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      10-28-2021, 07:42 AM   #1
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Not sure what to order AWD vs RWD

Seems like many are ordering AWD now that it’s available. How many have ordered RWD now both are available?

I have a GMC AT4 2500 for the winter months, also have manual F80 and 718 GT4 for the weekend. I want something that I can drive to work, and possibly track once in a while, I guess this would be a “daily”. I’m afraid that getting AWD I will loose a bit of the experience especially with RWD allowing a little MDM slippage on cornering. To my knowledge in order to have the AWD in RWD mode you need to turn off all nannies and do not have MDM.

Haven’t seen or heard of any track reviews between the two.
Really curious to see what people are saying on track for the AWD.
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      10-28-2021, 07:56 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DRS55 View Post
Seems like many are ordering AWD now that it's available. How many have ordered RWD now both are available?

I have a GMC AT4 2500 for the winter months, also have manual F80 and 718 GT4 for the weekend. I want something that I can drive to work, and possibly track once in a while, I guess this would be a "daily". I'm afraid that getting AWD I will loose a bit of the experience especially with RWD allowing a little MDM slippage on cornering. To my knowledge in order to have the AWD in RWD mode you need to turn off all nannies and do not have MDM.

Haven't seen or heard of any track reviews between the two.
Really curious to see what people are saying on track for the AWD.
Adding M Drive Professional to your build gives you traction control in RWD mode. You won't lose any of the experience, except AWD is 50 kg heavier. Reviewers have not been able to perceive that weight difference but the performance difference is very obvious. Drawbacks include drive train losses vs RWD above 140 mph, and apparently a marginally increased braking distance.

If you live in a place that is always dry and warm, you can consider the RWD. But even then, the AWD outperforms if that matters to you. Also you'll save $4k going RWD.

I live in Seattle. I have more than one friend that totaled their RWD F generation M car. No way would I have picked anything but AWD with this much power/torque.
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      10-28-2021, 07:57 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kjx View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DRS55 View Post
Seems like many are ordering AWD now that it's available. How many have ordered RWD now both are available?

I have a GMC AT4 2500 for the winter months, also have manual F80 and 718 GT4 for the weekend. I want something that I can drive to work, and possibly track once in a while, I guess this would be a "daily". I'm afraid that getting AWD I will loose a bit of the experience especially with RWD allowing a little MDM slippage on cornering. To my knowledge in order to have the AWD in RWD mode you need to turn off all nannies and do not have MDM.

Haven't seen or heard of any track reviews between the two.
Really curious to see what people are saying on track for the AWD.
Adding M Drive Professional to your build gives you traction control in RWD mode. You won't lose any of the experience, except AWD is 50 kg heavier. Reviewers have not been able to perceive that weight difference but the performance difference is very obvious. Drawbacks include drive train losses vs RWD above 140 mph, and apparently a marginally increased braking distance.

If you live in a place that is always dry and warm, you can consider the RWD. But even then, the AWD outperforms if that matters to you. Also you'll save $4k going RWD.

I live in Seattle. I have more than one friend that totaled their RWD F generation M car. No way would I have picked anything but AWD with this much power/torque.
Agree AWD for me
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      10-28-2021, 07:59 AM   #4
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AWD was never a consideration for me. I live in South Florida, so aside from rain, the need for AWD just isn’t there.

The out of the box performance increase in the AWD is minor and not worth it to me.

Also, I don’t plan on doing performance mods, so I don’t need the extra traction.

Lastly, I didn’t want to spend the $ on something I didn’t need/want.

Easy choice for me. RWD club.

Last edited by KnightedBMW; 10-28-2021 at 08:06 AM..
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      10-28-2021, 08:04 AM   #5
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The performance difference between RWD and AWD isn't a big deal, I'm sure there are circumstances where the AWD will have a major advantage including safety. I prefer to have additional traction and I don't think I'll be blasting down the road at 140 and giving up a half car length at 140-150 mph. Buy what you want.

Based on polls here it looks like the sales ratio is 2:1for now. RWD:AWD.
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      10-28-2021, 08:10 AM   #6
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I've had a fair share of AWD cars. They have their pros and cons, but this time I went RWD with the M3. I live in Texas so from a weather perspective it's not a requirement, it does rain here though. Even if I were to drive it in the rain, I won't be driving it like a hooligan. Plus I don't plan on doing any performance mods where I would need the extra traction. I'm satisfied with my decision.
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      10-28-2021, 08:10 AM   #7
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I have done 2 autocross events in my AWD. The instructor that I drove with in the first event was surprised to learn the car was AWD. In 4WD Sport, the rear will definitely step out. I had two close calls coming out of tight turns. It's much less likely to have the rear step out compared to the F80, but it does feel close to RWD, in my novice opinion.
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      10-28-2021, 09:23 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DRS55 View Post
Seems like many are ordering AWD now that it’s available. How many have ordered RWD now both are available?

