AWD vs FWD

[rsm]

I know this topic is talked about ad nauseum, but I really would like the input of the enthusiasts here at the rogue forum..... this is what I had posted in a different thread:

"So..... with the differential and the transmission of power during acceleration, how much MORE fun do you guys think the AWD is to drive vs FWD on a crossover like the rogue? considering the CVT with optional paddle shifters, does anyone think that the AWD model wouldn't actually accelerate better? is ANYONE living in a steady climate buying AWD over FWD? thanks....."

btw... thanks to vox for posting about pricing today!

[philipa_240sx]

I am unsure as to how Nissan has setup the torque bias on the Rogue and what difference if any it will make on the balance of the car. Remember this is a CUV not a 350Z. You won't be taking corners as high speed or doing lapping days at the local race track.

As for pure acceleration, the FWD version should be faster in dry weather with less curb weight and drivetrain loss. Wet and/or snowy is another story.

Being in Southern Ontario, Canada we get all kinds of winter weather, snow, ice, and freezing rain. I would sooner get a lower cost FWD Rogue with some good winter tires over an AWD vehicle. The extra grip offered by winter tires significantly helps accelerating, cornering and stopping and IMHO is of greater benefit than AWD.

[Eikon]

The new I-AWD system should be pretty cool on the Rogue.

Most small SUV's and CUV's are designed with a basic torson limited slip differential dividing the power between front and rear wheels. What happens is: They are front wheel drive until the front wheels experience traction loss. At that point, the differential sends power to the rear wheels to help make up this traction loss.

The Rogue is similar in basic design, but much improved in application. The Rogue has a computer controlled AWD system that will (hopefully) offer better performance. Here is how:The computer system will determine the action of the driver and convert the power basis appropriately before any loss of traction even occurs. From a stop, the power will go 50/50 or fully AWD automatically. This will ensure that the Rogue will offer the best possible traction... before any loss even occurs. As with the others, while cruising, the Rogue will work in FWD operation to ensure efficiency. When turning, the Rogue will automatically transmission some power to the rear wheels (say 70/30) to ensure the best possible traction should some loss occur.

It's really the same system.. but with a brain. Rather than reacting to the already lost traction... The Rogue will predict when that loss of traction might occur, and already be prepared for it.

If this doesn't make me sound like a Nissan salesman... I don't know what would.

But rest assured.. I'm not.

[jsellberg]

I live in a 'steady climate' (bay area, california) and am buying AWD over FWD. I also am going from a 4WD though, and I go snowboarding during the winter up in Tahoe. I'd get AWD even if I didn't spend winter in Tahoe.

[Ticmxman]

I feel like my Rogue has plenty of power it is a 2wd. One thing I did notice is a pretty major difference in the 0- 60 mph times from Edmunds 4wd test vs Motortrends 2wd Rogue test shown below. The stats below may explain what I feel when I drive my 2wd Rogue of course I live in GA and snow/ice is not a concern. When it is I do not trust other drivers and will drive my work truck.TEST DATA Motortrend on the left.Acceleration to mph 0-30 3.0 sec 0-40 4.4 0-50 6.1 0-60 8.2 (Edmunds 4wd= 9.2) 0-70 10.8 0-80 14.2 0-90 18.3 Quarter mile 16.4 sec 85.5 mph (Edmunds 4wd 16.9, 83.4 mph) Braking, 60-0 mph 124 ft Lateral acceleration 0.80 g avg MT figure eight 28.8 sec 0.56 g avg Top-gear revs 60 mph 2000 rpm

[5starAffiliatePrograms]

I don't need AWD at all in SoCal.

However I just noticed the Intelligent Key and BlueTooth is only available on the AWD so I may decide to get that one instead.

Has anyone test driven both. Would I notice any difference in handling just doing city driving on dry streets?

One dealer told me the AWD handles COMPLETELY differently and I would not even know I was driving the same car. I was test driving the 2WD and of course he said that just to try to sell me the 2WD.

[awestendorf]

I don't need AWD at all in SoCal.

However I just noticed the Intelligent Key and BlueTooth is only available on the AWD so I may decide to get that one instead.

Has anyone test driven both. Would I notice any difference in handling just doing city driving on dry streets?

One dealer told me the AWD handles COMPLETELY differently and I would not even know I was driving the same car. I was test driving the 2WD and of course he said that just to try to sell me the 2WD.

Your dealer is full of it. They drive exactly the same on dry city streets - I drove both in Phoenix in almost identical conditions (maybe a few degrees, but the same weather). I didn't notice any difference at all. I also contemplated the AWD for the intelligent key and the xenon lights, but for $1500 more, I decided it wasn't worth it. The bluetooth in CA would be a plus, though. Hope that helps!

[Ticmxman]

I wish the bluetooth and intelli-key were a seperate package I would love to have them. But I didn't want AWD and its addtional costs. Of course no car manufactuer can satisfy everyones wishs and keep the product at the pricepoint they want.

[5starAffiliatePrograms]

"Your dealer is full of it."

Ya I know that floor sales guy lied to me about a variety of thing just trying to get me to buy what he had on the lot. Now I'll only deal with the Internet manager and th General manager has been calling trying to help me find my car - the one I want. But they won't do dealer trades, so they are trying to get me to special order and it wont come in til Dec. Don't think I can wait that long.

Good to here about your test drive comparison. I figured they drove about the same, but good to hear someone confirm it.

[poconosmama]

I live in the mountains of the Poconos and although the snow is just a fraction of our year, it's bad enough that we only by awd cars. It wasnt even a thought in my mind to get a fwd car. We'll see how it does once the snow hits in a few weeks. We've only had Subarus & Audis for the past 6 years so my Rogue has alot to live up to as far as the awd goes

[jlsatt00]

I am in KY. We get some snow here and lots of ice, so I went with AWD. Besides, I really wanted the bluetooth and intelligent key. I am still impressed with them everytime I take a drive!

[Ticmxman]

I have not paid much attention to the AWD in the Rogue but isn't it a much better system than the other crossovers such as the CRV.