AWD or RWD and why?

AWD for sure, but if AWD i will want more power.

I doubt it will be some crazy 50/50 split power AWD but more so a RWD biased AWD setup.

Aren't the reasons for AWD obvious?

The primary objective of my commuter vehicle is......commuting.
Which needs to be done 365 days a year, in multiple weather conditions, on all type of roads. So, AWD gives me the ability to comfortably commute in any weather without the need to be 100% focused on traction and oversteer.

Besides, if I want to induce oversteer and have fun, it's going to be with a RWD toy like a 400lb bike or a 3200lb coupe, not a 4,000lb sedan.

If there was an option to just push a button and have the car in one or the other mode, then yes, all wheel drive is prefered.That of course adds weight,decreases m.p.g.,and of course increases purchase price.

Stephen Smith said:

If there was an option to just push a button and have the car in one or the other mode, then yes, all wheel drive is prefered.That of course adds weight,decreases m.p.g.,and of course increases purchase price.

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Or , your AWD system operates in RWD all the time unless the ECU predicts slip and then temporarily redirects a percentage of power to the front wheels.
In addition, have a console switch that allows a mode which maintains a percentage of power to be directed to the front wheels.

Welcome to modern AWD which has been available for multiple car generations.

It adds around $2,000 , increases weight 100-200lbs, and reduces mileage by around 1mpg.
All worthy trade offs for all season capability, peace of mind, and resale value.

Guess with owning a big 'ol Buick" ('96 Roadmaster Wagon) I'm a bit out of the loop . For a short time I owned a brand new '05 Hyundai Sante Fe v6 with a system like that mentioned. I recall when the system activated once it sensed loss of traction, there was a noticeable thump that was both heard and felt .
I'm actually content with a vehicle that's just rear wheel drive. Even though this area (northeast PA) gets it's share of snow in the cold months, my wagon with winter tires hasn't been stuck yet.

Stephen Smith said:

Guess with owning a big 'ol Buick" ('96 Roadmaster Wagon) I'm a bit out of the loop . For a short time I owned a brand new '05 Hyundai Sante Fe v6 with a system like that mentioned. I recall when the system activated once it sensed loss of traction, there was a noticeable thump that was both heard and felt .
I'm actually content with a vehicle that's just rear wheel drive. Even though this area (northeast PA) gets it's share of snow in the cold months, my wagon with winter tires hasn't been stuck yet.

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Where ya at in NEPA?

All 4wd are different, and improve over time.
I experienced that "thump" sometimes when I would beat on my 1999 Chevy Blazer.
I have never had in issue with the 4wd systems in my Infinitis or Escalades.

Stephen Smith said:

Guess with owning a big 'ol Buick" ('96 Roadmaster Wagon) I'm a bit out of the loop . For a short time I owned a brand new '05 Hyundai Sante Fe v6 with a system like that mentioned. I recall when the system activated once it sensed loss of traction, there was a noticeable thump that was both heard and felt .
I'm actually content with a vehicle that's just rear wheel drive. Even though this area (northeast PA) gets it's share of snow in the cold months, my wagon with winter tires hasn't been stuck yet.

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RWD cars in winter are fine, unless you want to pull out some 1000HP car meant for 1/4 miles. I had my experience driving RWD vehicles in winter with good winter tires and i was just fine, as you were too.

Plus I bet you had fun going sideways

And while we're on the topic, i'll throw this in....



RWD in winter = tons of fun.

AWD allows me to have drama-free commutes in the winter, and takes away the temptation to hoon.

I have NO problem driving 600+++ rwhp cars through snowy winters.
It's not a lack of skills or balls that is the issue.
I should be dead after all the hooning I've done.
Decades before "drifting", I would always say if the car isn't sideways, it isn't me.
My favorite thing about my car builds was inducing oversteer on the 2-3 and 3-4 shift. Do the math. I had a death wish.

Even at my age, I still have a self control problems, especially in bad weather and after a night out.

AWD is for sure the more versatile option. Especially considering many performance AWD systems are RWD most of the time.

Some AWD systems are FWD bias and send power the rear. Those work too but aren't as glorious as the RWD bias systems.

TT C6 said:

AWD allows me to have drama-free commutes in the winter, and takes away the temptation to hoon.

I have NO problem driving 600+++ rwhp cars through snowy winters.
It's not a lack of skills or balls that is the issue.
I should be dead after all the hooning I've done.
Decades before "drifting", I would always say if the car isn't sideways, it isn't me.
My favorite thing about my car builds was inducing oversteer on the 2-3 and 3-4 shift. Do the math. I had a death wish.

Even at my age, I still have a self control problems, especially in bad weather and after a night out.

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That's why I've been debating about getting an xDrive BMW, or even an AWD Subaru for winter. Had my fun from all the years of my own hooning, although I can't ever get enough it's somewhat controllable.

What cars have you built in the past?

SuperSnake said:

That's why I've been debating about getting an xDrive BMW, or even an AWD Subaru for winter. Had my fun from all the years of my own hooning, although I can't ever get enough it's somewhat controllable.

What cars have you built in the past?

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Stroked and blown Mustangs, Camaros, and Corvttes.
I had one LT4 stroker with nitrous, but I avoid spray because I get pissed off when the bottle runs out.

I highly recommend the 07+ G37x sedans.
Only complaints is the 15-17mpg and the rear seats don't fold flat....
and as a 13 second car, it feels slow when I get in after one of my other toys.

My understanding is the naturally aspirated Subies run forever, but are anemic. The boosted ones are fun, but are time bombs.
Also, you look like you are either in a ricer gang or a civil union when driving one.
I bought a G37x for STI money, and the STI can't hold a candle to the G.

I think BMW is over priced for what you get, and you don't get an increase of reliability for the money like the germans gave you 20 years ago.

TT C6 said:

Where ya at in NEPA?

All 4wd are different, and improve over time.
I experienced that "thump" sometimes when I would beat on my 1999 Chevy Blazer.
I have never had in issue with the 4wd systems in my Infinitis or Escalades.

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I'm in a town just 2 min. north of Northeast Philadelphia, PA.

Stephen Smith said:

I'm in a town just 2 min. north of Northeast Philadelphia, PA.

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You posted northeast PA.
That's southeast PA.

No matter what, I bet the SS Sedan 1/4 mile record is set at Atco.