Who else thinks AWD is overrated. Seems like Subaru (and to lesser extent Audi) is going crazy with their marketing campaign to create this perception that AWD is better and safer.

 

Some people on the Subaru boards take that marketing to heart and assume that because their car has AWD, that it "handles" better than other cars... like an S2000 for example. What their definition of "handling" is, I don't know. However, I would agree that a Subaru with AWD is probably safer for inexperienced drivers and an S2000.

 

for many of those people in the snow belt, awd is superior, their marketing i believe is not directed at the track enthusiast but rather practical everyday grocery getting.

 

While AWD is probably a little more secure in wet or snow, I think rwd + stability control has come a long way esp if you have the correct tires. BMWs new 3-series press introduction went so far as having simulated ice (wet super smooth surface) to show how well it handles with Stability control.

However some people think b/c they have awd they can't loose control. That's preposterious. You can have all the awd and stability control you want and it's still possible to screw the pooch if you are driving too fast. We see this all the time with EVO owners who have a major wreck within the first 200 miles or what have you.

 

AWD has many merits, including the ability to put power down through more outlets. The new Bugatti Veyron is awd b/c it couldn't function as a rwd only car. As for safety, I've spun a Subaru out (hit wet leaves in a corner), but its no where near as easy as spinning a rwd car out.

Subaru and Audi have always made awd cars though, so now that its becoming vogue, they want to maximize their experience in marketing.

 

Its not over rated. If I continue to buy performance cars that I especially drive as daily drivers, it will always be AWD. I have tracked or Autocrossed FWD-RWD-AWD. I

 

The impression I got from the track community and those who have driven both the S2000 and the EVO was that the EVO was a much easier car to take through the turns, especially in the rain. I haven't gotten a chance to drive one myself but I'm sure theres some merit to their claims.

 

A combination of ABS and AWD is pretty good at helping novice drivers when their instincts fail them. Those two things together are a good safety cushion, not overrated at all. Subbies are rather heavy and come with skinny tires (stock) so that makes them competent in the sno'.

 

It is safer, for the average folks, especially in rainy and chilly climate. To me, AWD is best for family sedans. It is not over-rated!

 

Hold up now, I sold my 99 Mitsubish 3000 Gt Vr-4 with AWD to get my S2k and let me tell you something, AWD is like riding a bike with training wheels. Its too easy to turn! Wheres the fun in that gentleman?


And not to mention AWD cars with take off like no other off the line, burning anything in their path...very good ners for any AWD owner