RWD in Indy
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 175
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From: Canada
Honda Civic
Thanks for all of the replies, everyone. I didn't realize that there were such strong feeling on both sides of the topic (AWD vs RWD). I am torn. Everyone seems to have a good reason behind choosing one or the other.
Okay, I have come across this scenario several times on the highway during good weather conditions. There will be a car bumper, wheel, or dead deer, etc. in the middle of the road. Would AWD be safer in this condition if I needed to make a sudden swerve out of the way of something?
Okay, I have come across this scenario several times on the highway during good weather conditions. There will be a car bumper, wheel, or dead deer, etc. in the middle of the road. Would AWD be safer in this condition if I needed to make a sudden swerve out of the way of something?
I noticed that in Canada there is a Free 4matic promotion where you get the 4matic coupe for the price of a RWD. Do they have that in USA? You could stack that promo with price discount as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Thanks for all of the replies, everyone. I didn't realize that there were such strong feeling on both sides of the topic (AWD vs RWD). I am torn. Everyone seems to have a good reason behind choosing one or the other.
Okay, I have come across this scenario several times on the highway during good weather conditions. There will be a car bumper, wheel, or dead deer, etc. in the middle of the road. Would AWD be safer in this condition if I needed to make a sudden swerve out of the way of something?
Okay, I have come across this scenario several times on the highway during good weather conditions. There will be a car bumper, wheel, or dead deer, etc. in the middle of the road. Would AWD be safer in this condition if I needed to make a sudden swerve out of the way of something?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
http://www.bosch-automotivetechnolog...f_the_past.pdf
Last edited by Sportstick; May 9, 2012 at 10:57 AM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 144
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C350 Coupe
I am going by the weather in MD/DC. All season tires have been fine in the winter weather on my Jeep Grand Cherokee or one of the 4matics I have owned in the past. I could see where ice could make the difference, but we do not get much ice here.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
You are completely correct. The rubber compounds in most all season tires become ineffectively hard below 40 degrees F. In order to drive successfully with all season tires in very cold temperatures, care must be taken as traction is compromised. Even as the tires warm up a bit in the first few miles, they can provide modest performance at best. Emergency maneuvers or braking will be unreliable. The best tire to try this with is the Continental DWS, but even they show its' capability is limited to light snow....with due care!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 50
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From: Louisville, KY US
2012 C 350 Coupe
If you were driving a car with a huge displacement engine like a Lambo or Ferrari, or even a Corvette for that matter, AWD may make a difference in quick maneuvers, but in the Merc, power delivery is more subtle and therefore easier to control. If you're that worried, get the AWD. It is not that much $$.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 35
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GLK 350 (soon I hope!)
Well, I guess it seems more expensive to me since I end up having to pay more for the more powerful engine too. I wish there were an AWD version of the 250. Now, if I could get the free 4matic promotion that DinB mentioned that would make the decision simpler. However, I'd be jealous of those people getting the awesome gas mileage that RWD provides.... Also, I've heard maintenance is cheaper on a RWD.
Still thinking....
Still thinking....
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 175
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From: Canada
Honda Civic
The mistake you made GLKchick was calling the coupe "cute". Guys want their cars to be called powerful, dangerous, and intimidating... just like their penises!
Last edited by DinB; May 12, 2012 at 01:44 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Yes, GLKchick, AWD adds the following costs, although not always significant:
-purchase
-fuel consumption
-tire wear (additional weight)
-brake pad life (additional weight)
-maintenance (fluid change)
And, if the roads are bad enough to need AWD, you should get a separate set of winter tires anyway, but that is most economically done by a one time purchase of tires mounted on wheels (i.e. from tirerack.com), so the annual change is just a quick 20 lug nuts and a jack. Expect winter tires to last 3-4 winters with average use. If your winters are marginal, you might get away with Continental DWS as a year-round tire.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 17
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From: NJ
C63 Coupe
My last car was a B** 328xi. I thought spending for the AWD over the bigger engine (335) would be better for me to get to work. Boy was I wrong. I had moderate snow (1-3") and all the tires would spin. Found out quickly that I had to purchase a set of dedicated winter rims/tires. If you like the way the car looks and are looking to enjoy the drive, ditch the AWD and just invest in a rim/tire package. It ends up being a lot cheaper in the long run due to the excess gas and maintenance costs. Remember, AWD also requires a 4 wheel alignment any time an alignment is necessary. Thats just my opinion though.
Last edited by Krimpits; May 12, 2012 at 06:43 PM.
