RWD or AWD?

[MerlintheMad]

AWD was negotiable, even though we get winters here in Utah. I've driven RWD most of my life, with FWD inserted in there just because that's what came on the vehicle. When I went Stinger buying, I said: "must have: 3.3L, Harman Kardon 15 speaker surround sound, sunroof." That's the short list. I did say that AWD is preferred, but if the other "must haves" are covered, I am not particular about color and I don't need AWD; I'll get along fine without it, I always have. I am glad I have AWD. Yesterday's fresh snow made the advantages of AWD very obvious. And yes, it is more about performance than driving in the snow. AWD is safer. As mentioned, 80/20 rear drive bias makes the car in Sport mode almost like RWD anyway, but you still have the option to go 50/50 and keep the Sport suspension setting, so a lot of variety is available. C. 200 lbs of added weight (and $2,200) for AWD is a deal breaker for drivers who really want to track their Stingers. But for anyone getting the car for what it was designed to do those are inconsequential demerits. If you are ever traveling "gran turismo" style, and enter crappy weather/road conditions, you might just be glad for the AWD option.

 

[Richan31]

Cool thanks for input MerlintheMad!

 

[Jimmer]

I've had two RWD cars hit my parked car in N Dakota winters. Once I watched it happen. Felt like it was in super slow mo. Once was by a guy who said he had driven RWD in poor conditions his whole life. There are lots of good reasons to have AWD, but winter conditions is a good reason. It gives the driver better control of the car and keeps your family and other families safer.

I drive all over the country during all times of the year. AWD is the best option for me.

 

[TwinSnails]

I will say this, AWD will bail you out much faster and easier in daily driving. Abrupt changes, corrections, evasive maneuvers, for deer and other drivers will be met with less punishment.

I hit an ice patch once in my Silverado SS with AWD that would have wrecked a RWD vehicle, and once the front tires grabbed pull me back onto the road.

I’d say drive both....

 

[Richan31]

Lol hearing everyone's opinion just keeps me going back and forth. I guess I have to consider how bad does weather really get in Southern California and if I'll ever take this car to places that may have weather I'm not used to.

 

[Jimmer]

Lol hearing everyone's opinion just keeps me going back and forth. I guess I have to consider how bad does weather really get in Southern California and if I'll ever take this car to places that may have weather I'm not used to.

If you know for sure you wont drive it in bad conditions, RWD is the way to go. And you have the Wrangler.

My wife has an AWD Sorento, but there are times I have to go places where bad weather is going on (Northern Idaho, Colorado, N Dakota, S Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota) and she stays back because she has to work or doesn't want to go. I'm not leaving her the car and taking the Sorento for a couple reasons, one being she doesn't really like cars

 

[Richan31]

Man you got the GT2 AWD. You went all out!

 

[nhcowboy28]

Man you got the GT2 AWD. You went all out!

If I read this right... you live in a desert. And you have a rubicon.

Buy the RWD.

Boom. Done.

 

[Jimmer]

Man you got the GT2 AWD. You went all out!

Yup. Was always getting the AWD. Almost went with the GT1, but I paid GT1 money for the GT2.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I guess I have to consider how bad does weather really get in Southern California

"It never rains in California
But, girl, don't they warn ya
It pours, man, it pours ..."

For those times (which I have seen, and driven/floated in), AWD might not save you either; but if your tires are on the ground, AWD will be GOOD. Are you a car guy? Will you compare your car on the 1/4 mile, zero to sixty? Will 200 lbs of added running gear "hurt" you in those moments? Will you remember the victories in your RWD when "It pours, man, it pours"? Will you be in your 4x4 SUV when the pouring comes? No way to know that beforehand ...

 

[TwinSnails]

I do fine in the rain, lol. Never an issue but I spent 7 years in crown vics, 3 in an AWD Taurus, 2 in a Expedition... And I will tell you, a crown Vic sucks in rain and snow.

 

[Richan31]

Haha loving this forum. When I was first considering the Kia Stinger, I didn't know there was such a following already.

 

[westcoastGT]

You in cahoots with calisting?.......

ohh , that hurts mate , !!! Bawaaaaaaaa

 

[Jimmer]

Haha loving this forum. When I was first considering the Kia Stinger, I didn't know there was such a following already.

The car is fraking amazing. Gorgeous, fast, RWD/AWD with rear wheel, plenty of room for the rear passengers, and plenty of cargo space (cause also a hatchback). And did I mention fast and gorgeous? What's not to love?!

 

[westcoastGT]

I got the AWD and I live in Texas where we get snow once a year maybe. We do have crazy downpours sometimes.
I got the AWD because of the kids. It’s a family car and if the AWD helps me stay planted on the road better, I’m all for it. Sure I’m going to mod it, SSR downpipes in the garage, intakes ordered, and muffler shop just quoted me for muffler delete. But I got it for the piece of mind and the added safety, even if only a few times a year.

.......................but .................its not really a safety feature on a 911

 

[Richan31]

Yeah Jimmer. I mean when I see the Stinger, I don’t think it’s elite in any one category. But I also can’t find a car that fills up the stat sheets quite like the Stinger does. It’s fast, roomy in the back, storage space is good, presumably reliable, good warranty and it’s good looking. Not a lot of cars can say the same.

 

[Jimmer]

Yeah Jimmer. I mean when I see the Stinger, I don’t think it’s elite in any one category. But I also can’t find a car that fills up the stat sheets quite like the Stinger does. It’s fast, roomy in the back, storage space is good, presumably reliable, good warranty and it’s good looking. Not a lot of cars can say the same.

And at that price point.

And yeah, forgot the warranty in my description but certainly not when taking into account what to buy.

 

[Jimmer]

Yeah Jimmer. I mean when I see the Stinger, I don’t think it’s elite in any one category. But I also can’t find a car that fills up the stat sheets quite like the Stinger does. It’s fast, roomy in the back, storage space is good, presumably reliable, good warranty and it’s good looking. Not a lot of cars can say the same.

it MIGHT be elite in regards to looks, speed, cargo room and warranty...at least in it's class Closest thing would be at least 15K more.

 

[TwinSnails]

The Stinger definitely caught me some flak until people rode in it now they are telling everyone how awesome it is.

I’ve always had nice rides and the Stinger has become at least my 3rd favorite. These are just ones I have on the phone hahahahaha.

 

[eflyguy]

Lol hearing everyone's opinion just keeps me going back and forth. I guess I have to consider how bad does weather really get in Southern California and if I'll ever take this car to places that may have weather I'm not used to.

I would get the AWD no matter where I lived, because it handles better in all conditions. That was the point of my earlier post, where I referenced the R8. I've driven that, and an AWD Lamborghini, on a race track, as well as several RWD vehicles including an Aerial Atom. I lived with a couple of AWD performance cars about 20-25 years ago, and am glad I remembered that before I chose my AWD Stinger. I've also owned/own and raced other RWD vehicles. I would not choose a RWD Stinger unless I was planning to compete regularly in drifting competitions.

I would choose a RWD G70 if I was planning to race on a tight racetrack every weekend.