LS500 F Sport AWD vs RWD
02-03-19, 11:03 AM
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LS500 F Sport AWD vs RWD
Hello,
What is the real world difference between AWD and RWD? I was looking to see if the F Sport RWD had a limited slip rear and can't find on the website. I live in NYC and don't plan on driving in the snow that often. I know, you never know, but real world difference?
Thanks
What is the real world difference between AWD and RWD? I was looking to see if the F Sport RWD had a limited slip rear and can't find on the website. I live in NYC and don't plan on driving in the snow that often. I know, you never know, but real world difference?
Thanks
02-03-19, 12:15 PM
#2
Racer
(Disclaimer, the differences below are only for F-Sport vehicles. Certain features mentioned below, like air suspension, are in fact available on AWD models, so long as they are not F-Sport models.)
RWD models see better fuel economy ratings by 1 mpg city, 3 mpg highway, 2 mpg combined. I'd guess this is due to increased weight, increased ride height, and increased drivetrain losses on the AWD models.
RWD models have a better aerodynamic drag coefficient of .28 vs .30 in the AWD. This is likely due to the higher stock ride height on the AWD models, hence the worse drag coefficient.
RWD models have a better turning circle of 36.8 feet vs 39.4 feet in the AWD models. This is something you'd actually notice in real world, day-to-day use. It could be the difference between making that U-turn or needing to do a 3-point turn.
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (static shocks, adjustable dampers). RWD models can be upgraded to the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height function (which rises instantly as you walk up to the car to make getting in/out easier). This is not available on AWD models. This is something you'd actually notice in real world, day-to-day use & would change the character of the car. In addition, vehicles with Air Suspension have a stock ride height about 0.4 inches lower than those without.
RWD models can be equipped with the Performance Package which gets you Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Rear-Wheel Steering, and Active Stabilizers. This is a very notable option that would drastically change the character of the car & is not available on AWD models. Variable Gear Ratio Steering can adjust the number of turns from lock-to-lock anywhere from 2.3 turns to 3.2 turns & gives the steering sharp responses to small inputs when you need to suddenly swerve for example or if you're in a parking lot & makes it so that you need to turn the wheel much less to accomplish your maneuver. On the other hand, when you're cruising around, the speed of the responses to your steering inputs can be slowed down, giving you that traditional luxury car slow and relaxed steering experience. Best of both worlds. AWD models have a steering ratio that cannot change how it responds to your inputs. This is on the slower side, closer to 2.8 or 2.9 turns lock-to-lock at all times. Rear-Wheel Steering does exactly what it says & acts to make the LS feel like a much smaller car in all driving scenarios, especially in tighter parking lot or city traffic conditions. Not only does it become much easier to maneuver at low-speeds as the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction as the front, high-speed stability is also increased as the rear wheels turn in the same direction in the front. This is another feature you'd notice in real world day-to-day use.
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with "Lexus Safety System 2.0." RWD models can be upgraded to the more advanced "Lexus Safety System+ A" suite of safety tech. AWD models cannot be equipped with this.
RWD models can be optioned with the Adaptive Front Lighting System (where they swivel/turn with your steering inputs), AWD cannot.
RWD models can be equipped with the 360 degree camera system, AWD models cannot.
It does not look like the RWD model can be equipped with an LSD.
RWD models see better fuel economy ratings by 1 mpg city, 3 mpg highway, 2 mpg combined. I'd guess this is due to increased weight, increased ride height, and increased drivetrain losses on the AWD models.
RWD models have a better aerodynamic drag coefficient of .28 vs .30 in the AWD. This is likely due to the higher stock ride height on the AWD models, hence the worse drag coefficient.
RWD models have a better turning circle of 36.8 feet vs 39.4 feet in the AWD models. This is something you'd actually notice in real world, day-to-day use. It could be the difference between making that U-turn or needing to do a 3-point turn.
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (static shocks, adjustable dampers). RWD models can be upgraded to the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height function (which rises instantly as you walk up to the car to make getting in/out easier). This is not available on AWD models. This is something you'd actually notice in real world, day-to-day use & would change the character of the car. In addition, vehicles with Air Suspension have a stock ride height about 0.4 inches lower than those without.
RWD models can be equipped with the Performance Package which gets you Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Rear-Wheel Steering, and Active Stabilizers. This is a very notable option that would drastically change the character of the car & is not available on AWD models. Variable Gear Ratio Steering can adjust the number of turns from lock-to-lock anywhere from 2.3 turns to 3.2 turns & gives the steering sharp responses to small inputs when you need to suddenly swerve for example or if you're in a parking lot & makes it so that you need to turn the wheel much less to accomplish your maneuver. On the other hand, when you're cruising around, the speed of the responses to your steering inputs can be slowed down, giving you that traditional luxury car slow and relaxed steering experience. Best of both worlds. AWD models have a steering ratio that cannot change how it responds to your inputs. This is on the slower side, closer to 2.8 or 2.9 turns lock-to-lock at all times. Rear-Wheel Steering does exactly what it says & acts to make the LS feel like a much smaller car in all driving scenarios, especially in tighter parking lot or city traffic conditions. Not only does it become much easier to maneuver at low-speeds as the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction as the front, high-speed stability is also increased as the rear wheels turn in the same direction in the front. This is another feature you'd notice in real world day-to-day use.
