Awd Vs Rwd

[Midol]

G'day guys,

Main points I can find are:-

AWD: Slightly less power delivered due to losses.

RWD: Slightly faster assuming you don't spin the wheels.

Am I missing anything else important?

Looking @ this and it's a manual, and afaik all manuals are RWD? It's a terrible colour but it's cheap so if it's in decent condition it won't be a bad deal from what I can gather.

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/U...ternalHotlink=1

[zei20l]

youre talking about M35s so no, there are no manual AWD models - not in turbo anyway.

thats no manual, its a 250t RS Four and the pictures clearly show its automatic

[Midol]

Ahhh, I didn't even look at the interior picture

I couldn't find any references to RS Four manuals but I just assumed their listing would be correct.

My question stands though, are my two points correct?

[Bo0oSt]

if ur plannin to have track days etc and they're both turbo i would take the awd any day of the week.

the power difference would be negligible and awd would be a bonus on both take off and around corners.

[Midol]

Yes, I will be heading to tracks but that'll just be for fun and to get my skills up a bit - nothing serious which probably matches the majority of those who head to tracks Won't be doing too much modding, just the basics.

Already killing myself over the decision to spend money as I am saving for a home deposit so I want to make sure I fully understand what I am buying, not a big car person as of yet. I do like cars, but it's hard to get enthusiastic over a falcon...

[KiwiRS4T]

AWD is a big bonus. Empty turbo powered wagon in the wet - easy to lose rear end on a corner or roundabout - awd no problem.

[Midol]

Ahh, and given the sunshine coast has been raining almost as much as it did back in NZ lately handling in the wet should be a priority, also considering a move to the snowy mountains so it could be beneficial there.

Thanks, decision made. Auto it is (and subsequently AWD).

[mxfly]

Dont forget, AWD is not constant drive at all fours. 90% or even more of the time, it's running on RWD only. And even when the Atessa is activated, only a small percentage of power/torque is diverted to the front wheels. The R34 GT-R has a torque split meter and i can see that the rear wheels are driven most of the time.

[Bis-e Bee]

I sent these goons a message this morning telling them it's not a manual lol

5 speed semi-manual maybe but definatly not a 5 speed manual

[iamhe77]

Dont forget, AWD is not constant drive at all fours. 90% or even more of the time, it's running on RWD only. And even when the Atessa is activated, only a small percentage of power/torque is diverted to the front wheels. The R34 GT-R has a torque split meter and i can see that the rear wheels are driven most of the time.

Yep. RWD until the rears break traction, but I have had the torque meter (std RS option) in mine show ~400nm to the front at times.

So I don't think that it is a small percentage. If it was, my car would probably turn itself into a corkscrew at any given opportunity!

I sent these goons a message this morning telling them it's not a manual lol

5 speed semi-manual maybe but definatly not a 5 speed manual

Semi-auto perhaps.

If someone was selling me a car that was "semi-manual", I would expect an H pattern shift gate at the least!

[zei20l]

if you intend to head to the track with it, id get a C34. its cheaper, better support for power mods, can get AWD manuals. the M35 to me isnt something youd take on the track, its auto, the box is a little sluggish (but that can be corrected) and there are cases of factory cars with bad cooling systems. anyway, thats not to say they shouldnt be on the track........

ohh yeah +1 for AWD, a little harder to get off the line, but good for powering out of corners in the wet

[mym35]

Ahh, and given the sunshine coast has been raining almost as much as it did back in NZ lately handling in the wet should be a priority, also considering a move to the snowy mountains so it could be beneficial there.

Thanks, decision made. Auto it is (and subsequently AWD).

Michael,if you want to have a better look at a m35, i'm on the Sunshine Coast .I have a m35trx. We could get together if you would like.Mine is bog standard.( at the moment.)

[Midol]

I'm sick as a dog right now but that'd be great if I could have a look in the near future.

zei, the track would mostly just be for fun. Not going for great times or anything, just a way to legally have some fun with my car

I was looking at this:

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/privat...id=121B0AA05203

But they bloke didnt respond with a VIN yet. I think woodgrain is one of the most ugly things you do put in a car but I saw some carbon fibre replacement pieces (or was that for the m35) but regardless, it's an easy fix. Also asked him if he'd be willing to take it to a mechanic of my choice and again, no response.

Bis-e-bee, they don't respond to emails so I doubt they'll change it. I emailed asking a few questions and got no response so when I have the cash in hand I'll just visit them. I'm still wary as the prices they have seem to be lower than average.

---

I think I muddled this post, sorry about that. For some reason I am dizzy as hell and can't think straight. Yay for the flu.

[zei20l]

hmm flu = time off work

[Duncan]

I'm not certain if the m35 system is the same, but certain the 32-34 systems don't just use wheelspin, in fact it is a minor input. the main ones are throttle position and lateral gs.....so if you floor it you will see and feel front torque in most conditions long before the wheels spin (if they ever do). Its about the best 4wd system around for road use, I'm sure 3x locked diffs is better for very serious off road but thats about it

[Midol]

hmm flu = time off work

Sure is

I do security (patrols) and a few of our clients are aged care homes. The flu + aged care homes = fail. Work isn't impressed with me calling in sick for unfortunately for them my health and the health of my workmates and the clients comes first. Whatever strain it is is contagious as all hell. The entire family came down with it, I recovered and then contracted it again.

I'm not certain if the m35 system is the same, but certain the 32-34 systems don't just use wheelspin, in fact it is a minor input. the main ones are throttle position and lateral gs.....so if you floor it you will see and feel front torque in most conditions long before the wheels spin (if they ever do). Its about the best 4wd system around for road use, I'm sure 3x locked diffs is better for very serious off road but thats about it

I was actually considering a 4x4 such as a Navara as my primary purpose of this car (as in the reason I am upgrading) is because my dog is destroying the back of my car but dog cages in a Ute make the tray useless so a wagon won out.

[mxfly]

YOu can buy factory mesh so that your dog cant jump onto the rear seats from the boot area.

In regards to the torque split, yes I do notice on the GTR that you dont need to spin the rears to get action on the front. On the track it's more obvious around corners as well but the percentage of split was not that much. Perhaps im not driving hard enough..

[Midol]

He's gonna need a lot more than a barrier I think.

I'm getting a full stainless steel dog cage (removable) designed. Bolt in and out, that way when I dont have to cart him around I can remove it.

I'll try a simple barrier first, but I think his frustration will lead him to attempt to destroy anything that isn't metal.

ETA: Only the m35 has the glass removable bit on the boot doesn't it? Can't recall what it is called but you have two pieces and you can open the "front" one independently.

Edited June 14, 2009 by Midol

[mxfly]

You cant remove the rear glass but you can open it instead of opening the hatch.

[BensDR30]

...

If someone was selling me a car that was "semi-manual"

...

Is that like when you've got a car that keeps jumping out of gear (automatically) when you're trying to drive it?

I'm not certain if the m35 system is the same, but certain the 32-34 systems don't just use wheelspin, in fact it is a minor input. the main ones are throttle position and lateral gs.....so if you floor it you will see and feel front torque in most conditions long before the wheels spin (if they ever do). Its about the best 4wd system around for road use, I'm sure 3x locked diffs is better for very serious off road but thats about it

ATTESA-ETS is the good oil when it comes to AWD systems that aren't limited to 'sports sedans' like the WRX or EVO. It works wonderfully in the GT-R & Stagea alike, and they are cars designed for completely different jobs.

As much as I like punting around a spritely RWD, the grip (grin?) factor of the AWD in the Stagea is just great.