Pros and cons of AWD

[guamboyeli]

Ive heard A lot of talk on AWD cars... i have a FWD and I was wondering if I should keep it or change it for an AWD... Whats good about AWD, and Whats bad about them

 

[tz97awd]

Anyone who says that AWD is worse in the snow has never driven AWD in the snow. My TSi is a BEAST in the winter/snow months and I have never had a problem getting grip even driving in blizzard conditions. After driving the Talon around for the past 7 years I don't think I will ever buy a front wheel drive DSM, but that's just my 2 cents.

Just remember not to countersteer if you lose traction...

 

[funcar]

Wow, yeah try a fwd in 6" snow vs. awd. Thats why my honda friends call me when it snows a lot. My evo is a whole nother story in the snow with blizzacks. Makes my tsi look bad. And for those on page one who like to spin tires. Try spinning in the wet at 55 in 3rd in my evo and can spin 1st and a touch of 2nd in the dry. AWD!!!!

 

[Nico_]

AWD is better for pulling boats up slippery boat ramps.

laughed my ass off

 

[CrackedDSM]

Anyone who says that AWD is worse in the snow has never driven AWD in the snow. My TSi is a BEAST in the winter/snow months and I have never had a problem getting grip even driving in blizzard conditions. After driving the Talon around for the past 7 years I don't think I will ever buy a front wheel drive DSM, but that's just my 2 cents.

Just remember not to countersteer if you lose traction...

Said it before I could. The "outlaunch an AWD with only an LSD" had me rolling too.

Add me to the 1.70-1.68 60' on crap suspension, crappy ass bottom of the barrel Kuhmo 205/60 tires that had very little tread left on them, and timing being pulled on the launch due to tune issues(Bad software..switched to TunerPro solved that ). With a solid set of coilovers, and some decent/sticky 235/60's imagine what it would do(and will do, that's the future setup. ). You can't get around it, with an equal setup on both cars, the AWD will outlaunch the FWD. It's one of those things.

 

[clipto]

Youtube 1.6 60 ft civic launches. Fwd can get traction just takes a different perspective. 2 front slicks or drag radials, decent suspension and the right launch rpm will do it for the most part.

 

[Joethefallen23]

Youtube 1.6 60 ft civic launches. Fwd can get traction just takes a different perspective. 2 front slicks or drag radials, decent suspension and the right launch rpm will do it for the most part.

The difference is you can pull 1.6s on a relatively stock driveline GSX, don't even need slicks to do it. The civics need the slicks, a GREAT clutch, solid/hard poly mounts, poly bushings all around, a good strut/spring setup, etc. That's not even including the proper power adders necessary to propel it to a 1.6.

FWD can get traction, it just takes more money.

 

[clipto]

The difference is you can pull 1.6s on a relatively stock driveline GSX, don't even need slicks to do it. The civics need the slicks, a GREAT clutch, solid/hard poly mounts, poly bushings all around, a good strut/spring setup, etc. That's not even including the proper power adders necessary to propel it to a 1.6.

FWD can get traction, it just takes more money.

Ya it's same about it's back to personal preference agian, I find it more fun challenging to drive fwd then awd. Money can go both ways, if awd shit break you gatta tear up all under the car and hope your local junk yard has an extra diff or t case or axel if they brake. fwd only axles or tranny ganna go for the most part. Less weight faster times plus more top end with fwd then awd. Both are fun in there own ways.

 

[Leonthefaded]

With AWD you do get the right to brag about how you have all wheel drive

 

[clipto]

With AWD you do get the right to brag about how you have all wheel drive

Not when you get beat by fwd. Awd is handicap, anyone can go fast with awd just floor it and launch you got traction. Go rwd/fwd and do that and try deal with torque steer, it's harder/challenging.

 

[Joethefallen23]

Both are fun in there own ways.

Pretty much what this thread needs to end with. I bought my GSX because winters over here are terrible and roads hardly plowed some times. Doesn't mean I drive like an idiot. It just means I don't end up like everyone else stuck on the hills after a light/traffic. I love the traction but I never bash GSTs or any other FWD car I've met around. You buy what you buy because that's what you found. Some people just can't afford the price gouging that people like to apply to the GSX....I mean what in the world makes people believe they'll get $3k for a car with a shitty body, blow motor, slipping clutch, rotted towers, etc. People think they have gold sometimes. Then again, sometimes you get lucky. I found mine for around $3k. only a bit over 100k on the clock. Great body. I should have just resold it for $5k!

