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FWD, AWD, RWD and the Luxury Performance Sedans

102 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac STS, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Lexus GS 300, Lexus IS 350, Sedan

Messages Page 10 of 11

#85 of 102 Re: First comes the GT-R...Next...a Sedan [habitat1] by jc07

Jan 04, 2008 (10:08 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Jan 04, 2008 4:34 am)
As a recent Audi purchaser (2008 A6 4.2) I relied heavily on all these boards to learn about other owner experiences and, of course, make the fateful BMW vs Audi comparison.
 
I think Habitat1 has hit the nail on the head: a street legal production "performance luxury sedan," Audi or BMW, that I can find in a showroom or order from a dealer is so far removed from the racing vehicles that we read about in these discussions that the debates basically become purely hypothetical. These are not vehicles I am going to be driving anytime soon -- at least not on the way to work on with my family!
 
And my two humble cents on why I chose the Audi over the 5-series:
 
1) Interior quality blew away BMW. Not even close.
2) Exterior A6 design is cleaner than the busy, over-designed 5 series. (IMHO)
3) The 4.2's V-8 and sport suspension helps adjust for "obesity," although it still does not touch the 5-series for handling.

#86 of 102 Re: First comes the GT-R...Next...a Sedan [jc07] by circlew

Jan 04, 2008 (12:12 pm)

Replying to: jc07 (Jan 04, 2008 10:08 am)
Is there that much of a difference in the AWD "feel" of the A6 vs. the 5'er to make a difference. Obviously, not in your case. It seems to be like splitting hairs.
 
The 5 is a porker to an enthusiast due to the way over 3,000 lb. weight of an E60/61. That is why it is in a different class and I would think from the amount of these I see on the roads, quite a popular car for an non-enthusiast.
 
The A6 must be very close to the 535xi.
 
As previously reported, I see more xi versions than the standard i where I live. The marketing hype seems to be doing just fine for BMW. The real answer is these are all fine cars and there is no collusive plan to overthrow the enthusiasts at BMW.
 
This seems to be a new day at BMW and the weight thing is relative. The new M3 is not going to change anytime soon retrospect to the pre-2000 M series weight/size class. At >400 HP, there is enough sport in this evolution and I am sure the chassis should handle the added power just fine.
 
Regards,
OW

#87 of 102 Re: First comes the GT-R...Next...a Sedan [circlew] by jc07

Jan 04, 2008 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Jan 04, 2008 12:12 pm)
I found a difference in handling (but not that I drive in a way that will remind me of that). Also - the 535i & xi have the new straight six with twin turbos. That engine is unbelievable from a dead stop. But again, I am not going to typically operate the vehicle that way.....
 
Overally very happy with my Audi.
 
Regards

#88 of 102 Re: First comes the GT-R...Next...a Sedan [jc07] by circlew

Jan 04, 2008 (2:29 pm)

Replying to: jc07 (Jan 04, 2008 12:41 pm)
Here's wishing you the best in your A6.
 
Regards,
OW

#89 of 102 Re: First comes the GT-R...Next...a Sedan [habitat1] by unlimitedjoe

Jan 04, 2008 (7:00 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Jan 04, 2008 4:34 am)
how are you,
 
 we must have some kind of misunderstanding, my feeling with you is that rwd is more superior than awd?
 
if i'm wrong, EXCUSE ME please.
 
 because my opinion has been obvious, that AWD vs RWD is only tenths of a second difference, either way!
 
safe & fun driving gentleman!

#90 of 102 Hey guys @ my age I'm learning by jeqq

Jan 04, 2008 (9:45 pm)

that as we grow older we learn to compromise.
 
I test drove a 528XI and found it handled great but did not have enough power. I tried the 535XI and was wowed by it. I read the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety report on side impact and decided against it.
 
For me the next best thing is an A6. Because I'm old and learning to compromise I drive an AWD with all seasons. I get in the car and whatever nature throws at me I pretty much can deal with it. So maybe Shipo and the rest of you guys should calm down, learn how to be tolerant and let us old guys feel good about driving our AWD's:). We feel safe in them.

#91 of 102 Re: Hey guys @ my age I'm learning [jeqq] by unlimitedjoe

Jan 04, 2008 (11:22 pm)

Replying to: jeqq (Jan 04, 2008 9:45 pm)
well said, infact when my son who is 22 is pasing me at the track,( amongst many other highend RWD sport cars. i also own a Z06) yes i worry for his safety, but understand the joy of racing, and that his somewhat modified R32 is a blast to ride!
so to say whats better is only in theory( awd or rwd ) in which is more faster or nimble comes down to the driver, and how fast or hooked up his ride is.
 
when it comes to stock cars, in everyday driving, the significant difference comes down to weather, be it dry, wet, snowy or even sandy, for me it will always be AW Driving!
 
safe & fun driving gentleman.

#92 of 102 Re: Hey guys @ my age I'm learning [unlimitedjoe] by fedlawman

Jan 04, 2008 (11:43 pm)

Replying to: unlimitedjoe (Jan 04, 2008 11:22 pm)
Actually, it has nothing to do with which is quicker, more stable, or safer. It's all about how satisfying it is behind the wheel.
 
If I had to deal with a lot of inclement weather, instead of a 335xi, I'd buy a 335i and a 10 year-old Nissan Pathfinder.

#93 of 102 Re: Hey guys @ my age I'm learning [fedlawman] by unlimitedjoe

Jan 05, 2008 (8:12 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Jan 04, 2008 11:43 pm)
to each his own.
 
happy new year FLM.
 
UJ

#94 of 102 Re: First comes the GT-R...Next...a Sedan [unlimitedjoe] by habitat1

Jan 05, 2008 (9:34 am)

Replying to: unlimitedjoe (Jan 04, 2008 7:00 pm)
we must have some kind of misunderstanding, my feeling with you is that rwd is more superior than awd?
 
My opinion is that neither AWD nor RWD can/should be described as objectively "superior" in a general sense for all circumstances. They each have their pros and cons and it is the subjective priorities/preferences of the buyer that will dictate which might be better for them.
 
Track times are certainly interesting. But my preference for "nimbleness" and "responsiveness" can't be fully measured with the standard 0-60, lateral g's or even Nurburgring track times. From my personal experience, two cars can have similar "numbers" but feel very different, especially if one weighs significanly more than the other. But again, that is my personal, subjective preference. As I think circlew and I agreed long ago, one person's "nimbleness" can be another person's 'lightfootedness" and one person's "heavy" can be another person's "planted".
 
Cheers.

Messages Page 10 of 11

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