I have a GMC AT4 2500 for the winter months, also have manual F80 and 718 GT4 for the weekend. I want something that I can drive to work, and possibly track once in a while, I guess this would be a “daily”. I’m afraid that getting AWD I will loose a bit of the experience especially with RWD allowing a little MDM slippage on cornering. To my knowledge in order to have the AWD in RWD mode you need to turn off all nannies and do not have MDM.

Haven’t seen or heard of any track reviews between the two.
Really curious to see what people are saying on track for the AWD.



This
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      10-28-2021, 10:30 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NKGK20 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DRS55 View Post
Seems like many are ordering AWD now that it's available. How many have ordered RWD now both are available?

I have a GMC AT4 2500 for the winter months, also have manual F80 and 718 GT4 for the weekend. I want something that I can drive to work, and possibly track once in a while, I guess this would be a "daily". I'm afraid that getting AWD I will loose a bit of the experience especially with RWD allowing a little MDM slippage on cornering. To my knowledge in order to have the AWD in RWD mode you need to turn off all nannies and do not have MDM.

Haven't seen or heard of any track reviews between the two.
Really curious to see what people are saying on track for the AWD.



This
Exactly, if you care about drag racing the AWD is your car. If you care about maximum performance in any other scenario like roll race, mountain roads, track RWD C is your car. If you care about the experience and want to feel something when you drive then RWD MT is your car.
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      10-28-2021, 10:35 AM   #10
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When I was first ordering my G80 (back in March) AWD wasn't available at the time. I then switched to an individual color and that bumped me to getting a 2022 model. When an allocation opened up for my build I could have gone with AWD but stuck with RWD. Being in Phoenix, there just isn't a huge need for the AWD outside of the extra traction for stoplight races on a regular basis. Watching/reading all the reviews about how good the traction is on the RWD at this point I have zero regrets on sticking with RWD and I doubt I'll have any regrets once it finally arrives next month.
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      10-28-2021, 10:44 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KnightedBMW View Post
AWD was never a consideration for me. I live in South Florida, so aside from rain, the need for AWD just isn’t there.

The out of the box performance increase in the AWD is minor and not worth it to me.

Also, I don’t plan on doing performance mods, so I don’t need the extra traction.

Lastly, I didn’t want to spend the $ on something I didn’t need/want.

Easy choice for me. RWD club.
I'm in SoFlo too, but I went with AWD. I enjoyed having that in my F92, so I decided to stick with it. It really only helps during the flash rain storms we get, but I like it.
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      10-28-2021, 10:48 AM   #12
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I had zero hesitation in ordering with Xdrive. After driving an Audi R8 and Nissan GTR I realize the improvements, not to mention the resale value due to desirability.
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      10-28-2021, 10:58 AM   #13
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Thank you guys for the info

I saw that Carwow video. I wasn’t surprised with the drag and roll race outcome.
Really would love to see a proper track review between the two.

I’m pretty sure AWD is probably the right choice but always having RWD makes it a hard decision for me.

Interesting that that in AWD sport you still can get the car to rotate.

Last edited by 4DRS55; 10-28-2021 at 11:07 AM..
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      10-28-2021, 10:59 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akkando View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by NKGK20 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DRS55 View Post
Seems like many are ordering AWD now that it's available. How many have ordered RWD now both are available?

I have a GMC AT4 2500 for the winter months, also have manual F80 and 718 GT4 for the weekend. I want something that I can drive to work, and possibly track once in a while, I guess this would be a "daily". I'm afraid that getting AWD I will loose a bit of the experience especially with RWD allowing a little MDM slippage on cornering. To my knowledge in order to have the AWD in RWD mode you need to turn off all nannies and do not have MDM.

Haven't seen or heard of any track reviews between the two.
Really curious to see what people are saying on track for the AWD.



This
Exactly, of you care about drag racing the AWD is your car. If you care about maximum performance in any other scenario like roll race, mountain roads, track RWD C is your car. If you care about the experience and want to feel something when you drive then RWD MT is your car.
Nope.. did you watch the video (roll race)? Or read comments from people who actually tracked the AWD? Have you seen this video:


There is quite literally a ton of real world and track instances where AWD is better, sometimes by a lot. The only advantage RWD has is above 140 mph. And a marginal difference in braking to zero. The AWD is rear wheel biased and can be switched to RWD mode on the fly.