A/Ts have a much more difficult time breaking drivetrain parts thanks to that good old torque converter (not to say you won't break anything of course i.e. stock center diff). At the end of the day, we all have a DSM AWD or not.

With AWD you do get the right to brag about how you have all wheel drive

Funniest thing I've read so far!

 

[GST2012GSX]

I think it might be because of the fifth gear been smaller on gsx, but I sure you can get the fifth gear from the gst and swap it. Im sure is a direct swap.

 

[1G9S9T7]

The one thing I don't really like about AWD is the cocky attitude of the driver. Everyone I've ever met with an AWD whatever was cocky about it. They always thought it was so fast or so great because it was AWD. It's all about what you prefer. Either way even if you are FWD, chances are you will still enjoy the car. I enjoy my GST a lot. As for the bad weather thing, I don't worry too much about that because I don't drive recklessly for any reason in public under any circumstance. I'd like to have a GSX so I can have the best of both but I wouldn't sell my GST for it.

 

[clipto]

The one thing I don't really like about AWD is the cocky attitude of the driver. Everyone I've ever met with an AWD whatever was cocky about it. They always thought it was so fast or so great because it was AWD. It's all about what you prefer. Either way even if you are FWD, chances are you will still enjoy the car. I enjoy my GST a lot. As for the bad weather thing, I don't worry too much about that because I don't drive recklessly for any reason in public under any circumstance. I'd like to have a GSX so I can have the best of both but I wouldn't sell my GST for it.

Don't forget cocky evo drivers too , I love smashing them with there $20,000 cars, thinking dsms are old and crappy.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Not when you get beat by fwd. Awd is handicap, anyone can go fast with awd just floor it and launch you got traction. Go rwd/fwd and do that and try deal with torque steer, it's harder/challenging.

If you think an AWD doesn't have traction problems you've never owned, been around, or driven in an AWD at or over 500awhp. If you think FWD is challenging, try controlling all four wheels lighting up at one time pulling you in two directions at once.



When it comes to dig racing, you can't get around how much traction an AWD has from a dig, even with crap stock suspension and crap tires. Period. Not saying it's better in every way, but hearing you people who don't even have a faster DSM than 13 seconds in the 1/4 mile tell me how FWD can outlaunch AWD's with JUST an LSD amuses me. Yeah they can pull 1.6 60's and below, but it's going to take a hell of a lot more than just an LSD. That was my point and what I'm still laughing about.


Also the whole "more to break" argument doesn't apply to me. Automatics don't seem to have the breaking issues you 5-speed AWD boys have. '



In the end, yes it's about what you prefer. I prefer the stability and peace of mind my AWD gives me. I've lived in CO for most of my life so I needed a car that could get around in winter without fear of getting stuck. The comfort that knowing no matter what the weather is, I am safe so long as I drive like a decent human being is the big perk that lead me to AWD. Add to that the (in)famous launches and traction that AWD brings even with crappy tires and it's a done deal. FWD's are great for a daily if you don't get any kind of heavy snow, and they can be peppy...but I cannot STAND being in any kind of moderately powered FWD car on the street where 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and a little of 4th is useless.

The one thing I don't really like about AWD is the cocky attitude of the driver.

I can say the same thing about 98% of the FWD drivers I meet. Cockiness isn't limited to a specific drivetrain.

 

[clipto]

If you think an AWD doesn't have traction problems you've never owned, been around, or driven in an AWD at or over 500awhp. If you think FWD is challenging, try controlling all four wheels lighting up at one time pulling you in two directions at once.



When it comes to dig racing, you can't get around how much traction an AWD has from a dig, even with crap stock suspension and crap tires. Period. Not saying it's better in every way, but hearing you people who don't even have a faster DSM than 13 seconds in the 1/4 mile tell me how FWD can outlaunch AWD's with JUST an LSD amuses me. Yeah they can pull 1.6 60's and below, but it's going to take a hell of a lot more than just an LSD. That was my point and what I'm still laughing about.


