sick21

As long as it's below 40f degrees. Summer tires, in which are what come on the RWD, perform best in wet conditions compared to all season tires that come on the AWD. So I'd say it's a wash there. But if the temp is below what the optimal rated temp is for the summer tire, the AWD would absolutely be superior in wet conditions.

In wet conditions, during the summer at least, my RWD could emergency brake more successfully than an AWD... Unless the AWD had summer tires lol but the RWD would still stop quicker because it weighs less and has larger brakes.

sgmstr

+1.

I don't think AWD gives you a better traction except when you are snow driving. Definitely not when it's raining or cornering. Also, if you noticed, most RWDs are faster than AWD of the same make and model and I believe it could be the case for the GS. AWD heavier = more gas, too.

I can go on and on, but I'll stop here.

puckhead85

I've noted this difference two. I was backing up my car onto the driveway with snow (2-4 inches already had fallen) and the GS had no issues.. it just went. When backing up an 07 LS RWD different story. It was awful. Wish when we bought the car, lexus offered AWD

Afrosheen

sgmstr said most of it. If you don't see snow for 3 consecutive months, get the RWD model. You'll know because the local dealers will sell mainly AWD or RWD depending on climate. For example, north east coast buyers can't find RWD cars without calling Florida or somewhere warm, and that's intentional.

AWD is another diff, a split drive shaft, extra mechanical complexity, extra parts, and extra weight. You also don't get the same suspension as the RWD thanks to clearance issues with the AWD system.

So yeah, if you drive in snow alot or DON'T own a winter beater, get AWD. Otherwise RWD is the way to go. Best compromise is FWD for snow, but then you're in ES territory.

SW17LS

Why would you consider FWD the "best compromise" for snow? I'd much rather have rear biased AWD than GWD...

da mayor

iTrader: (2)

FWD in the snow is just as bad as the stock AWD w/ the crappy OEM all season tires.

RWD with snow tires works just fine, and the AWD system in the GS350 I was slipping still in this winter compared wiht my M37 RWD with blizzaks.

JTMav

I believe the AWD system will vary the power distribution from 50/50 to as much as 30/70 front to back. While certainly not the same as RWD it's still a great option for us in the snow belt. I drive winter and summer tires and find the performance of the car with summer sneakers to be terrific, dont miss my former RWD cars at all nor do I feel I am taking a big hit performace wise with AWD.
YMMV
JTMav

Donwils

Are you cats really buying a Lexus so you can drift it? Man, do I feel old 😄😄
Drifting doesn't come into it for me. Although when I was young and had vettes and GTO'S I drove like an idiot. Enjoy your youth fellas.

SW17LS

This thread is 6 years old lol