I think I read most postings and this is another one of those debates...

Let's think about it for a moment. If AWD came standard in Saabs, we'd all be praising and boasting that Saabs are great cars because one of the main reasons is the AWD. (Just check the Subaru boards and see how the Subie owners say their cars are so much better, because of AWD). If AWD was standard Saab feature, I'd love it... (Yes, I am pro-9-2x).

Having said that, I think I NEED an AWD for that ONE TIME every year that I get stuck in snow. Last weekend, I took my kids sledding. Seems that the whole town was at the local sledding hill and there was absolutely no parking spot. Therefore, I tried to negotiate a spot by carving out a snow bank by the side of the parking lot. (I was driving my wife's Pontiac Montana - FWD). And I was a little over ambitious and got stuck. It's one thing sitting in front of a computer typing away, 'why in the world would anyone need awd' vs. when you actually get stuck and you feel absolutely helpless and wish that you were driving the Trailblazer that has easily carved out a spot in front of you.

In my book, AWD is NOT a necessity. It is a Nicety.
- It sucks up at least 2 mpg in highway cruising. You don't know it's there most of the time.
- There is no hard data that shows better track time. (I remember reading one of the car mags few years back that tested awd vs. rwd, (I'm sorry I forget the vehicle, but it was an identical vehicle that offered awd as an option) The rwd actually turned marginally better time.)
- It's just one more thing that can get broken.
- It's actually less stable in snow, because rear wheel is 'pushing' the car and could push the back out.

BUT, the nicety turns into necessity when you really need it. Like when I get stuck! But ask me if my next car will be an AWD. Nope. I don't want to pay the price. I'll just stick with my Saab.

posted by 68.20.1...

• The "need" for AWD, Bob M, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 05:23:42
  • My $.02..., bb vign, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 05:52:17
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, David, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 08:02:45
    • You mean going uphill, AWD is better.., Bob M, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 08:16:56
      • Re: You mean going uphill, AWD is better.., David, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:21:27
        • Low Center-of-Gravity, Draken, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:48:00
  • One need for AWD - to handle 300+ hp in the next 9-5, Greg Abbott , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 16:52:53
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, Doug/NH, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:42:24
  • For that ONE TIME that I get stuck in snow, jimtimkim, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:11:24 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Seat-of-the-pants feel & dry handling..., sonique, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 12:52:58
  • I want AWD, MO, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:52:54
  • My big problem with AWD..., Caarma , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:43:33
    • Who cares about fuel economy?, NonStop , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 12:31:22
      • My master plan for Saab!, Draken, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 22:36:57
        • Yes that would be a great idea..., AdamB , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 23:15:42
      • You're right, Caarma , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:19:00
        • Agree with Carrma, Noel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:43:08
      • Unfortunetely you are right, to a certain extent..., No.9, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 13:14:06
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, Dan , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:42:41
    • 900 vs. 9-5, NonStop , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 12:20:24
  • Image vs. reality, Ari , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 10:21:30
    • Nice analysis. n/m, Camm , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:21:50
  • Solution for steep hills with FWD, Caarma , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:44:40
    • I'll keep that in mind..., Bob M, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:28:18
  • Re: awd wanted, t_mokes, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:39:12
  • Re: The "need" for AWD, Doug/NH, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:30:39
  • I "need" AWD, RF, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:19:04
    • Ground clearance is an issue..., Bob M, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:30:10
  • Give the customer what they want, Draken, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:18:18
    • You are absolutely right..., No.9, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:41:54
  • The sad thing is, Finch, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 08:57:41
  • A triumph of marketing, Brian_in_MA, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:40:36
    • It sure is!, Noel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:25:18
  • The average driver on dry / snow won't notice, NickR, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:09:53
  • Thought about this last night while driving from, Noel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:07:07
  • Most people don't want "fun", Nathaniel, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:33:53
  • city slickers, brandi, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:19:06
  • It's easier than dedicated snows, Greg Abbott , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:08:12
    • An AWD vehicle without winter tires is far worse, AdamB , Wed, 9 Mar 2005 06:39:19
      • Yes! Very true (+), Vlad, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:05:14
        • I second or third that ,,,,,, 91Aero.jr, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:06:28
        • Agreed, Chad, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:07:01
          • best of both worlds - AWD put snow tires, markP, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 13:39:12
            • 9-5 or 9-3 "Allroad" or "Cross Country"?, Draken, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:31:32
          • Very much agreed, Schu, Wed, 9 Mar 2005 08:47:48

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