RWD vs AWD: Experiences Wanted!
06-06-2016, 01:40 PM
#26
Member
06-06-2016, 02:03 PM
#27
Senior Member
From my experiences in MA, FWD, RWD, AWD - add snows to all and drive like a normal person and you will be a-ok. For example:
My 1996 Z28 with snows was WAY more useful than my 2012 TSX with all seasons
My 2002 GTP with snows was way better than my wifes 2014 GLK 350 with all seasons, and I'd say my 96 Z28 was borderline better with snows than the GLK.
My 1996 Z28, 2012 TSX, 2002 GTP, 2014 GLK with snows were all more than drivable in the snow, regardless of FWD, RWD, AWD. I feel pretty strongly that if you drive reasonably and add a set of snow tires, you're biggest concern will be other idiots on the road, not your own car.
My 1996 Z28 with snows was WAY more useful than my 2012 TSX with all seasons
My 2002 GTP with snows was way better than my wifes 2014 GLK 350 with all seasons, and I'd say my 96 Z28 was borderline better with snows than the GLK.
My 1996 Z28, 2012 TSX, 2002 GTP, 2014 GLK with snows were all more than drivable in the snow, regardless of FWD, RWD, AWD. I feel pretty strongly that if you drive reasonably and add a set of snow tires, you're biggest concern will be other idiots on the road, not your own car.
06-06-2016, 04:08 PM
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New Jersey
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2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
My E is RWD and whenever I get loaners (4-Matic) I feel a huge difference between the two. Of course for obvious reason and being from a state with decent amounts of snow a AWD vehicle is very useful. However with experience, patience, All Season tires and common sense a person can get by with RWD or FWD.
First thing I notice with AWD is the cars tend to feel stiffer. Idk if it's the combination of all 4 tires moving at once but the extra grip can almost feel restrictive. That is to say RWD is more fun and loose. Example I can still burn out if I want to even with traction control quite easily. It allows a free feeling that you just can't get with AWD. With that being said safety is more important to me so the next MB I get if that is indeed the case will have 4Matic.
First thing I notice with AWD is the cars tend to feel stiffer. Idk if it's the combination of all 4 tires moving at once but the extra grip can almost feel restrictive. That is to say RWD is more fun and loose. Example I can still burn out if I want to even with traction control quite easily. It allows a free feeling that you just can't get with AWD. With that being said safety is more important to me so the next MB I get if that is indeed the case will have 4Matic.
06-07-2016, 10:36 AM
#29
MBWorld Fanatic!
Living in the Northeast, I have pretty much tried all the combination of AWD, RWD, FWD with all season and snow tires. My opinion on how they perform in the snow are in the following order: AWD with snow being the best, then AWD with all season, FWD with snow, RWD with snow, FWD with all season and the worst is RWD with all season. I did not include summer tires as it would be insane to drive in a New England winter with summer tires in any drive train configuration.