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with "Lexus Safety System 2.0." RWD models can be upgraded to the more advanced "Lexus Safety System+ A" suite of safety tech. AWD models cannot be equipped with this.
RWD models can be optioned with the Adaptive Front Lighting System (where they swivel/turn with your steering inputs), AWD cannot.
RWD models can be equipped with the 360 degree camera system, AWD models cannot.
It does not look like the RWD model can be equipped with an LSD.
The following users liked this post:
LexRuger (02-03-19)
02-04-19, 03:42 AM
#3
(Disclaimer, the differences below are only for F-Sport vehicles. Certain features mentioned below, like air suspension, are in fact available on AWD models, so long as they are not F-Sport models.)
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (static shocks, adjustable dampers). RWD models can be upgraded to the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height function (which rises instantly as you walk up to the car to make getting in/out easier). This is not available on AWD models. This is something you'd actually notice in real world, day-to-day use & would change the character of the car. In addition, vehicles with Air Suspension have a stock ride height about 0.4 inches lower than those without.
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with "Lexus Safety System 2.0." RWD models can be upgraded to the more advanced "Lexus Safety System+ A" suite of safety tech. AWD models cannot be equipped with this.
RWD models can be optioned with the Adaptive Front Lighting System (where they swivel/turn with your steering inputs), AWD cannot.
RWD models can be equipped with the 360 degree camera system, AWD models cannot.
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (static shocks, adjustable dampers). RWD models can be upgraded to the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height function (which rises instantly as you walk up to the car to make getting in/out easier). This is not available on AWD models. This is something you'd actually notice in real world, day-to-day use & would change the character of the car. In addition, vehicles with Air Suspension have a stock ride height about 0.4 inches lower than those without.
Both AWD & RWD models come standard with "Lexus Safety System 2.0." RWD models can be upgraded to the more advanced "Lexus Safety System+ A" suite of safety tech. AWD models cannot be equipped with this.
RWD models can be optioned with the Adaptive Front Lighting System (where they swivel/turn with your steering inputs), AWD cannot.
RWD models can be equipped with the 360 degree camera system, AWD models cannot.
02-04-19, 10:31 AM
#4
Racer
All the ones underlined are incorrect, these features can be added to an AWD model. I have adaaptive lighting system on mine. The camera some have that as well, and the air can also be added. They are options on the AWD and usually have to be ordered and you wont find them on the lot but for sure you can get them same with the Lexus safety +A.
I'd love to see examples of AWD F-Sport models with those features, if you could, for peace of mind, as the non F-Sport LS in AWD is available with those features according to Lexus' site, hence the disclaimer at the top of my post that I was referring to F-Sport models only.
Motortrend:
My other problem with this LS 500 F Sport AWD is with its coil-sprung variable-damping suspension.
Rear-drive F-Sports can be had with a $1,500 adaptive variable air suspension that very well may address these shortcomings, but this AWD model's ride quality seemed to prove that Lexus' heart is in tuning cars for continuous creamy smoothness, not occasional athleticism.
Last edited by signdetres; 02-04-19 at 10:46 AM.
02-04-19, 10:56 AM
#5
Racer
I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'm not saying you're right. I'm 100% positive AWD F-Sport LS models cannot be equipped with the Air Suspension, nor many of the features you mislabeled as incorrect.
For example, when building a RWD F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Lexus Safety System +A package without combining this with the Air Suspension.
When building an AWD non F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Adaptive Front Lighting System without getting the Lexus Safety System +A package, which in turn requires the Air Suspension, 360 cam & heated steering wheel.
In addition, I think you're confusing features on your vehicle. You don't have the Adaptive Front Lighting System, what you have are cornering lights that turn on with the turn signals or turn on with steering input to the left or right. These are lights separate from the main LED headlights that point to the sides of the vehicle. With the Adaptive Front Lighting System, it is the actual main LED headlights that are physically turning side-to-side based on steering input to the left or right.
If you had the Adaptive Front Headlight System on your AWD F-Sport LS, you would also have the Lexus Safety System +A package, Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height as well as the 24-inch heads-up display. These are not a la carte options and cannot be had without the other.