There is hardly a comparison here except if you really want the manual.
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      10-28-2021, 11:07 AM   #15
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I have owned both--- key indicators for me:

1. weather- if you live in non inclement weather you will be fine with either
2. tuning- if modding with hp/tq gains then X drive is key for grip
3. If all you do and love is dig races- X drive is the one in the real world
4. If you do controlled rolling races and tenths matter then RWD will be the advantage up top

I didnt dump my RWD because I wanted the X drive. I sold it because of the immense profit I made AND that the XDrive or any G80 Comp was available (Sept). I have no bias and would happily get a RWD car again. Outside of the extra drive shaft, the looks are identical on equally optioned cars. Steering is just a minute different since there is the added front axle weight but its negligible. If 50kg matters to you then get the RWD.

I see you live in NY-- I think I personally would get the X Drive.

My experiences are based on true ownership and not in a controlled environment but daily- everyday atmosphere.
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      10-28-2021, 11:43 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vic55 View Post
I have owned both--- key indicators for me:

1. weather- if you live in non inclement weather you will be fine with either
2. tuning- if modding with hp/tq gains then X drive is key for grip
3. If all you do and love is dig races- X drive is the one in the real world
4. If you do controlled rolling races and tenths matter then RWD will be the advantage up top

I didnt dump my RWD because I wanted the X drive. I sold it because of the immense profit I made AND that the XDrive or any G80 Comp was available (Sept). I have no bias and would happily get a RWD car again. Outside of the extra drive shaft, the looks are identical on equally optioned cars. Steering is just a minute different since there is the added front axle weight but its negligible. If 50kg matters to you then get the RWD.

I see you live in NY-- I think I personally would get the X Drive.

My experiences are based on true ownership and not in a controlled environment but daily- everyday atmosphere.
There's still hope yet. Thank you for sharing your well informed opinion with facts and experience but no generalizations or stereotypes.
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      10-28-2021, 11:56 AM   #17
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      10-28-2021, 12:54 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vic55 View Post
I have owned both--- key indicators for me:

1. weather- if you live in non inclement weather you will be fine with either
2. tuning- if modding with hp/tq gains then X drive is key for grip
3. If all you do and love is dig races- X drive is the one in the real world
4. If you do controlled rolling races and tenths matter then RWD will be the advantage up top

I didnt dump my RWD because I wanted the X drive. I sold it because of the immense profit I made AND that the XDrive or any G80 Comp was available (Sept). I have no bias and would happily get a RWD car again. Outside of the extra drive shaft, the looks are identical on equally optioned cars. Steering is just a minute different since there is the added front axle weight but its negligible. If 50kg matters to you then get the RWD.

I see you live in NY-- I think I personally would get the X Drive.

My experiences are based on true ownership and not in a controlled environment but daily- everyday atmosphere.
I agree with Vic. If you are leaving the car stock ( lame😝😘 ) then by all means go RWD. If you are ever going to tune, AWD is a must. Unless you want another RWD car with zero traction. If that's the case, I will sell you my F-82. I would tell anyone who is on the fence, find someone with a high HP AWD car and go for a ride. If you do a 40 roll and hammer it with 950-1000 ft lbs and dead hook, you will never go with RWD. It's an amazing feeling. Having tons of power and being able to use it, for me it's the only way to go
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      10-28-2021, 02:06 PM   #19
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What happens when you race a RWD against a lower powered Quattro:
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      10-28-2021, 08:18 PM   #20
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RWD gives the car character. I almost lost it the other day flooring it on a hard left.
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      10-28-2021, 08:24 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KnightedBMW View Post
AWD was never a consideration for me. I live in South Florida, so aside from rain, the need for AWD just isn’t there.

The out of the box performance increase in the AWD is minor and not worth it to me.

Also, I don’t plan on doing performance mods, so I don’t need the extra traction.

Lastly, I didn’t want to spend the $ on something I didn’t need/want.

Easy choice for me. RWD club.
Minor performance increase?

It’s almost 25% faster 0 to 60. I would not call that minor. That’s massive. I had the rear wheel drive and traded it in. My all-wheel-drive will be here hopefully before Christmas.
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      10-28-2021, 08:25 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyga11 View Post
RWD gives the car character. I almost lost it the other day flooring it on a hard left.
I agree. So if I feel like having rear wheel drive I’ll turn the all-wheel-drive off.
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