Is the AWD system really worth it?
Why would I drive a POS beater instead of my 4 door sedan.... i don't understand that logic. Maybe If I was planning on keeping this car forever, but im not. It's a car, and i'll drive it. It is a nice car though, so i wash it once a week during the winter. But yea, screw a beater. I'll take my heated seats and traction control.
My beater had leather seats, traction control etc...................hummmmmmm I think my logic is good and when I lived in Colorado everyone in my neighborhood had winter beaters. We all had the same logic as we all knew that no matter how much you washed your car mag chloride would win the battle. My Jeep lost the paint on the rear axle the first trip through the snow. It came off the next day when I washed it. (doesn't take but one or two trips through snow storms till you see the effects under your car, deffinately not years).
You all do as you please............................I just thought I would share from experience. You guys can take the advice or leave it.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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All my talk about snows is just that... talk. Until I get through my first winter with this 6MT, mine are opinions based on previous cars only.
So just now, I dropped $960 on a set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60's. Come talk to me next Spring and I'll have an experienced opinion about driving a RWD G37 in the winter with staggered rims and high-performance snows.
Knock on wood.
So just now, I dropped $960 on a set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60's. Come talk to me next Spring and I'll have an experienced opinion about driving a RWD G37 in the winter with staggered rims and high-performance snows.
Knock on wood.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Chicago, IL
I have owned the 07 X and now the 11S. Both with snow tires. I'm not sure if you mean snowy or just wet roads. Don't know where you live??
It is night and day between the driving capabilities of the two cars, in slippery, snowy conditions, with snow tires.
That said the RWD is very controlable if you drive properly and when it comes time to STOP they are both about the same (again, with snow tires).
If you have ever winter driven a RWD vehicle then it won't bother you. If you have not then I would say spend a little more and buy the AWD. You will be more comfortable and likely feel more in control.
When I got my driver's license most cars where RWD. That's what I learned on and for the most part have driven over the years along with a few 4WD and AWD vehicles.
It is night and day between the driving capabilities of the two cars, in slippery, snowy conditions, with snow tires.
That said the RWD is very controlable if you drive properly and when it comes time to STOP they are both about the same (again, with snow tires).
If you have ever winter driven a RWD vehicle then it won't bother you. If you have not then I would say spend a little more and buy the AWD. You will be more comfortable and likely feel more in control.
When I got my driver's license most cars where RWD. That's what I learned on and for the most part have driven over the years along with a few 4WD and AWD vehicles.
It does depend on where you live. In Chicago, we get snow, but the snow removal crews work so quickly here that it's rare that I find myself driving in deep snow. It has to be a pretty serious storm for that to happen.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Chicago, IL
sport suspension
LSD rear diff
BBK
quicker steering ratio
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Waterloo, Ont.
For that matter, 4DOORFUN saying the AWD doesn't have Limited Slip is technically accurate, but silly.
Last edited by Rochester; Nov 2, 2012 at 12:47 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 186
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From: Richmond, VA
I really like the extra grip and control afforded by the AWD system, it's fun in the rain to hoon around and it maintains traction so well. I'm sure if I had been in the RWD I would have wrecked or spun out a few times.
Although I do miss some of the goodies we can't get on the AWD, mainly the BBK, tighter steering, and a 6MT. I could've went with a 6MT RWD at the time but coming from a 370Z 6MT I had a bitter taste in my mouth because of the clutch, apparently there's kits out now that fix but I still doubt it's anywhere near as smooth as the Honda/Acura or German MT setups.
Although I do miss some of the goodies we can't get on the AWD, mainly the BBK, tighter steering, and a 6MT. I could've went with a 6MT RWD at the time but coming from a 370Z 6MT I had a bitter taste in my mouth because of the clutch, apparently there's kits out now that fix but I still doubt it's anywhere near as smooth as the Honda/Acura or German MT setups.
My beater had leather seats, traction control etc...................hummmmmmm I think my logic is good and when I lived in Colorado everyone in my neighborhood had winter beaters. We all had the same logic as we all knew that no matter how much you washed your car mag chloride would win the battle. My Jeep lost the paint on the rear axle the first trip through the snow. It came off the next day when I washed it. (doesn't take but one or two trips through snow storms till you see the effects under your car, deffinately not years).
You all do as you please............................I just thought I would share from experience. You guys can take the advice or leave it.
You all do as you please............................I just thought I would share from experience. You guys can take the advice or leave it.
I assume you are being sarcastic?
Go for the X. I live in Texas and rarely see snow, but the AWD is a blast because you can drive it to the limit. With the RWD, you have to watch how hard you push it coming out of turns. I personally like being able to throw the tail out at full throttle and not having to ease up. Plus, it is great if you like to shoot off the line in the rain.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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Yes, AWD is a much better investment than other options that cost same money, navi for example. It is nice to get fully loaded, but AWD was a no-brainer if you were on limited budget.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Just remember you can still get stuck, just think back to the snow storms you guys had like 3 or 4 years ago. Nothing will move in those storms. I remember seeing garbage trucks getting stuck.
I have an 07X so I got stuck in my own driveway in 3 ft of snow.
I have an 07X so I got stuck in my own driveway in 3 ft of snow.
Thanks to everyone for the responses and opinions. Like I said before, I wouldnt have an issue driving a RWD vehicle and would actually perfer to do so to keep a manual tranny, but I've read numerous peoples negative opinions about the RWD in snowy and wet conditions. Obviously some of that is due to drivers abilities and driving styles but my thought process behind the AWD system is the assurance and peace of mind that it brings. I personaly dont want to worry about getting stuck because my car cant handle the element's thrown its way (within reason).
I have always owned manual FWD coupe cars and switching from a manual coupe to a 4door auto is kind of a booring and scary thought to me but I had to realize that once I have a kid I'm also obligated to get something that keeps safety in mind while still allowing me to tear up the street when the mood fits aka every day while my wife or kid are not in the car. :-) Thanks again for all the great opinions and observations. My heart was telling me to get the manual RWD but from what I've read and what my future holds for me I think the AWD X is the car for me and I'm not disappointed with that one bit.
I have always owned manual FWD coupe cars and switching from a manual coupe to a 4door auto is kind of a booring and scary thought to me but I had to realize that once I have a kid I'm also obligated to get something that keeps safety in mind while still allowing me to tear up the street when the mood fits aka every day while my wife or kid are not in the car. :-) Thanks again for all the great opinions and observations. My heart was telling me to get the manual RWD but from what I've read and what my future holds for me I think the AWD X is the car for me and I'm not disappointed with that one bit.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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You need a tank in 3 ft of snow. Everything has its limit but we are talking about car here, no doubt AWD is much more capable than 2WD even on perfect dry roads.