Even to get the 360 camera system on an F-Sport, it requires also getting the Air Suspension which also requires getting the Performance Package, again, all of which are not available on AWD models. I know how confusing Lexus' website is and even more confusing is how they spec cars based on whether or not they're AWD or RWD. They do this with the GS as well & I've learned how to figure it all out accordingly over time, hence my original post in this thread to make it as clear, simple & transparent as possible for those looking to decide between AWD or RWD models.
Hope this helps clarify
For example, when building a RWD F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Lexus Safety System +A package without combining this with the Air Suspension.
When building an AWD non F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Adaptive Front Lighting System without getting the Lexus Safety System +A package, which in turn requires the Air Suspension, 360 cam & heated steering wheel.
In addition, I think you're confusing features on your vehicle. You don't have the Adaptive Front Lighting System, what you have are cornering lights that turn on with the turn signals or turn on with steering input to the left or right. These are lights separate from the main LED headlights that point to the sides of the vehicle. With the Adaptive Front Lighting System, it is the actual main LED headlights that are physically turning side-to-side based on steering input to the left or right.
If you had the Adaptive Front Headlight System on your AWD F-Sport LS, you would also have the Lexus Safety System +A package, Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height as well as the 24-inch heads-up display. These are not a la carte options and cannot be had without the other.
Even to get the 360 camera system on an F-Sport, it requires also getting the Air Suspension which also requires getting the Performance Package, again, all of which are not available on AWD models. I know how confusing Lexus' website is and even more confusing is how they spec cars based on whether or not they're AWD or RWD. They do this with the GS as well & I've learned how to figure it all out accordingly over time, hence my original post in this thread to make it as clear, simple & transparent as possible for those looking to decide between AWD or RWD models.
Hope this helps clarify
Last edited by signdetres; 02-04-19 at 11:01 AM.
02-05-19, 02:58 AM
#7
I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'm not saying you're right. I'm 100% positive AWD F-Sport LS models cannot be equipped with the Air Suspension, nor many of the features you mislabeled as incorrect.
For example, when building a RWD F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Lexus Safety System +A package without combining this with the Air Suspension.
When building an AWD non F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Adaptive Front Lighting System without getting the Lexus Safety System +A package, which in turn requires the Air Suspension, 360 cam & heated steering wheel.
In addition, I think you're confusing features on your vehicle. You don't have the Adaptive Front Lighting System, what you have are cornering lights that turn on with the turn signals or turn on with steering input to the left or right. These are lights separate from the main LED headlights that point to the sides of the vehicle. With the Adaptive Front Lighting System, it is the actual main LED headlights that are physically turning side-to-side based on steering input to the left or right.
If you had the Adaptive Front Headlight System on your AWD F-Sport LS, you would also have the Lexus Safety System +A package, Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height as well as the 24-inch heads-up display. These are not a la carte options and cannot be had without the other.
Even to get the 360 camera system on an F-Sport, it requires also getting the Air Suspension which also requires getting the Performance Package, again, all of which are not available on AWD models. I know how confusing Lexus' website is and even more confusing is how they spec cars based on whether or not they're AWD or RWD. They do this with the GS as well & I've learned how to figure it all out accordingly over time, hence my original post in this thread to make it as clear, simple & transparent as possible for those looking to decide between AWD or RWD models.
Hope this helps clarify
For example, when building a RWD F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Lexus Safety System +A package without combining this with the Air Suspension.
When building an AWD non F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Adaptive Front Lighting System without getting the Lexus Safety System +A package, which in turn requires the Air Suspension, 360 cam & heated steering wheel.
In addition, I think you're confusing features on your vehicle. You don't have the Adaptive Front Lighting System, what you have are cornering lights that turn on with the turn signals or turn on with steering input to the left or right. These are lights separate from the main LED headlights that point to the sides of the vehicle. With the Adaptive Front Lighting System, it is the actual main LED headlights that are physically turning side-to-side based on steering input to the left or right.
If you had the Adaptive Front Headlight System on your AWD F-Sport LS, you would also have the Lexus Safety System +A package, Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height as well as the 24-inch heads-up display. These are not a la carte options and cannot be had without the other.
Even to get the 360 camera system on an F-Sport, it requires also getting the Air Suspension which also requires getting the Performance Package, again, all of which are not available on AWD models. I know how confusing Lexus' website is and even more confusing is how they spec cars based on whether or not they're AWD or RWD. They do this with the GS as well & I've learned how to figure it all out accordingly over time, hence my original post in this thread to make it as clear, simple & transparent as possible for those looking to decide between AWD or RWD models.
Hope this helps clarify
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02-05-19, 06:09 AM
#8
"Never sacrifice style for capability with all-wheel drive, available on every LS model. Full-time all-wheel drive delivers engine power to all four wheels, and a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential 12 efficiently distributes it between the front and rear axles, helping optimize traction, handling and control in a variety of driving condition"
02-05-19, 10:45 AM
#11
I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'm not saying you're right. I'm 100% positive AWD F-Sport LS models cannot be equipped with the Air Suspension, nor many of the features you mislabeled as incorrect.