Also the whole "more to break" argument doesn't apply to me. Automatics don't seem to have the breaking issues you 5-speed AWD boys have. '



In the end, yes it's about what you prefer. I prefer the stability and peace of mind my AWD gives me. I've lived in CO for most of my life so I needed a car that could get around in winter without fear of getting stuck. The comfort that knowing no matter what the weather is, I am safe so long as I drive like a decent human being is the big perk that lead me to AWD. Add to that the (in)famous launches and traction that AWD brings even with crappy tires and it's a done deal. FWD's are great for a daily if you don't get any kind of heavy snow, and they can be peppy...but I cannot STAND being in any kind of moderately powered FWD car on the street where 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and a little of 4th is useless.

Your right and I have driven and know that awd can be just as dangerous when it gets loose and can be difficult at times. I do know that auto transmission are better, as that comes to be another "your preference decision" I am auto fan too. Like I said erlier there is pro to con for everything. Each and there own dsm can become elite in there own class for traction and what not. As you stated alot of honda guys don't have lsd's they just use slicks and get those times, I am sure with some suspention mods too. The argument is endless, this bring's talk down to who likes iphones and who likes android no more but good time rebuttals.

 

[DSM1G90]

The argument is endless, this bring's talk down to who likes iphones and who likes android no more but good time rebuttals

Where, eventually, this thread will be locked since it's really not going anywhere and it's not helping anyone.

Also, it's not really fair to say that AWD is the way to go for a DSM, where there are tons of us FWD owners - both 420A and 4G63 Turbo owners - don't have the privilege to squander our earnings on hunting for AWD DSM's in decent condition since most owners have hacked these AWD vehicles up so bad that it would almost take a 2nd home mortgage to get and keep the vehicle in tip-top running condition.

Yes, owning any sports vehicle is a hobby and it is actually fun, but got to keep within budget for the thing will break the bank if you let it.

-DSM

 

[brownie956]

I decided on a FWD because 99% of the time I am perfectly fine without an AWD or 4WD system, and I have another car to beat around in inclement weather. The weak link in getting around with most cars is the clearance when it really snows, and at that point, AWD is not going to do much for you. Secondly, with the engine powering only the front two wheels, you get more power to the ground over an AWD, and lose 275lbs, which is near 10% total vehicle weight. So it takes less energy to move the vehicle which =better gas mileage, and better acceleration. Lastly, Murphy's Law of what can go wrong will go wrong weighed on my decision. With more moving parts, more maintenance, you're talking about a more expensive vehicle to own, not to mention the decreased mpgs. Launching a car is probably the hardest thing you can do to a drivetrain, especially to an AWD drivetrain that absorbs all that torque near instantaneously, which is a ridiculous rush...but, you got to wonder how much abuse that drivetrain took from the previous owner, and that's an expensive repair.
The advantages of the GSX is obviously the traction. If you plan to build a high hp/ track car, or drive around in a lot of inclement weather with your DSM, than AWD is probably the way to go.
Sometimes lack of traction is rather annoying when I'm making a sharp turn and mildly accelerating and get a little wheelspin...an LSD may be in my car's future but I wouldn't trade it for a GSX, although I'd love to have one!

AWD is better for pulling boats up slippery boat ramps.

 

[thomyd]

awd is the way to go. gas milage will only suffer at in town driving, once cruise speed is reached the weight is not a factor. my 1g is awd and with well maintained drivetrain i got 38-39 mpg with a fully packed car when i went cross country. but in the end it is what you have money for... i mean sell it and go awd!

 

[brownie956]

thomyd, you are partially right in that once a cruise speed is reached weight matters less, but you still have more of a drivetrain loss of power from an AWD than a FWD. GS-T's were rated at 31, GSX's 28 highway mpg. It simply takes more energy to accelerate AND maintain a given speed with an AWD drivetrain. 39 mpg seems pretty unrealistic to me. You may be running lean or your odometer is clocking more miles than you're actually traveling. If you're tuned to run leaner that's great, but different. Not trying to be nit picky, just getting the facts straight and help a fellow dsm(ers) out. I personally love both flavors for what they are.

