Front or All Wheel
- Thread starter rgkv
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AWD isn't necessary unless you do a lot of driving up north in the winter or need to tow a trailer and frequently launch a boat for example. Things like traction and stability control are more important.
The age and type of tires you have makes the most difference when driving in heavy rain. AWD will simply get you off the line quicker in slippery conditions, so if that's your primary goal, spend the extra $5,000. But remember, it's more expensive to service, more things to go wrong and you'll get less fuel mileage. And AWD will not reduce your stopping distance, in any conditions.
So I'd say save the $5,000 and buy a good set of winter tires, on separate wheels.
I'd never suggest anyone do without easily available safety devices, and winter tires come under that heading.
But except for working trucks, I've driven nothing but FWD since the original Mini (actually an Austin 850) in Ottawa in the early '60s. Accident-free and mostly — except for the trucks — without getting stuck. Although lots of my driving was in the wee hours before the roads were fully cleared, I've never felt any real need for AWD.
FWD pulling from the front eliminates a lot of skidding risk, and a traction issue is more likely to be in your mis-perceptions of how your wheels are gripping, than with the tires or the road. Concentrating on learning the feel of your car over-driving its tires past their gripping speed will benefit you more than depending on winter tires to just do it for you. They only add some extra technology to your skills (or lack of them).
And a pair of steel tread-grips and a small shovel should handle getting stuck.
But except for working trucks, I've driven nothing but FWD since the original Mini (actually an Austin 850) in Ottawa in the early '60s. Accident-free and mostly — except for the trucks — without getting stuck. Although lots of my driving was in the wee hours before the roads were fully cleared, I've never felt any real need for AWD.
FWD pulling from the front eliminates a lot of skidding risk, and a traction issue is more likely to be in your mis-perceptions of how your wheels are gripping, than with the tires or the road. Concentrating on learning the feel of your car over-driving its tires past their gripping speed will benefit you more than depending on winter tires to just do it for you. They only add some extra technology to your skills (or lack of them).
And a pair of steel tread-grips and a small shovel should handle getting stuck.
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Go Subaru and never look back. Fuck the haters. Their cars are reliable, have everything you need and are beasts off-road and in snow (when you buy their taller models: Crosstrek, Forester & Outback). Get a stick tranny and be even more impressive.
If you have land cruisers, you have full-time 4WD. Don't let hard core wheelers hear you talk about AWD on your LC or they'll lose their shit
Unless you're crawling rocks or deep ditches, you don't need 4WD.
Yes, AWD is extra cost (to buy and to maintain) but it's shouldn't be dismissed as a luxury. I would argue it's become "table stakes". AWD is just better at getting power where it's needed. It doesn't stop any better, but a good AWD system will help your handling.
FWD is fine for your needs just invest in snow tires (4) for winter driving and if you don't want to switch back and forth every year...invest in "all WEATHER (with snowflake marking) tires"...sell off the OEM, just remember in winter snow tires will still be the best and you still have to drive according to weather and road conditions which many drivers DON'T DO.
If you have land cruisers, you have full-time 4WD. Don't let hard core wheelers hear you talk about AWD on your LC or they'll lose their shit
Unless you're crawling rocks or deep ditches, you don't need 4WD.
Yes, AWD is extra cost (to buy and to maintain) but it's shouldn't be dismissed as a luxury. I would argue it's become "table stakes". AWD is just better at getting power where it's needed. It doesn't stop any better, but a good AWD system will help your handling.
Agreed.
Unless you have actually driven a car with a good intelligent AWD system in inclement conditions, they have no clue how much better it is.
A good example is when you apply power while turning, FWD can understeer badly, taking you into the wrong lane in traffic.
I have driven Rear wheel in a different age, loved FWD, then got my first AWD 2 years ago and will never go back to FWD. If you drive like an old woman, sure FWD is adequate, but if you desire good traction, exceptional cornering and stability, no matter the weather then go AWD.
Depends what system you're looking at.
For example a system such as hondas crv 4wd on older crvs is well worth it. Car stays in fwd 99.9% of the time, however when you are stuck and start spinning your front tires the rear tires kick in to help you get out of the jam. Once out it goes back to fwd only. Best of both worlds and ideal for a place like toronto.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/06/alphabet-soup-4x4-vs-4wd-vs-awd-wheres-the-differential/
For example a system such as hondas crv 4wd on older crvs is well worth it. Car stays in fwd 99.9% of the time, however when you are stuck and start spinning your front tires the rear tires kick in to help you get out of the jam. Once out it goes back to fwd only. Best of both worlds and ideal for a place like toronto.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/06/alphabet-soup-4x4-vs-4wd-vs-awd-wheres-the-differential/
I prefer an AWD sports sedan that is RWD 99% of the time, then only starts applying torque to the fronts as needed.
The best of both worlds for me.
But everybody has their own idea how a car should handle.
AWD can understeer as well since most cars are designed to understeer at the limit. Traction control and stability assist systems that are standard on most cars will correct under or oversteer by asymmetric brake application.
So for that 0.1% of the time the complexity and extra fuel consumption and extra $ is worth it? Even for someone that stays at home when it snows?
FWD with dedicated 4 snow tires and you are all set.
I've driven AUDI AWD with all-season 4 tires and i did ok.
I'm sure with 4 snow tires, it would be a TANK
I've driven AUDI AWD with all-season 4 tires and i did ok.
I'm sure with 4 snow tires, it would be a TANK
AWD sport sedans like my Q50, are very neutral when cornering, and including accelerating in a corner.
I can even make it oversteer in the snow at will, in the "sport" setting.
One cannot compare how a FWD car handles in the corners with an AWD,... if the granny stability system of a typical FWD car intervenes,... that means less acceleration and cornering ability,... because there is only two, and now only one wheel to accelerate and turn/corner the car.
AWD sport sedans are bought and sold for a reason,... far superior to FWD.
This is how Audi grew up from FWD,... into the high end sport sedan market,... AWD.
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