FWD versus AWD [Merged 2-8]

[TrippleStar]

Hello, kids. Here is the Official AWD or FWD? thread. All the hare-brained arguments about "rolling starts" and "top speed" and "deadly transfer cases" and "drivetrain losses" and the rest of the mis-guided "better" advice is right here.

It's recommended you just skip reading it. You already know which you want, and why. Still, it's a place to dump it all.

Let's start with this fine opener from 2002 (it really doesn't get much better):

newbie to DSMs here, whats AWD and FWD. just sold my civic hatchback and got my eclipse not to long ago and im still learing the dsm101 stuff.

 

[MountainDew]

I was shooting for about the 300-350hp range. The MAIN reason I'm most probably going to get the awd is the fact that when it rains here in Louisiana, it POURS. I hate driving in the rain with my fwd n/a and if i do get the gsx that will most probably be the deciding factor. Im looking at the big picture here, and with a fwd I understand about tire wear. I would rather spend $2k more right from the start and get the smarter, safer buy. The GSX is looking mighty tempting right now guys...

It's amazing, this post wasn't up but a day or two and it recieved so much feedback.
If any one else has any opinions I'm still going to keep checking in on this thread. For now I just need some time to do a little more research and a little more searching for my perfect car before I decide.
Thanks.

Get the GSX then. You're wanting 300+ hp and wanting to still have good traction in all sorts of weather.

Like I've been saying, AWD > *. Some of the FWD guys just get a little butthurt over it thats all.

 

[majik2k5]

300HP is very interesting, however, I have two main tunes that I run my car. a 93 octane tune, and a 118 octane tune. When I'm running on the 118 octane tune, the car is producing well over 500HP. Being FWD, that virtually eliminates 1st and 2nd gear, unless you're damn good at feathering the throttle.

I'd like to hear a lot more detail into limited slip differentials if anyone has anything worth sharing.

 

[DSMsOwnYourV8]

Get the GSX then. You're wanting 300+ hp and wanting to still have good traction in all sorts of weather.

Like I've been saying, AWD > *. Some of the FWD guys just get a little butthurt over it thats all.

Agreed and I understand why... I mean who wouldn't defend their car? I think Fwd Turbo cars can be pretty sic, I use to have one even though it was pretty gutless - dodge daytona turbo =p - but I definitely like a car that's fast all the time. AWD FTW

Oops I read the poll wrong and voted no. So someone - 1 in the no column.

 

[pneumo]

300HP is very interesting, however, I have two main tunes that I run my car. a 93 octane tune, and a 118 octane tune. When I'm running on the 118 octane tune, the car is producing well over 500HP. Being FWD, that virtually eliminates 1st and 2nd gear, unless you're damn good at feathering the throttle.

I'd like to hear a lot more detail into limited slip differentials if anyone has anything worth sharing.

You'll need more than lsd and slicks to get it to hook up with 500hp. My Talon has around 500hp and it spins all 4 wheels easily even with lsd in all 3 diffs and sticky street tires. The main difference between awd and fwd with over 500hp is the awd car is FUN! and the fwd is frustrating.

 

[meliketoball]

I drove my friends 2g GSX around in a parking lot..it was amazing.

 

[majik2k5]

I've been looking into the FWD to AWD swap, but thus far I haven't found a huge amount of info on it. Apparently, the rear end, transfer case, and axels and so forth are all direct bolt on. The rest of the stuff I haven't heard a lot about.

 

[tbonitz301]

I have also been thinking about converting to AWD. Im not even building any serious power, and have problems hooking up. If you like roasting your tires off fwd is the way to go. Personally i try not to spin, i like acceleration. Also the GSX is a snowmobile

 

[shoobaah]

i used to own a 99 gs, and i currently own a 95tsi awd. all i can say is...wow.
up where i live in new england, the weather is about as predictable as the reliability of my car (not very much! haha) when i used to drive around in rain, or especially light snow w/ my fwd n/a, i would slide off the road constantly, despite going gingerly slow, plus my n/a made no power at all! i cant imagine how much i would have slid if i actually made power...
Despite the extra weight and the risk of breaking more parts, i find the awd is way worth it. Handles like a dream in any weather and no wheel hop