For example, when building a RWD F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Lexus Safety System +A package without combining this with the Air Suspension.
When building an AWD non F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Adaptive Front Lighting System without getting the Lexus Safety System +A package, which in turn requires the Air Suspension, 360 cam & heated steering wheel.
In addition, I think you're confusing features on your vehicle. You don't have the Adaptive Front Lighting System, what you have are cornering lights that turn on with the turn signals or turn on with steering input to the left or right. These are lights separate from the main LED headlights that point to the sides of the vehicle. With the Adaptive Front Lighting System, it is the actual main LED headlights that are physically turning side-to-side based on steering input to the left or right.
If you had the Adaptive Front Headlight System on your AWD F-Sport LS, you would also have the Lexus Safety System +A package, Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height as well as the 24-inch heads-up display. These are not a la carte options and cannot be had without the other.
Even to get the 360 camera system on an F-Sport, it requires also getting the Air Suspension which also requires getting the Performance Package, again, all of which are not available on AWD models. I know how confusing Lexus' website is and even more confusing is how they spec cars based on whether or not they're AWD or RWD. They do this with the GS as well & I've learned how to figure it all out accordingly over time, hence my original post in this thread to make it as clear, simple & transparent as possible for those looking to decide between AWD or RWD models.
Hope this helps clarify
For example, when building a RWD F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Lexus Safety System +A package without combining this with the Air Suspension.
When building an AWD non F-Sport LS, you cannot get the Adaptive Front Lighting System without getting the Lexus Safety System +A package, which in turn requires the Air Suspension, 360 cam & heated steering wheel.
In addition, I think you're confusing features on your vehicle. You don't have the Adaptive Front Lighting System, what you have are cornering lights that turn on with the turn signals or turn on with steering input to the left or right. These are lights separate from the main LED headlights that point to the sides of the vehicle. With the Adaptive Front Lighting System, it is the actual main LED headlights that are physically turning side-to-side based on steering input to the left or right.
If you had the Adaptive Front Headlight System on your AWD F-Sport LS, you would also have the Lexus Safety System +A package, Adaptive Variable Air Suspension with Rapid Height as well as the 24-inch heads-up display. These are not a la carte options and cannot be had without the other.
Even to get the 360 camera system on an F-Sport, it requires also getting the Air Suspension which also requires getting the Performance Package, again, all of which are not available on AWD models. I know how confusing Lexus' website is and even more confusing is how they spec cars based on whether or not they're AWD or RWD. They do this with the GS as well & I've learned how to figure it all out accordingly over time, hence my original post in this thread to make it as clear, simple & transparent as possible for those looking to decide between AWD or RWD models.
Hope this helps clarify
02-05-19, 11:38 AM
#12
Racer
From the Lexus brochure
"Never sacrifice style for capability with all-wheel drive, available on every LS model. Full-time all-wheel drive delivers engine power to all four wheels, and a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential 12 efficiently distributes it between the front and rear axles, helping optimize traction, handling and control in a variety of driving condition"
"Never sacrifice style for capability with all-wheel drive, available on every LS model. Full-time all-wheel drive delivers engine power to all four wheels, and a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential 12 efficiently distributes it between the front and rear axles, helping optimize traction, handling and control in a variety of driving condition"
There is no Torsen limited-slip rear-differential option available on the RWD LS F-Sport as can be found on other Lexus models, like the RWD GS F-Sport.
Last edited by signdetres; 02-05-19 at 11:41 AM.
02-05-19, 11:38 AM
#13
Racer
I currently have adaptive front lighting. Just because it isn't available in the build does not mean you can not get it through the dealer. I will double check and if I'm wrong I will post it, but I'm sure that the 360 camera and the adaptive air suspension can be added to an AWD LS F-Sport. As for the adaptive lighting as said before I have it already on my car.
02-05-19, 04:02 PM
#14
Originally Posted by signdetres
The OP specifically asked if RWD models could be optioned with an LSD. The Torsen limited-slip center differential is standard on AWD models & not available on RWD models.
There is no Torsen limited-slip rear-differential option available on the RWD LS F-Sport as can be found on other Lexus models, like the RWD GS F-Sport.
There is no Torsen limited-slip rear-differential option available on the RWD LS F-Sport as can be found on other Lexus models, like the RWD GS F-Sport.
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Johnkato (04-01-23)
12-05-22, 08:33 AM
#15
General question - does Chevron gas have the same additives in all 3 grades or only in the 93 premium?
Do you guys ever put ARCO gas? I hear it's bad despite it's a "top tier" gas.
Do you guys ever put ARCO gas? I hear it's bad despite it's a "top tier" gas.
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