statement. But we can still have beers.

 

[joschneider]

Um...nope. True statement. But we can still have beers.

I don’t have beers with someone who speaks in absolute terms and isn’t open to debate.

False statement. See I can do it too. Doesn’t help

 

[joschneider]

Here’s a helpful link that people can use to gather actual facts: The Racing Line Goes Over Differences Between RWD, FWD, and AWD - Motor Trend

AWD is better than RWD sometimes, and RWD is better than AWD sometimes. Depends on your situation, your driving environment and what kind of dynamics you like out of your car