I am about 7 months into my first AWD car, and let me tell you, there is a big difference, especially on dry pavement. In snowy and icy conditions, I tend to drive very carefully, so other than being able to pull out of a huge unplowed pile of snow and drive up unplowed roads, there is not much difference to the driving experience (although all of that is very useful).

Now on dry roads, the AWD really gets the power down to the pavement. It is no where more evident than when you accellerate hard from a stop while taking a turn. The car feels connected to the road in a way that FWD never has. Even from a stand still in a straight line, you can feel all of the wheels doing their part to get you going. It is awesome.

Yes, I get horrible gas mileage--but frankly I only got about 19 miles per gallon in my Saab, so 17 miles a gallon is not that much worse (and we are now talking about 250 horses and 250 pound feet!).

This debate comes back every month or so here on TSN, and bottom line: AWD IS BETTER! Is it necessary? no. (Are power windows necessary for that matter??) Would I rather AWD in a car if I can get it? yes. And anyone who answers no to that last question is just plain kidding themselves.

posted by 64.190.21...

• Benefits of AWD for us in mild climates?, Geoff, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 14:25:53
  • AWD car companies......& gimmicks..., Mike Lynch , Tue, 2 Aug 2005 13:27:47
    • SAAB's gimmick is not turbos but..., Street, Sat, 6 Aug 2005 07:38:02
    • hahahhaha n/m, SaabSpeed, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 14:34:30
  • Depends on how and where you drive., WFVIGGEN, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 09:51:28
    • Where in MT?, PGAero , Tue, 2 Aug 2005 10:12:03
      • Re: Where in MT?, WFVIGGEN, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 10:30:18
  • Depends on how much power you make and how you drive, Chad, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 09:07:38
  • AWD/4WD in snow and ice, Erik, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 08:09:40
  • You forgot a negative., saw, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 21:19:21
  • Avoiding snow chains in California..., Mike Lynch , Mon, 1 Aug 2005 16:53:12
    • No chains for us..., Scott Paterson , Mon, 1 Aug 2005 19:01:30
    • AWD a gimmick?, Noel G, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 17:52:37
      • AWD all year long lets you put the power to the road>>, elGT, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 08:48:56 <-- Viewing This Message
      • AWD is not a gimmick, but a nicetie..., jimtimkim, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 06:05:02
      • Re: AWD a gimmick? Mostly...., Noel, Tue, 2 Aug 2005 04:41:14
      • yep - pure marketing gimmick, nt moore, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 20:13:26
  • Traction with higher power, AdamB , Mon, 1 Aug 2005 14:30:04

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