Question on Lexus IS's awd performance on snow
04-04-15, 11:19 PM
#16
I can only speak to it on my GS (same system) and i will say my girlfriends front wheel drive CT drives better in the snow but at the same time i want the best of both worlds rather than a car that feels like its FWD (Audi). I prefer a system that feels like a RWD car most of the time with a little help going to the front wheels. So its not a beast in the snow (most FWDs are probably better) but its perfectly capable especially with a driver familiar with how to drive in these conditions.
04-04-15, 11:33 PM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
I can only speak to it on my GS (same system) and i will say my girlfriends front wheel drive CT drives better in the snow but at the same time i want the best of both worlds rather than a car that feels like its FWD (Audi). I prefer a system that feels like a RWD car most of the time with a little help going to the front wheels. So its not a beast in the snow (most FWDs are probably better) but its perfectly capable especially with a driver familiar with how to drive in these conditions.
Another comparison is Infiniti Q50 AWD. It goes to a more extreme - 100% power is sent to the rear wheels when all wheel drive is not needed. When AWD is needed, power is also 50/50 split between front and back wheels. Some people argue this might be too late for the AWD to trigger though.
04-05-15, 08:47 AM
#19
Lexus Champion
04-05-15, 03:10 PM
#20
Lexus Test Driver
This is my first car with full-time AWD and here is my take. I have a dedicated set of winter tires on 17" wheels (Michelin X-Ice Xi3)
I find the full time AWD in IS works pretty well except it will still have some slight fishtailing if you turn a corner at a sightly higher speed on a thicker snow pile. 3IS is still rear wheel biased as 70% torque goes to rear wheels. After the 1st snow in the first winter when 3IS was launched, I literally saw quite a number of 3IS sitting in a body shop lots and all of them were AWD. Just like in a ditch, you seldom saw RWD cars in winter. I guess overconfidence is easily associated with cars with AWD. So still caution is advised.
I find the full time AWD in IS works pretty well except it will still have some slight fishtailing if you turn a corner at a sightly higher speed on a thicker snow pile. 3IS is still rear wheel biased as 70% torque goes to rear wheels. After the 1st snow in the first winter when 3IS was launched, I literally saw quite a number of 3IS sitting in a body shop lots and all of them were AWD. Just like in a ditch, you seldom saw RWD cars in winter. I guess overconfidence is easily associated with cars with AWD. So still caution is advised.
04-06-15, 08:02 AM
#21
Lexus Test Driver
I find the drivers of AWD cars/SUV a little more careless as they think they are invincible and get themselves In a jam by going too fast or waiting too long to brake. I always say, it's may be all wheel drive to take off, but you still need to stop and once your foot is off the gas pedal, AWD doesn't mean much.
AWD only makes you less stuck in heavy snow. The grip is a factor of tires. Overconfidence is common in AWD drivers.
http://www.wheels.ca/news/the-5-most...driving-myths/
04-06-15, 11:21 AM
#22
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1. AWD HELPS maximizing the traction between all four tires and the driving surface( better acceleration), getting in a corner faster and more precisely, getting back control of the car when the car slides........might be more
2. AWD doesn't avoid sliding sideway in a turn. It only minimizes it. .....Physics
3. Stopping mainly depends on the right tires and the help of ABS
I think most AWD drivers only know the first point. It is not mandatory for people to learn these. However, I suggest all driving school to teach these nowadays.
Nevertheless, the most important thing is to drive safe.
2. AWD doesn't avoid sliding sideway in a turn. It only minimizes it. .....Physics
3. Stopping mainly depends on the right tires and the help of ABS
I think most AWD drivers only know the first point. It is not mandatory for people to learn these. However, I suggest all driving school to teach these nowadays.
Nevertheless, the most important thing is to drive safe.
Last edited by LexusFirst; 04-06-15 at 11:27 AM.
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