 

[Alex7747]

I find it hard to believe people are trying to convince themselves that a FWD car is better than an AWD equivalent.
In my opinion, FWD is ONLY good for highway pulls and DD reliable cars.
AWD-great for snow, rain, dirt etc.
FWD-low maintenance, better fuel economy
RWD-best for track use (not talking about drag racing) and fun.
Only my opinion though.

 

[WES_393]

Secondly, with the engine powering only the front two wheels, you get more power to the ground over an AWD, and lose 275lbs, which is near 10% total vehicle weight. So it takes less energy to move the vehicle which =better gas mileage, and better acceleration. Lastly, Murphy's Law of what can go wrong will go wrong weighed on my decision. With more moving parts, more maintenance, you're talking about a more expensive vehicle to own, not to mention the decreased mpgs.

There is less power lost through a FWD drivetrain, but that doesn't always mean your putting more power to the pavement. With AWD you have at least twice the connection between engine and road. A healthy AWD drivetrain isn't very expensive to maintain either. The extra $30-40 for a few quarts of the right gear oil is a drop in the pond when you consider the total maintenance costs for any turbo DSM. And to be honest, anybody looking for an economical commuter should stay far away from a 20yr old turbocharged sports car anyways.

Launching a car is probably the hardest thing you can do to a drivetrain, especially to an AWD drivetrain that absorbs all that torque near instantaneously, which is a ridiculous rush...but, you got to wonder how much abuse that drivetrain took from the previous owner, and that's an expensive repair.

The drivetrain doesn't absorb the torque, it's actually being used it to move the car rather than spin the tires. There's also no doubt launching will cause extra wear to the drivetrain, but if done correctly with a healthy/adequate drivetrain the wear can be minimal. I travel 80 miles to the drag strip, launch the car without mercy 5-6 times, and then drive 80 miles back without issues. And that's with a stock trans, welded center diff, and Diaqueen gear oil all around.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anything bad about FWD models. My Spyder GS is a great car to drive and easy on the wallet. But I truly don't understand how members of a performance-oriented forum would rather have 2 driving wheels instead of 4.

 

[DSM1G90]

. GS-T's were rated at 31, GSX's 28 highway mpg

Making my Laser the same as the GS-T .. and I've hit close to 30mpg with the cruise on and doing 80mph on the flat and level freeway (no AC though - unit is removed.) I run stock 55 wide tires, but with pressure (cold) at 35psi.

38-39mpg is a bit unbelievable unless tire pressure is at 60 psi plus and the vehicle never hits 60mph with shift points never going above 2500 rpm. I sure wouldn't want to run lean, for that makes a super hot motor that will be asking for a meltdown.

don't understand how members of a performance-oriented forum would rather have 2 driving wheels instead of 4.

In my case, when I found this Laser, knowing it was FWD and in great condition for the price, it was simply all I wanted. Trying to find a 1G GS-X or TSi-AWD around here in decent shape and not all ripped apart with mods is like doing a root canal on a live dinosaur. You can find them out at the yards, but all stripped down to chassis.

 

[1G9S9T7]

Don't forget cocky evo drivers too , I love smashing them with there $20,000 cars, thinking dsms are old and crappy.

Sadly I've never met anyone with an Evo in person. There is only one evo running around where I live that I've ever seen and it's an evo 8. I've been told the guy is cocky though, which I guess highlights your point but I've never met him.

I can say the same thing about 98% of the FWD drivers I meet. Cockiness isn't limited to a specific drivetrain.

I can agree on this too. I didn't mean for it to sound like it's only AWD owners that are, just that every AWD owner I've met was. I know plenty of cocky Honda and Nissan owners with their CAI's or the V6 Mustang/Camaro/Firebird kids.

As for the helping part of my post, OP it's all about what you want the car to do. In the end, if you just want a fun car with a few go fast parts, I'm sure you'll like either drivetrain.

 

[COdsm]

AWD obviously has the advantage of launches and handling, but more moving parts means more things to go wrong. Also the additional weight. I personally own and prefer my GSX but I don't classify any FWD dsm as shit.

 

[hulsak]

Just get both and call it a day