2WD vs AWD feel

[jmess]

I had my car in to fix some noises and was give an EX35 AWD loaner. Since they needed to keep my car over the weekend I ended up taking it on a 450 mile road trip. This is the first time I had spent any quality time in an EX35 AWD.

The difference in how both cars drive and feel is bigger than what I expected. Having driven an G35x in the past I was surprised at how much harder/heavier the steering effort is in the EX35 AWD compared to the 2WD. The combination of the AWD weight, internal friction, and heavier steering makes the 2WD feels light and nimble. The AWD front drive system weight can be felt going over bumps. It almost feels like the shock valving has more bump or there is a difference in the spring rates for the AWD. The AWD automatic unlocks the torque converter more on the highway with minor increases in throttle or changes in slope. I was actually driving slower on this trip and using the cruise control much more than I usually do. The AWD averaged 20 MPG where my 2WD would get 22 MPG with heavier foot on the same roads.

So the moral of the story is if you live in a milder climate you should really test drive both versions. I think you will be surprised at the difference in how they feel. Some dealers don't like to stock 2WDs because they feel they are harder to sell. I hope Infiniti continues to offer a 2wd in the next generation EX. A sports package with a suspension tuned a little more towards handling combined with a real limited slip differential would keep me interested.

[scottt]

This is the reason I bought a RWD 09. I drove a 2008 FX35 AWD and could really tell it was AWD, I like the feel of a RWD vehicle, I am also very happy the way the RWD feels in the rain, very controlled, not sure if it has to do with the traction control or what, it just works well. I live in California and never drive in the snow.

Scott