AWD vs. FWD Handling is actually a complicated issue. Assuming all else equal, in a steady state situation where you are using minimal to moderate throttle input (actually any situation where speed is relatively constant or slowing) I can't see where AWD really has any advantage and in fact the extra weight may put the AWD at a disadvantage in this situation. This is simple physics. On the other hand, if you are trying to blast out of a corner on the racetrack or while driving aggressively on the street yes GOOD AWD gives you a real advantage. However, this again really is an acceleration situation with limited available traction. The poor FWD car has to do the majority of the cornering through the front wheels and all of the acceleration through the front wheels. The AWD car can divide up the acceleration which leaves more traction available to the front wheels for corning. However, when making general statements about AWD for road cars we should consider the type of AWD being used. AWD where the rear wheels are pretty much just along for the ride unless the front start to slip probably offers no advantage while corning and probably is at a disadvantage because of the extra weight. A performance-orientated system similar to the quattro system, however, can offer great advantage under these conditions. No doubt a Viggen like SAAB with better suspension, better platform and a quattro like system would be a hoot. Let us hope this is what SAAB gives us.

• Why do we care about 4-wheel drive?, Andy , Thu, 26 Apr 2001 17:33:42
  • Re: Why do we care about 4-wheel drive?, Andy , Tue, 1 May 2001 11:20:20
  • because, Dave, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 13:34:40
  • This is why:, Gerhard, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 04:58:02
    • Re: Say no more, I get the picture. How do I save that? n/m, Phil, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 05:48:18
      • Re: Say no more, I get the picture. How do I save that? n/m, Gerhard, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 08:06:18
      • Re: Say no more, I get the picture. How do I save that? n/m, Gerhard, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 07:55:50
  • Re: Why do we care about 4-wheel drive?, jd, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 19:57:45
    • FWD +QUAIFE+RACE SLICKS, Gary, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:09:14
      • Understeer with Quaife, Gary, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 11:06:07
      • You know, I've often wondered why Saab didn't put the Quaiffe, Talladega900, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:45:44
        • Re: You know, I've often wondered why Saab didn't put the Quaiffe, Gary, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:51:42
  • Just think why later Porsche 911 turbos got 4WD (959 too), Kurt, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 19:48:37
    • I'll tell you what porsche said.., dave n, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 21:19:10
    • So why is the 450 hp RWD GT2 coming out and..., Norm 9-5 Aero, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 01:39:24
      • AWD for mass? What about our hill-crimb champ Viggen AWD? (nm), Kurt, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 23:34:42
      • Re: So why is the 450 hp RWD GT2 coming out and..., Vince T, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 03:05:48
  • Re: Why do we care about 4-wheel drive?, GM, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 17:51:37
    • AWD is better, NICK , Thu, 26 Apr 2001 18:26:55
      • I beg to differ: A true story..., Street, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 16:00:31
      • Audi has been racing, well, actually banned from racing AWD, Talladega900, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:40:53
      • Audi has been racing, well, actually banned from racing AWD, Talladega900, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:40:51
      • Audi has been racing, well, actually banned from racing AWD, Talladega900, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:40:51
        • I liked those Audi adds "If you can't beat them ban them" (more), saw, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 10:05:56 <-- Viewing This Message
          • that's what the awd porsche does, dave n, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 21:23:28
          • Re: I liked those Audi adds "If you can't beat them ban them" (more), Mike, Fri, 27 Apr 2001 14:25:31
      • Re: AWD is better, saw, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 22:51:47
      • Re: AWD is better, GM, Thu, 26 Apr 2001 19:48:55

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: (none)
• Next by Date: (none)
• Main Performance Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)