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.

 

[gs-t_96]

I would I hate driving in the rain in my car but part of the problem might me my crappy tires. O well I still wish I would have went awd.

 

[IMMORTALSPYDER]

The spyder makes it a hard decision.

 

[lowridin2g]

YES !!!!!! o...wait.......thats right i have awd already

 

[Spoolin95DSM]

I wouldn't only because Ive put so much time and money into this car already and it wouldn't be worth starting all over.Personally I dont mind fwd.So far Ive smoked nearly anything im challenged by.I even beat an awd 1g talon.Dont know what he had for mods but He had me through 1st and 2nd,but I walked his ass through 3rd and 4th.It matters who comes out on top in the end...not who gets the better start.Id love to have the awd traction,and handling,but fwd serves me just fine right now.Ill buy a 1g awd eventually though.We all love the same cars.A DSM is a DSM......as long as it's boostin,I dont care if its spinning 2 or 4 wheels.I love em both.

 

[TurBoGs-T]

Originally posted by Spoolin95DSM
I wouldn't only because Ive put so much time and money into this car already and it wouldn't be worth starting all over.

Lol you obviously didn't read his first post.....
Personally i want FWD back. Not that AWD isn't good just I was very happy with FWD, I'm not really concerned with fast track times, and someone else would probably appreciate AWD more than me. All in all i did the switch and i'm not unhappy with it but not as happy as i thought i would be.

 

[Spoolin95DSM]

Lol you obviously didn't read his first post.....

I guess not

 

[MyEclipse5]

Originally posted by Spoolin95DSM
I guess not

Originally posted at the top of your screen as the number one post by MyEclipse5
And i don't want the response, well since i've done a bunh of modding to my FWD then why would i get AWD stock? Just pretend your trading it for the same exact mods on a AWD car....

 

[Siberian]

Originally posted by MyEclipse5
If you had the opertunity to sell or trade your FWD DSM for AWD DSM would you do it?

Nope. I debated that choice for awhile before deciding on the GS-T. My logic was why spend $2,000 more for a feature I'd only appreciate during hard launches? I don't care about drag racing, but I love carving up the twisties

 

[Rice Over Wheat]

No. In fact, I did the opposite. I had a 1G GSX and opted to go with the 2G GST. The reason being the AWD had hella issues with reliability. More moving parts to go wrong -- cost me a bundle. It was heavier and less trunk room. Oh, and that was when I was stationed in South Dakota and needed AWD for the snow/ice. Now the 2G is in Florida.

When I was deciding between 2WD and AWD, it was between my 96 GST and a 3000GT VR4. I opted with the DSM since it was greater bang for the buck and the VR4 had insurance costs on par with a vette, even at 28 years old. When I do go with AWD, it'll be with an EVO or WRX.

ROW

 

[Spoolin95DSM]

Originally posted by MyEclipse5

Bla..shows how much I pay attention Either way I wouldn't trade in my baby for the world.

 

[Eclipsed]

Originally posted by lowridin2g
YES !!!!!! o...wait.......thats right i have awd already

 

[Flybiyou]

Not to knock on the AWD people but I like a challenge which is why I bought my 98 gst. Sure it might take a little more time, money, and learning to launch but the respect you will get when you cross that line and the 12sec awd car you raced comes in 2nd will be greater than that of a AWD driver. I love my car and would never trade sell it for anything. I plan on being 60 years old driving my gst. If I dont kill myself by then. <TURBO ADDICTED

AJ
REMEMBER I SAID NOT TO KNOCK ON AWD WHICH MEANS NO OFFENSE

 

[DSMSpyder99]

i also have no problems with FWD, espescially since i attract some women with the DropTop Like Spoolin95DSM its not how you start the race its how you finish. So what if an AWD can beat us in a 1/4 mile how about it ends can they keep the lead. The WRX that i raced couldnt :laugh:. Ill be happy when i get a LSD and some big ol' 245's.

 

[BlackViper]

I'd care about trading my FWD for an AWD if I was trying to turn it into a drag car.

