Decision!! AWD or RWD IS350
#16
Well I get that. Maybe I should rephrase the question.
I'm talking about, how well does it actually work when we have the discussion going on in this thread about getting AWD versus RWD.
If it was a mode that really put confidence in the driver in snowy conditions, then I would've expected that it would've been mentioned in the decision between AWD and RWD, but it wasn't. So, I'm getting the impression that even with RWD and snow mode, most drivers seem more content with just getting the AWD.
Does anyone here know of how well the Snow mode works with the RWD?
I'm talking about, how well does it actually work when we have the discussion going on in this thread about getting AWD versus RWD.
If it was a mode that really put confidence in the driver in snowy conditions, then I would've expected that it would've been mentioned in the decision between AWD and RWD, but it wasn't. So, I'm getting the impression that even with RWD and snow mode, most drivers seem more content with just getting the AWD.
Does anyone here know of how well the Snow mode works with the RWD?
#17
resurrection...
My apologies for resurrecting a dead thread here, but I'm trying to buy a RWD IS350, and here in VA all I'm finding are RWD F Sports, or AWD base models.
The options that I want aren't available on the F.
I would consider the AWD, but I'm losing two gears and a bit of performance. It sounds like I would have to special order what I really want, and that's a 4 month wait.
I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on pros and cons of each configuration.
In Virginia normal winters here are mild (this last year was anything but "normal".) My current ride is a 2013 SS Camaro, and with all seasons on it, I have no issue driving in snow. I also grew up in the north and drove RWD vehicles from the 70s-90s there.
The options that I want aren't available on the F.
I would consider the AWD, but I'm losing two gears and a bit of performance. It sounds like I would have to special order what I really want, and that's a 4 month wait.
I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on pros and cons of each configuration.
In Virginia normal winters here are mild (this last year was anything but "normal".) My current ride is a 2013 SS Camaro, and with all seasons on it, I have no issue driving in snow. I also grew up in the north and drove RWD vehicles from the 70s-90s there.
#18
Lead Lap
My apologies for resurrecting a dead thread here, but I'm trying to buy a RWD IS350, and here in VA all I'm finding are RWD F Sports, or AWD base models.
The options that I want aren't available on the F.
I would consider the AWD, but I'm losing two gears and a bit of performance. It sounds like I would have to special order what I really want, and that's a 4 month wait.
I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on pros and cons of each configuration.
In Virginia normal winters here are mild (this last year was anything but "normal".) My current ride is a 2013 SS Camaro, and with all seasons on it, I have no issue driving in snow. I also grew up in the north and drove RWD vehicles from the 70s-90s there.
The options that I want aren't available on the F.
I would consider the AWD, but I'm losing two gears and a bit of performance. It sounds like I would have to special order what I really want, and that's a 4 month wait.
I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on pros and cons of each configuration.
In Virginia normal winters here are mild (this last year was anything but "normal".) My current ride is a 2013 SS Camaro, and with all seasons on it, I have no issue driving in snow. I also grew up in the north and drove RWD vehicles from the 70s-90s there.
#19
#20
Lexus Champion
I ended up purchasing a non F Sport AWD 350. No regrets, whatsoever. While I liked AVS and the instrument cluster of the F Sport, my wife hated the F Sport grill and neither of us liked the black headliner. Having to give up things like ventilated seats, fog lights, etc. made the F Sport feel like a substantial downgrade to me so I passed it up. I also liked the 18" wheel upgrade package better than the F Sport wheels. In the end, I could have saved some money by going for an F Sport, but wasn't willing to give up many of the options I would have had to in order to get the F Sport.
Good luck in your decision. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you choose.
Good luck in your decision. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you choose.
#21
Lead Lap
You're probably going to have to have them order one specifically to what you want which means waiting 4 months or just settle on one that they have and deal with what it comes with. If you don't want to wait that long, you're going to have to sacrifice what you want for what is available.
#22
Pole Position
Here's how I look at it. Would you notice the AWD is missing two gears if you hadn't read about it? Driving dynamics yes, the AWD is different, but I think in most day to day situations it would be a non issue.
I would still go for the RWD regardless of how many gears it has.
Ed
I would still go for the RWD regardless of how many gears it has.
Ed
#23
Here's how I look at it. Would you notice the AWD is missing two gears if you hadn't read about it? Driving dynamics yes, the AWD is different, but I think in most day to day situations it would be a non issue.
I would still go for the RWD regardless of how many gears it has.
Ed
I would still go for the RWD regardless of how many gears it has.
Ed
you would still go RWD? or did you mean AWD?
#24
I ended up purchasing a non F Sport AWD 350. No regrets, whatsoever. While I liked AVS and the instrument cluster of the F Sport, my wife hated the F Sport grill and neither of us liked the black headliner. Having to give up things like ventilated seats, fog lights, etc. made the F Sport feel like a substantial downgrade to me so I passed it up. I also liked the 18" wheel upgrade package better than the F Sport wheels. In the end, I could have saved some money by going for an F Sport, but wasn't willing to give up many of the options I would have had to in order to get the F Sport.
Good luck in your decision. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you choose.
Good luck in your decision. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you choose.
thank you for the feedback!
#25
Pole Position
#27
Driver School Candidate
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If it's gonna snow. Get AWD. If you we were giving up a DSG box, fine, go with the RWD, but it's not and the difference is negligible and not worth the hassle of switching out for snows, storing wheels, swapping, etc. My garage is tight, and I don't have time for that anymore so AWD and just drive.
#28
Just posted an update to my thread, which I hope has been helpful to others trying to decide between AWD or RWD. It's my best attempt at an honest, unbiased look at both cars as daily drivers.
Ownership and Daily Driver Comparison: IS 350 F-Sport AWD vs IS 350 F-Sport RWD
Ownership and Daily Driver Comparison: IS 350 F-Sport AWD vs IS 350 F-Sport RWD
#29
Just posted an update to my thread, which I hope has been helpful to others trying to decide between AWD or RWD. It's my best attempt at an honest, unbiased look at both cars as daily drivers.
Ownership and Daily Driver Comparison: IS 350 F-Sport AWD vs IS 350 F-Sport RWD
Ownership and Daily Driver Comparison: IS 350 F-Sport AWD vs IS 350 F-Sport RWD
As I'm in VA like you, the amount of snow in a "Normal" winter wouldn't be enough to justify AWD (my opinion). This winter was just freaky.
My camaro came with summer only tires. Since this is my DD, I swapped them out for all seasons.
I found driving on the summer tires in temps below 40 to be borderline dangerous.
If I get a RWD, I'll be swapping tires before winter.
#30
Yes, this winter in the Mid-Atlantic area was freakish. Most winters we might get a handful of days where it flurries or barely tops an inch. I wouldn't take the RWD IS out in snow, but plan to swap to all seasons or winter tires in November or December.