 

[jakelandry]

Ive been waiting for a gsx for quite some time now and im beginning to beleive that its hopeless. Ive wanted a gsx since i was 15 and i finally have the money, however ive been looking for months now with no vehicle and im growing tired of searching. I found a gst in my town, which is unheard of, and The owner claims that it has a new motor and transmission. He doesnt know anything about the car other than the fact that he traded a jet ski for it. He said the guy before him blew the motor and had one built then grew tired of the project. I dont exactly want fwd, but i think i can get it for around 3000 and with a new motor and transmission i figured i could alyways resell.. What do yall think, hold off for a gsx or get a gst?

 

[FLASH1970]

What would be your plans once you have the car?

 

[jakelandry]

What would be your plans once you have the car?

Gst or gsx? Gst drive/slightly modify ( upper 200's) until i find some dumbass willing to trade for a gsx and cash.... gsx try to stop seizing.

 

[FLASH1970]

Well, it seems like you want a gsx so I'd hold out for one. You won't get out what you put into a car money wise, so might as well get a car you plan on keeping if you want to spend money on mods for it.

 

[RoryBarron]

If I were you, I'd start looking at craigslist for a gsx. Even in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama since they are all around you. I got a Gs-T instead of waiting, my brother then got a Gsx the next month for the same price that is in nicer condition.

 

[mike96]

well if your luck seems to be like most other people as soon as you buy the GST a GSX will pop up for sale within a few weeks... or you could just buy the GST and have it converted to a GSX, providing you can find all the parts..

 

[ilikerice]

I 2nd that... wait for the GSX. Dont settle for less.
And dont think that u will never come across one, ### you know once you buy that GST, the next week you will find a GSX.. u know im right.. hahah

 

[scooby21043]

Wait for that GSX. I almost settled for a GST because I couldnt find one but held off and then got my GSX weeks later.

 

[95gst16g]

I would wait..I want a gsx! I had a Honda and getting rid of that pile for my gst was a huge upgrade but once you start making some power it's a son of a bi*** to get traction with fwd...

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[boredog]

I know how you feel man I waited to find a nice clean gsx for 3 years and could nvr find or get to one in time. Finally got a gst instead and i feel it was a mistake. Dont get me wrong i love my car i just wish i had waited for the awd. Search craigslist everyday a nice one pops up every once in awhile. Hard part is having someone on standby to drive you across states to get it

 

[jakelandry]

Yea i check every town within 8 hours everyday. Its just always bs like 140 000 miles on a 96 with a huge wing and bodykit and they want 5500. I dont mind holding out for the gsx but i honestly dont think ill ever get one.

 

[bluzvr4]

ya id wait for the gsx it seems thats what you really want and i dont think you will be disappointed when you get it. besides the hunt can be fun some times and makes it worth it in the end

 

[Sik95TSI]

Yea i check every town within 8 hours everyday. Its just always bs like 140 000 miles on a 96 with a huge wing and bodykit and they want 5500. I dont mind holding out for the gsx but i honestly dont think ill ever get one.

I would wait for a GSX but then like you said it's so hard to find a good one and with low mileage. I found my 95 Talon TSI FWD for $3500! One onwer 71k original miles and in really good condition! I mean yeah it's FWD but you can do things to put traction down and get good times at the track or even on the street or whatever your doing! IMO if something really good comes up regardless if it's FWD or AWD i would get it but thats my opinion if your stuck on a GSX then wait! Good Luck man !!!

 

[jmitch]

if you feel like driving!!

Eclipse Turbo GSX All Wheel Drive

 

[MidWestTalon]

I held out for the GSX...once you take that first drive you'll be sold instantly.

 

[Maverick4g63]

I think your goals for the car should be the deciding factor. You wont really NEED the awd traction with moderate upgrades, but if you if you want the car for the exclusive factor then thats ok too.

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[Jimmer307]

I wish I lived down south... You can find rust free gsx's all day if you are willing to drive. GST's suck. I have owned 1 and will never own another unless I do an AWD swap on a spyder. It's worth the wait.