EVERYONE Is Jumping On The AWD Bandwagon, But Is It All That It Is Cracked Up To Be?

Complete nonsense. I recently took in my A4 Quattro manual for service and was given the exact same car as a loaner, with the exception that it was front wheel drive and had the CVT trans. They were worlds apart in terms of handling. The front wheel drive version was terrible in turns and off the ling acceleration. Also, I live in the Northeast. No set of tires will get you out of a situation where either the front or rear set of wheels are stuck and spinning. There are times when you need the other set to help you out. Not to say a good set of tires doesn't help, but domes times it is not enough.

GTR GTR GTR GTR GTR, Subaru WRX are proof that intel AWD are great, they may not be as exciting has RWD, but they are more forgiving

"It's disingenuous to say or infer that AWD enhances cornering prowess, or that it'll help a driver avoid a fallen tree or dodge Bambi. When it comes to handling, all-wheel drive is overrated (not to mention heavy and gas-sucking), especially in foul weather."

This has got to be a joke or a flame bait piece. Come spend a winter in Colorado and you will be begging for an AWD or true 4x4. Regardless, I don't think the intention is to help you dodge bambi or infer that it corners better. It's to help ensure you maintain traction and transfer power to the wheels that do have traction thus giving you better control of the vehicle. Especially in bad road and weather conditions.

Fact is that 4 powered wheels = better traction. Laws of physics don't change with you behind the wheel. If you disagree, go find a local driving school that can simulate an icy road. Take the front wheel drive and/or rear wheel drive out for a spirited cruise and then follow it with an AWD. Will bet you anything that you will eat your words especially in a foul weather or slippery road scenario. I've helped my neighbors push their FWD minivans, prius, and accords too many times on snowy mornings to believe any of the mess you are trying to infer. Have also seen a good number of them slide off the roads in slick conditions.

You might have had an ounce of credibility if you had left the foul weather part out of your rant but speaking from years of experience... this is BS.

Thats why the commenter requested anonymity. Because they knew they were talking out of their rear.

AWD sucks. Give me good old fashion 4WD where I can choose the set up. AWD just wastes gas when you don't need both axles engaged which is 98% of my driving and I'm in Toronto and commute 50K/year.

Frankly I prefer a FWD with a good set of Winter tires and I drive through it all deep snow, ice and whatever else nature throws my way. In fact, I drive for fun in the worst of storms drifting around corners pretending to be Gilles Villeneuve (without the Ferrari).

For pure road feel nothing beats RWD with lots of HP on tap!!!

ah, the over confident 2wd snow/ice drifters. My favorite neighborhood ditch dwellers. Just joking with you ;)

I do agree that a good set of winter tires goes a long way. And can make many FWD vehicles very capable in snow/ice. Still nothing beats a true 4wd when the powder builds up overnight. Makes blasting out of the garage on the way to work a lot of fun.