As of right now I only need a car to get to work and drive to San Diego from Sacramento with. The FWD Talon does them both nicely.



BlackViper

 

[dsmjay]

Originally posted by Rice Over Wheat
I had a 1G GSX and opted to go with the 2G GST. The reason being the AWD had hella issues with reliability. More moving parts to go wrong -- cost me a bundle. It was heavier and less trunk room. Oh, and that was when I was stationed in South Dakota and needed AWD for the snow/ice. Now the 2G is in Florida.


ROW

this is why i bought my fwd tsi the 2nd time around. i loved my awd and theres nothing like launching one, but there are alot of expensive parts that can and will break. the last time i raced the car before i sold it, i smelt some shit burning and it was tires,brakes, or clutch... not to mention your spare tire being jacked up in the trunk. ROW said it perfectly

J

 

[JessesTalon]

I did just that, I traded in my 98 fwd for my 94 awd

 

[RedTurboEclipse]

already did.. 98 GS-T.. to 95 GSX.. then made that look like my 98 GS-T except in black..

and to top it off.. i sold the GS-T with 65K miles.. and got my 95 GSX with 65K miles.. seems like i started where i left off..

 

[babell2]

I did just that back in 1991. Admitted that my FWD was damaged in a hail storm and I would have to live with all the dents. (Also had no sun roof) So I traded for another 1990 AWD Talon with a sun roof. No I didn't vote so as not to Skew your poll results.

 

[Maximum404]

Im lookin to buy a 98 talon, but I can't decide on the AWD or FWD. Either way im goin with the Tsi. What is the difference in performace and is there any problems with modding either? Any opinions would be great.

 

[CYrUs0k5]

Theres a bunch of topics on this... some awd guys would never go fwd and vise versa... they both have their ups and downs... if ur going straight drag go awd. you can "launch" . But if you want a high way murderer go fwd... You wont go off the line fast but on the high way it will make up for it...

It depends on your goals... they are both great in their own way.

 

[TurBoGs-T]

Originally posted by CYrUs0k5
Theres a bunch of topics on this... some awd guys would never go fwd and vise versa... they both have their ups and downs... if ur going straight drag go awd. you can "launch" . But if you want a high way murderer go fwd... You wont go off the line fast but on the high way it will make up for it...

It depends on your goals... they are both great in their own way.

I second..It definately depends on your style of choice. Most people see AWD as the best just because of the 1/4 Times it puts down. But if you don't care about 1/4 times. Then AWD isn't that important. What's your style?

 

[DSMSpyder99]

also in FWD there are less moving parts then an AWD. Therefore, AWD drivetrain usually break more than a FWD. As for traction a LSD helps out alot

 

[CowPimp]

I just love the predictable handling of the AWD. If you have any love for spirited driving down windy roads, then you will want to go with the AWD. Also, I can drive my car in the snow with Khumo Ecsta MXs. I don't recommend such a thing, but it can be done.

FWD TSi's are significantly cheaper. As well, they are easier to find. They are also about 250 pounds lighter, which makes quite a difference if you're already in motion. Unfortunately, unless you put quite a bit into the suspension, you're going to spin wheels through second gear.

 

[Maximum404]

I love a hard accelerating car and will be driving in fairly bad weather often(up in o'l VT). I believe I will be going AWD, but very hard to find. Thanks for the help.

 

[Red97Eclipseboy]

I know theres reasons for both, and ups and downs to both. But, my main reason for getting a GST instead of a GSX is because, it's too easy in an AWD. Whats hard about it? Whats the challenge? If I can make my GST go high 12's...im done! Thats all im looking for. It's my opinion that if you can get a great time in a FWD rather than a AWD...theres a lot more to be pround of. Just my opinion-no flame needed. Im not doging AWD, its great. But, what I am saying is...launching an AWD and getting a good qt time is WAY easier in a FWD. Rev it up, drop the clutch...GONE! Sure, thats appealing to some, but to others (such as my self) the challenge is way worth it. Much more satisfaction to me doing it in FWD than AWD. 0.2 cents.