SOUND OFF: FWD, RWD or, AWD?

Being a long time AWD fan both on and off the track, I tend to be a bit opinionated on this subject (could you guys tell?). However while driving my spouses new FWD, vehicle in light rain over the weekend, I was really surprised at the ease that this brand new vehicle would lose traction or spin the wheels in very mild conditions. It seemed that at every other stoplight the traction control, or the stability control would kick in to “save me” from my self or my generally mild actions on the street.

Upon arriving at home I hopped into my AWD beater, a lower tech vestige from before the “save me from myself” electronic age. I drove over the same course to note the differences. The results actually surprised me. While this vehicle did not have modern traction control or stability control it actually took far more and very aggressive actions to achieve the same results. Basically it didn’t appear to need those controls. I had to do silly things in the wet to achieve the same loses in traction I was getting in normal commuting in the FWD.

With my curiosity peaked, I got home, and ran next door, out again in a brand new BMW 3 series. The result were generally in-between the AWD and the FWD. The BMW being a better example of sophisticated technology, was better than the FWD, but still not close to the AWD beater in the amount of grip and stability.

Three very different results from three different solutions to forward propulsion. Even under mild conditions where power was not typically a consideration, the results solidified my opinion yet again, on the benefits of AWD as the best solution for vehicle control in all types of driving.


What is your preference and why?

YZFracer23 - 8/28/2006 11:23:07 AM

+1 Boost

AWD is the best in all condition hands down. I had the same issue. I used to have a 04' TL, and even in dry conditions I would have wheel spin with brand new Pirelli P-Zero Neros. Same happens with my friends BMW rwd 325i. My Audi never misses as beat, no wheel spin, and I all I get it power to the ground.

Will- AWD is fun, I take turns about 10-15mph faster in the dry than my friends because of my Quattro system. They start to slide the rear end out and loose grip = slower speed. I on the other hand keep the power to the ground and power through turns.

AWD RULES!

PlanoA4 - 8/28/2006 11:28:20 AM

+1 Boost

Will- The RWD and the AWD were on Michelin Pilots. A good choice for this type of test. The FWD was on OEM Goodyears.

Actually the speeds were very low and most issues were in light turns and stops and starts on the circuit. Power never was a factor, but tires do contribute I agree. Since the rain was light, the streets were a bit oily, but this is a situtaion that occcurs all of the time no matter where you live.

krzykarl - 8/28/2006 11:43:09 AM

+1 Boost

X drive all the way!!!!

PlanoA4 - 8/28/2006 11:45:10 AM

+2 Boost

Will- I guess it is where you live, if you live in Tucson, where it seldom rains then RWD or FWD may rule. Now Seattle would be another can of worms. I get most every season where I live ,so all around is the best choice.

kart1 - 8/28/2006 12:59:35 PM

+1 Boost

It really doesn't matter to me but I say that FWD and RWD do loose traction pretty quickly. My opinion buy AWD if you need it otherwise forget about it.

kart1 - 8/28/2006 1:00:45 PM

+1 Boost

In Seattle it is pretty necessary to have AWD - all those hills are not the best to drive in when it rains.

BMW4me4ever - 8/28/2006 1:27:58 PM

+2 Boost

i prefer RWD ... like the dynamics of the car and the more control I have. On the other hand, my brother loves his AWD audi A4. Many of time have we tracked our cars and it is pretty much a dead heat. Just depends on how you like to drive. I prefer the power and feel of a RWD over any other type of car. I live in a diverse climate in the midwest and see heavy snow, rain & wind ....

johannas - 8/28/2006 3:16:50 PM

+1 Boost

AWD = Superior Technology = Safer Cars. The person behind the wheel is the only thing that could hinder it.
IMHO, of course.

Jovi - 8/28/2006 4:42:44 PM

+1 Boost

AWD

1970toyotamarc - 8/29/2006 1:11:37 AM

+1 Boost

Does anyone remember when FWD was a major selling point for cars? That was when safety advances were happening, cars were getting more technologically savvy, and gas prices were rising. Hmmmm, kinda like today, which may be why FWD cars still rule the charts.

I took my RWD MR2 Spyder across the Rockies in December (twice) and survived without a scratch, but what I wouldnt have given for FWD or AWD at that time. AWD is ideal, but still too expensive for everyday buyers, meaning its gotta be FWD for most people. I love Audis, but even the leader of AWD still produces FWD in the A4, A6 and TT. It's either FWD or AWD until you get to the A8. No RWD anywhere to be found. If Audis are as superior as Plano would have us believe, then that should tell us something bout RWD.

BMW530i - 8/29/2006 5:27:06 AM

+1 Boost

FWD is ideal for smaller cars where weight issues are important and the engines are not overpowered.

However, once you move up in power and size, FWD becomes a disadvantage from a performance POV. If you drive it nice and slow here, it's ok, but performance oriented cars with power shouldn't be FWD. It's ok for cars like the VW GTI etc. as they're not "too powerful" (although 200-hp in the GTI is bordering on the limits of FWD).

sulev - 8/29/2006 8:28:31 AM

+2 Boost

I think it depends on which area you live and where you drive the car at the most.
FWD cars have always been thought to have the advantage for easy to maneuver and easy to drive. City settings are suitable for this car. You’ll be able to maneuver better on smaller roads, as well as on tight roads. Unfortunately, you can only put so much power on the wheels that also, turn your cars around.
RWD cars have the advantage in great handling and sportier ride. Usually, long and wide roads are most suitable for these cars. Twisty and narrow roads may a bit harder to drive with this drive system. The advantage for RWD is you can channel so much power to the rear wheel while still maintaining a good balance of your car.
Cars that are equipped with AWD have the advantage in the ability to conquer in almost every kind of road. Sadly, AWD cars are relatively heavier compare to the rest, as the extra shafts and the rest of the systems would bring more weight to your car. This might suffer your milleage/gallon usage.

I’ve driven all the drive-systems mentioned above on heavy snow, icy (black snow), wet condition, and dry roads. I’d have to say, AWD is the best bet. FWD cars equipped with decent tires can do the job, even on icy roads. RWD is the ultimate fun on dry and not-so-wet roads. However, the RWD car is disastrous in snow and icy roads. If you’re stuck in snow, you’re as good as dead on water.

Thus, if you are mostly just commuting between office and your house, FWD should do the job well. RWD, in my opinion, is better for weekend car (if you decide to have one). AWD can be your family car. It is the go-anywhere-car whereas you would not have to worry about the road conditions.

Sauceboy01 - 8/29/2006 9:13:59 PM

+1 Boost

get me an AWD vehicle that doesn't push or i should say "understeer" and i'm in!

UltimateDrivingMachine - 8/30/2006 3:54:56 AM

+1 Boost

I LIVE IN L.A. AND I CAN'T REALLY DECIDE BETWEEN THE 530I OR 530XI....WHAT DO YOU GUYS SUGGEST?

dlin - 9/1/2006 10:44:38 PM

+2 Boost

There cannot be better weather than LA. A RWD is all you need. Learn to drive and it'll rewards you w/ everything. AWD can maybe comes to par w/ RWD performance wise, but due to the understeer nature of front wheel part it can never be as fun as RWD.