Author Topic: Rear Drive vs. Front Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive (Read 1824 times)

initial_D · « **on:** July 17, 2005, 09:41:23 pm »

Article from Motor Trend:

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0506_grip/#

Winter Traction test from Car and Driver

(Message edited by initial_d on July 17, 2005)

si · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2005, 01:39:30 am »

great articles!

I find AWD invaluable for one major aspect: starting on an incline.

tpl · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2005, 06:47:26 am »

In Ontario, TO, commuting on the dvp, I would not give up my awd AND snow tires ( BMW 330xi). if I did not have to do the commute then probably RWD and snow tires.

With traction control and stability control in both cases.

Every little edge helps

random006 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2005, 08:42:28 am »

The 2nd article certainly confirms what I've noticed: AWD AND winter tires give the best overall performance in hilly areas. The simple act of getting home from work on some days would be very difficult without that combo.

For those who head off to country chalets for skiing and the like, having both becomes even more important. As far as the dry pavement problem, the answer is simple: slow down a notch.

Snowman · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2005, 08:59:42 am »

Great articles….I think the following paragraph sums it up nicely in Motor Trend:
“Front drive is the Spocklike logical solution in low-power compact cars with high-mileage ambitions. Speed freaks swear by the Velcro traction of all-wheel drive, particularly if their engines are percolating more power than their tires can pour. And rear drive is the choice for passionate drivers”

powman · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2005, 09:09:03 am »

Nice articles. I can personally confirm that AWD + winter tires make a lethal combination of traction.

Yes, I ski and travel a lot in the winter. Most of the time, this combo is overkill. But oneone wekends in the winter, I thank my lucky stars that I have AWD and my winter tires.

safristi · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2005, 11:26:02 am »

AWD + Winter tyres= LETHAL COMBO...!!!!! bye bye birdie....often many a truth is spoken in jest......

.......
Overconfidence and overdriving for the conditions can NOT BE OVERCOME.....every little edge is a two bladed sword.......

AVToller · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2005, 11:31:05 am »

Careful Saffi, you are making sense this morning.

powman · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2005, 12:24:02 pm »

Perhaps my words were not chosen correctly...I am still a conservative driver. I should have said:

AWD + Winter Tires + Good Driving Habits = Very Safe Combination.

Better Saffy?

safristi · « **Reply #9 on:** July 18, 2005, 02:09:12 pm »

NO...!!! anywheel drive + decent tyres+
SMART DRIVER= safe trip HOME.....!!!!

Turbo Bob · « **Reply #10 on:** July 18, 2005, 04:09:52 pm »

RWD and semi slicks, can't wait 'til Winter!!