AWD vs. RWD in Canadian Winter
03-23-15, 10:41 AM
#1
AWD vs. RWD in Canadian Winter
Might be getting a 3IS to replace the 2IS250 AWD but can't decide between the RWD vs AWD
At the same price, differences are...
RWD
- F-Sport Series 3
- $52,100 MSRP
- 8 Speed Automatic
- 15-speaker ML audio
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Power Rear Window Sunshade
- Pre-Collision System
- 8-way Power Passenger Seat
AWD
- F-Sport Series 2
- $52,200 MSRP
- 6 Speed Automatic
At the end of the day, I want the 8-speed which is a better transmission and obviously will be more efficient cruising. I don't really care for the other features. But can I survive crazy Canadian winter with this car? Of course I will get snow tires doesn't matter how many wheels are spinning. I've just never owned a RWD vehicle in winter, and from my experience with my 2IS250 AWD, driving up north to Blue Mountain can be quite a mission in the midst of winter (not sure if a RWD vehicle will be able to handle those curvy, narrow, one-laned, unplowed roads).
At the same price, differences are...
RWD
- F-Sport Series 3
- $52,100 MSRP
- 8 Speed Automatic
- 15-speaker ML audio
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Power Rear Window Sunshade
- Pre-Collision System
- 8-way Power Passenger Seat
AWD
- F-Sport Series 2
- $52,200 MSRP
- 6 Speed Automatic
At the end of the day, I want the 8-speed which is a better transmission and obviously will be more efficient cruising. I don't really care for the other features. But can I survive crazy Canadian winter with this car? Of course I will get snow tires doesn't matter how many wheels are spinning. I've just never owned a RWD vehicle in winter, and from my experience with my 2IS250 AWD, driving up north to Blue Mountain can be quite a mission in the midst of winter (not sure if a RWD vehicle will be able to handle those curvy, narrow, one-laned, unplowed roads).
Last edited by reyoasian; 03-23-15 at 11:19 AM.
03-23-15, 10:49 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: AB
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You'd be fine with a good set of winters and a light foot. But, if you're hitting up the ski hills/etc. you'll probably want the AWD.
I drove both, and while the RWD seemed to be a bit more fun, I went with AWD for practicality/resale reasons.
I drove both, and while the RWD seemed to be a bit more fun, I went with AWD for practicality/resale reasons.
03-23-15, 10:53 AM
#3
Might be getting a 3IS to replace the 2IS250 AWD but can't decide between the RWD vs AWD
At the same price, differences are...
RWD
- F-Sport Series 3
- $52,100 MSRP
- 8 Speed Automatic
- 15-speaker ML audio
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Power Rear Window Sunshade
- Pre-Collision System
- 8-way Power Passenger Seat
AWD
- F-Sport Series 2
- $52,200 MSRP
- 6 Speed Automatic
At the end of the day, I want the 8-speed which is a better transmission and obviously will be more efficient cruising. I don't really care for the other features. But can I survive crazy Canadian winter with this car? Of course I will get snow tires doesn't matter how many wheels are spinning. I've just never owned a RWD vehicle in winter, and from my experience with my 2IS250 AWD, driving up north to Blue Mountain can be quite a mission in the midst of winter (not sure if a RWD vehicle will be able to handle those curvy, narrow, one-laned, unplowed roads).
At the same price, differences are...
RWD
- F-Sport Series 3
- $52,100 MSRP
- 8 Speed Automatic
- 15-speaker ML audio
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Power Rear Window Sunshade
- Pre-Collision System
- 8-way Power Passenger Seat
AWD
- F-Sport Series 2
- $52,200 MSRP
- 6 Speed Automatic
At the end of the day, I want the 8-speed which is a better transmission and obviously will be more efficient cruising. I don't really care for the other features. But can I survive crazy Canadian winter with this car? Of course I will get snow tires doesn't matter how many wheels are spinning. I've just never owned a RWD vehicle in winter, and from my experience with my 2IS250 AWD, driving up north to Blue Mountain can be quite a mission in the midst of winter (not sure if a RWD vehicle will be able to handle those curvy, narrow, one-laned, unplowed roads).
I had a ****ty set of winter tires on this year that's near the end of its life. No problems with grip or handling. Traction control is amazing in this car. Only problem is my driving habits. I accelerate a little hard and it breaks traction but that may also be due to my balding rear winter tires. Need a new set of tires for next winter for sure!
03-23-15, 02:36 PM
#4
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I have the AWD 350. NO REGRETS either! I own a 4WD Tundra as well and while the weight distribution is different from the IS I would use it as a comparison. The truck is perfectly fine in rear wheel drive 90% of the time, but during the other 10%, I would not want to live without it. Inclines, particularly when backing up (like my driveway) when slippery are impossible with 2WD.
If this is your only transportation, and you have places you must go during bad weather, I would seriously recommend the AWD. If you have an option to leave it at home or stay home, I would consider the RWD. Personally, I don't believe all the extra sporting goodies on the RWD model matter anywhere but on a track. My 2 cents.
If this is your only transportation, and you have places you must go during bad weather, I would seriously recommend the AWD. If you have an option to leave it at home or stay home, I would consider the RWD. Personally, I don't believe all the extra sporting goodies on the RWD model matter anywhere but on a track. My 2 cents.
03-25-15, 03:20 AM
#7
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: VA
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^^ That's news to me as my RWD F-Sport can go into 8th while in Sport+.
If you mean it holds the gears longer when driving through town, then yes it seems like it's limited to 6 gears. Otherwise, it will go into 8th once it reaches a certain speed.
If you mean it holds the gears longer when driving through town, then yes it seems like it's limited to 6 gears. Otherwise, it will go into 8th once it reaches a certain speed.
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03-25-15, 08:51 AM
#10
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As stated before just let off on the gas more when driving in deep snow or else you might get stuck. RWD isn't that bad in Canada despite all the talk about it. Either a good set of winters or even a cheap set but replace more often.
03-25-15, 08:00 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
AWD is more practical and definitely have better resale in Canadian climate.
And the most important thing is you may get stuck in situation where you have to find a towing truck to pull you out --- my past experience - both front and rear wheels were stuck an ice ditch inside a gas station. People tried to help but ended up having a towing company to pull the car out from the rear. A portable plough was useless since it was ice!
03-26-15, 04:42 PM
#12
Lead Lap
I agree that RWD with good winter tires will be more than adequate in 95% of the time. I have been trying to find a RWD 350 F sport and could not locate one so I am settling and getting an AWD but if I had a choice, RWD would have been my preferred choice
03-26-15, 05:20 PM
#13
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I went from an 11 ISF to a 15 350 awd in alberta. The rwd is fine with blizzaks but the awd with blizzaks is GREAT. I also found that 8 gears while great for highway pulls, generally was unnecessary...annoying even.
03-26-15, 06:49 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
On the other hand, 3IS AWD feels heavy but the AWD helps in some cornering situation.
03-26-15, 08:11 PM
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Anyone have experience with putting other Lexus rims for winter? I have a set of 2nd Gen GS for winter, the offset is 5 off. Aside from it being tucked in a little more into the wheel well, will it be rubbing anything?
