I am very surprise that AWD RC350 has huge difference between RWD and I don't know which one I should pick.

I current drive a 2011 RX350 and do not feel good with that 6AT.

Seems both in FSPROT Package

The difference between RWD and AWD model would be

8AT VS 6AT

Electric Power Steering with Variable Gear Ratio Steering VS EPS Only

4Wheels Active Steering VS 2 Wheels only ( as normal )

Rear LSD VS NONE.

I am wonder which version I should take?
2016 Version current only available in AWD Model and I am really wonder about the 6AT transmission and above difference.


And what else different?

BTW What kind of a AWD system is used on RC350 AWD ?

 

I would not use your experience with the RX 6 speed or the RX AWD system to help in this decision - they're just too different.

I have an AWD RX with the 6 speed and an AWD IS with the 6 speed (same as RC350).

There really are no similarities in the two. While I have no complaints about the 6 speed in my RX, the transmission in the IS is wonderful and sport oriented. Shifts are fast and aggressive, and easily controlled.

As far as AWD systems, I find my IS is more capable than my RX in snow. I only drive the RX in the snow if ground clearance is an issue, otherwise I prefer the IS. The IS, like the RC, has better weight distribution and I think that helps. My RX manages its way through snow. My IS excels in it. This is not to say that a RWD RC with good snow tires would not be sufficient. I just don't have experience with it.

The AWD system in the RX is FWD biased. It only sends power to the rear wheels during acceleration and when it detects slipping.

The IS and RC use a rear wheel biased system. Under normal conditions, it sends 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels, and 30 to the front. It can vary that up to 50/50 as needed.

Good luck in your decision!

 

Hey, Canada based here. I was experiencing the same dilemma when selecting my car as well.

Although the RWD came with a bunch of goodies like 4WS and LSD ath end of the day, if this your daily driver you will experience some inclement weather (unless you're in Vancouver). With winters being so unpredictable I opted for the AWD. In rain and snow, I can continue to drive without having that constant fear in the back of my mind with RWD.

 

+1 to what JDR76 wrote.

OP: The AWD RC has a larger wheel gap than the RC RWD if that matters to you. Also, fuel economy, acceleration, and handling will be a little worse on the AWD due to its added weight and power distribution. Personally, I would go for the RWD (with winters) if you live in a major city where streets are cleared almost immediately after a snowfall, but like you noted, 2016's in Canada are AWD only (as well as only F SPort is available) so if you want the RWD, you must hurry and get a '15 before they're out.

Good luck

P.S. I originally wanted my IS to be RWD but it meant waiting much longer to special order so I grabbed the next available one enroute, an AWD. Happy with it but I wish I had waited for the RWD.