Strad6708

Hi everyone,

Has anyone driven an LS460 AWD and felt the alleged power difference between it and the RWD LS460 (357 hp vs 380 hp)? I am planning to move from a GS350 AWD to an LS460 AWD (need AWD for Chicago winters) but would not be pleased if the LS460 AWD ended up being slower and less powerful than my GS. The 0-60 time Lexus specifies for the LS460 AWD indicates it is indeed slower than my GS. I don't want to move up to the flagship sedan and have it be less powerful!

Thanks for any feedback.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well it's more powerful (number wise), it's just slower

i drove the awd once, it definitely feels heavier and slower, but i don't have numbers to support, just feel. the driving feel of ls460 and gs350 is pretty different. ls460 v8 has more tq so it gives you a bit more "push" feel, but number wise it might be slower. you should drive one and see how the v8 feels

Nospinzone

Well there is no question the AWD will be slower. It weighs in at some 300 lbs. heavier and it has less HP. Just test drive the AWD and see if it meets your expectations. If it doesn't, get the RWD and a good set of snow tires.

BTW, I've used both Michelin Artic Alpin and Bridgestone Blizzaks on my wife's Jag and Infiniti J30t (both RWD) and she's never been stuck yet!

Fractal

I have an AWD but I still put snow tires on it. I made that decision after driving the car home for the first time. My FWD Avalon with snow tires was much better in snow than the AWD with All Seasons. I bought a second set of wheels and Dunlop Winter Sports.

Power? It has plenty enough for me.

One more thing. The estimated 16 MPG city is right on. I’ve done a little better than the 23 MPG highway estimate, but not much. 30 highway? Forget it.

I may have been happier with a RWD with snow tires depending on how well it does in the snow. Especially considering the AWD's apparent lurching problem.

Whatever you do, get the air suspension, it's great.

PRSUIT460

iTrader: (3)

What did they do to lower the HP on the AWD cars? Is it in the tune?

VanCityLS4

iTrader: (1)

The RWD cars utilize a 2 into 1 header design for improved flow (23HP). AWD cars use a poorer flowing log tube design similar to what was used in the 4.0 and 4.3L engines. Lots of HP to unlock in both of those designs.

Tec80

The AWD has less power because the exhaust pipes have to navigate around the transfer case, front driveshaft, and front differential - none of which exist on the RWD cars. The axle ratio of the AWD cars is a bit shorter to help compensate, which makes them a bit more responsive in around-town driving. We have both versions and often drive them back-to-back in the space of a few hours.

Tec80

VancityLS4, we posted at the EXACT same time, and you visually showed what we both explained - awesome!

VanCityLS4

iTrader: (1)

Lol I know so random.

A 200+ pound weight difference is also felt. I don't think many HP are lost from the AWD mid pipe. It's definitely not as symmetrical as the RWD lay out

PRSUIT460

iTrader: (3)

Hmmm interesting. I wonder if my friend that does fab work can make a set of headers for me..

Lexuslsguy

If you live in the northeast or anywhere that snows in the winter AWD is well worth it in my opinion. I put Blizzaks on my 430 and it did surprisingly well but it is just nice to maintain that grip even in warm weather. I'm a big fan. There are times when it may be a little wet and you need to accelerate hard to avoid speeding traffic and with AWD you can maintain that grip. Not so with only 2 wheels putting power down.

SW17LS

Yeah, the AWD really is great in the snow. I can get around in the snow no problem, while my RWD LS430 and LS400 were quite poor in the snow on all seasons.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

You're kidding, right?

Lexuslsguy

Did you put snow tires on the 400 or 430. I found the difference between all seasons and good snow tires to be quite profound.

SW17LS

No, in my area it doesn't make sense to get winter tires. Our winters are so hit or miss. Doesn't surprise me at all you noticed a huge difference.