Comments on: Should You Buy a Car With All-Wheel Drive?

By: Zach

Zach — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:12:00 +0000

Many people are completely brainwashed into thinking they need AWD.. It simply is a costly option that just isn’t necessary 99% of the time. A front wheel drive car fitted with a proper set of cheap winter tires will outperform an AWD car fitted with all-season tires in the snow. A set of winter tires (even complete with rims!) can be had for a fraction of the price of the AWD option from the manufacturer.

By: Willard Worsley

Willard Worsley — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 04:04:00 +0000

AWD is retarded! If I had the funds I’d build a car with the ability to change from front wheel to rear wheel to 4 wheel to all-wheel drive.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 05:56:00 +0000

That guy contradicts himself even. First he says “AWD is only for those with no driving skill,” but then he goes on to brag about how he’s converting his camaro into AWD…Wtf?

By: OnBoost

OnBoost — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 05:49:00 +0000

Camaros suck. Your car would get raped in a circuit which is what Evo’s and Sti’s were originally built for. All your 1200 HP piece of shit is good at is beating the competition in the 1/4. And that my friend gets old fast.

By: NJdriver

NJdriver — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:53:00 +0000

It’s all about the tires. I had a Landcruiser wtih the OEM tires and it was a death trap. Once I changed it to AT tires, it was so much better. I live in the northeast, so it snows. For the number of days it snows, it’s nice to have. Although, for a multi-car family, you could probably get away with just one AWD car. It’s all about the tires. I have blizzaks now and they also work great in the rain.

By: David Lee Stephens

David Lee Stephens — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:25:00 +0000

Depends on the vehicle. The best AWD systems, like the now-ancient GMC Syclone / Typhoon, don’t get affected if any corner has a bald tire or a new tire.
Having successfully driven RWD V8 Camaros and pickups in the snow for 20 years, AWD is only for those with no driving skill, or those venturing where cars don’t belong. Want to get off-pavement? That’s what Jeeps are for. Want to tow a trailer in the snow? That’s what 4×4 pickups are for.
However, I’m currently in the middle of building the world’s first AWD Camaro, using all-GM drive-train components, with a 1200-HP twin-T76 4.8L. Time to show the Subaru / Evo crowd what AWD is supposed to be capable of in a true high performance car.

By: jdodman41

jdodman41 — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 06:28:00 +0000

My family has a 2011 legacy. Have been through snow storms and there hasn’t been a car I have felt more secure in. The awd is really amazing. The one problem we have come across is the slightest amount of misalignment, you get a vibration. sometimes so bad that after a half hour drive your hands are numb.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:03:00 +0000

I’ve heard numerous variations regarding the tire replacement issue. Some say you have to replace all 4 tires, some say just the two sharing the same axle and others will tell you to simply match the replacement tire to the others (same brand/model/size of tire). The best thing to do is check with the manufacturer’s suggestion for tire replacement.

By: Dave R

Dave R — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Amazing points! Thanks. That tire wear issues is definitely a concern for me.

By: Waryman

Waryman — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:22:00 +0000

Just remember that AWD adds weight which affects the handling, acceleration, and fuel economy of many cars. It also leads to more parasitic power losses due to the extra differentials. This hurts s cars with smaller engines. AWD works best when used with a potent engine with good low end torque. In addition, you must replace all 4 tires if you lose one (if they have been worn enough) as you could ruin the differential if the tires are not of the same spec. If I was purchasing a car for regular every day use, I would not aim for AWD due to these reasons. But it really depends on the area where you are living in.

By: Highcast

Highcast — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:30:00 +0000

I bought my 4WD Dacia Duster diesel last November and now there is no going back to 2WD vehicles. The way I can drive to the REALLY hard-to-go places and back without assistance from others is really addictive..
The car is high-end model of the model tree so its not that ascetic than the cheapest models.

By: chavitz chavis

chavitz chavis — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:26:00 +0000

Once in an dark cold wet heavy-fog weather, I drove my AWD car into a newly filled flowerbed. If it was a front wheel drive car, I would have to call towing truck to pull my car out. You know how long you have to wait the towing service in such nasty weather for towing and safety concern, right!