Awd vs rwd
#17
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I live in KC. Like Chicago, we get 5-10 snow events a year. Short lived snow for sure. But when it snows you certainly need AWD here. However, the wet traction in an AWD is a factor to consider as well. I have zero wheel slippage in any wet conditions. And we have a lot of rain events.
I drove several LS RWD and LS AWD cars before I bought my 09 AWD LS 460. Love the AWD. I used to have a Audi A6 so I was used to the traction and confidence that comes with the AWD. I leave my all season tires on and the LS's AWD is amazing in slippery conditions. I really didn't want to hassle with swapping out tires for snows each winter so I didn't buy a LS RWD (which I feel you have to do if you want your RWD LS to get decent traction up a hill in snow).
The LS AWD does feel heavier than the LS RWD. Plus, it swallows gas like I drink beer: quickly. But I like the fact that weather does not dictate my travel plans in the AWD LS. I also feel safer in wet conditions. There is no question in my mind that the extra price for the AWD is worth it...to me.
I drove several LS RWD and LS AWD cars before I bought my 09 AWD LS 460. Love the AWD. I used to have a Audi A6 so I was used to the traction and confidence that comes with the AWD. I leave my all season tires on and the LS's AWD is amazing in slippery conditions. I really didn't want to hassle with swapping out tires for snows each winter so I didn't buy a LS RWD (which I feel you have to do if you want your RWD LS to get decent traction up a hill in snow).
The LS AWD does feel heavier than the LS RWD. Plus, it swallows gas like I drink beer: quickly. But I like the fact that weather does not dictate my travel plans in the AWD LS. I also feel safer in wet conditions. There is no question in my mind that the extra price for the AWD is worth it...to me.
#18
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I can't disagree with anything you have said as I have not carried out similar comparisons. What I can say is that my LS430 with good quality winter tires was marginal in Wisconsin winter weather, whereas my LS460L AWD with winter tires is a night and day difference. Maybe there are other contributing factors such as weight differences, traction control software improvements etc.
#19
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I have an '08 LS...didn't think the '08's had the AWD.
I run X-ice snow tires in the winter and between them and the 'snow' switch we never get stuck or lose control enough to cause the major muscle groups to twitch.
I live just west of Denver and we probably get as much snow as anyone. When we get the 12"+ snows we take the 4WD Taco.
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