Just ordered an is350 AWD but im having serious second thoughts about it, read through the forums saying winter tires is all you need. I've had a RWD BMW before so its not new to me.

I want to know why you chose the AWD? and sacrificed 8 Speed and more.

Since im in CANADA I'd have to wait 4 or 5 months for RWD.


Thanks,

 

As you alluded to, availability is a factor. I'm up in Canada too and for my AWD IS350 I only had to wait a few days for my vehicle. Not having driven the RWD I can't compare but the AWD is a blast to drive and (for me) seemed like a logical choice given the winters we get.

 

I chose the AWD because I have a child on the way and we get some freak snow storms sometimes while I am at work. I want to be able to pick him up if need be. Even tho I can from a RWD IS300

 

I chose AWD mostly for rain, not snow. I enjoy the added confidence and ability to merge or turn onto busy, rain soaked roads quickly. Both the AWD and RWD models are rated at 19 mpg city, which is where I do most of my driving, and only a 1 mpg hit on the combined rating (2 mpg highway), so fuel wasn't a factor in my decision. The AWD model only gives up a tenth of a second to 60 vs the RWD model, so I did not feel like I had to sacrifice performance to get the AWD.

The fact that the AWD model is heavier and has greater drivetrain losses, yet is still so close on both acceleration and fuel mileage tells me that the 6 speed, while down 2 gears, is still very competitive with the 8 speed.

So, with all that, I still feel that AWD is not a necessity, however, I enjoy it and I'm unlikely to buy another car without it. It suits me and my needs well.

 

I chose AWD because it's winter more often than not. Yeah, the 8-speed in the RWD is cool and all but 6-speed is plenty. Having all those gears doesn't do me any good when I'm stuck getting out of my neighbourhood. My previous car was a FWD with expensive winter tires and traction control and all that, and I'd still get stuck a few times a year.

In addition to that: availability and resale. You'll get much less for a RWD in Canada than AWD.

 

Availability and wait times for the AWD was much better than the RWD. But, if I were going for the 350, I'd wait the extra time and get the RWD/8-speed especially if you're coming from a RWD Bimmer. The AWD adds about 150 lbs which does slightly negatively affect handling balance and agility. The RWD IS is really the renowned BWM 3-series beater and new class-standard agreed upon across the automotive community.

 

the 8 speed shouldn't be a factor because it really only helps with fuel economy. There are no other beneficial factors because someone correct me if im wrong, the 8 speed is rated the same fuel economy as the 6 speed so you just get 2 more gears that don't really do much

IMO AWD is better than RWD because you have much better traction among all weather conditions. I feel much more confident taking turns in the AWD than the RWD. Plus this past winter, i found my self in some situations where the RWD just wouldn't cut it, even with snow tires. RWD is better performance wise as you don't get as much drive train loss to the wheels and is lighter (3680 vs3800lbs). For these cars, I think you will be quite happy with the AWD system where you are. Handling (IMO) is more important than going fast

 

I live in Utah and we have some pretty bad snow storms, the RWD version is nice with the 8 speed but I had to choose the AWD version. I rather be safe than sorry. You can always put snow tires on a RWD version to help with the snow. I chose it since AWD is useful over here. It all depends if you need the AWD and if it would be beneficial to you

 

I've driven AWD and RWD through many winters. Winter tires are always recommended, but AWD gives you so much more confidence. I have to make a few left turns across 2-3 lanes and I have to turn right into busy traffic and have surefootedness is very valuable.

Sure, you can't do any powerslides and the car loses a touch of overall performance (more weight on nose, 2 less gears), the day to day driving is still pretty close.

 

Another consideration for me was a colleague who has a RWD 335i with winters, and he told me his next car would be an AWD. He's had the back end kick out a bunch of times in scary places (like the spiral on-ramps). Just doesn't have the confidence.

 

We specifically didn't want AWD. The transfer case bulge hit my wife in the calf and was uncomfortable, same for me. Also the performance and fuel economy hit are significant not to mention the added service requirements.

We also have a F150 4x4 for when is snows, which isn't very often in the Seattle area.

 

Was the tranny for me, where I'm at in central calii it's either 90f-115f or it's low 30's and never any snow so it was an easy choice even coming from a WRX

 

I chose the AWD for the 10 days a year I need it. I'm not missing the 2 gears.

 

IS350 RWD has some advantages over the AWD:

1 - Quicker shifting 8 speed automatic
2 - Lighter by about 200 lbs
3 - Variable gear ratio steering allowing the RWD steering to be tighter and more précise in the twisties.
4 - A bit cheaper

 

Vehicle weight and difference between the AWD and RWD models are actually as follows:

2014 IS350 AWD: 3,737 lbs.
2014 IS350 RWD: 3,593 lbs.

Delta: 144 lbs.

Source: http://www.lexus.com/models/IS/specs/ (Dimensions tab)