AWD v. MR

[Skyline_BNR34]

O I have this irretating guy who keeps saying MR cars have better handling than an AWD car. Which is correct, I say that AWD has better handling because all wheels are spinning and it dosen't break loose and loose traction, and MR will break loose sometimes and is easier to spin out.

I just want to prove this guy wrong because he thinks he knows everything about cars.

[Black Lotus]

Originally Posted by Skyline_BNR34

, I say that AWD has better handling because all wheels are spinning and it dosen't break loose and loose traction, and MR will break loose sometimes and is easier to spin out.

I just want to prove this guy wrong because he thinks he knows everything about cars.

You're not gonna prove him wrong with THAT argument. The only person that couldn't loose control of an AWD car and spin it into a tree if that's what he/she wanted to do, is a person that couldn't reach the gas pedal in the first place (a toddler or an infant).
Also, remember that "handling" is utterly independant from "performance".
So, my 3 opinions.
---The best handling platform for cry babies and girly men (like Elton John and his new bride) is FWD.
---The best handling car for intermmediate levels of driver is AWD.
---The best handling and the most satisfying car to drive for advanced skill drivers is mid-engined rear drive.
Again, my opinion only. And I won't bother to elaborate because this thread will turn into a total snake pit anyway.

[curtis73]

Well, sexuality-bashing aside; it depends on the type of handling and performance you seek. If you're just coasting and yanking the wheel, the MR has the lower moment of inertia. So in addition to being more balanced in the weight catagory, there is less weight at the extremes of the car. Picture it like putting a case of beer in the front of your shopping cart and trying to turn quickly. Now move it to the center of the cart and its much easier. Same weight, better placement.

AWD has its advantage in that both axles pull making more neutral over/under steer characteristics due mostly to traction assistance, but it has almost nothing to do with lateral grip or moment of inertia.

Its darn near impossible to answer the debate with current parameters. We're debating which handles better; this car with certain weight qualities, or that one with certain traction qualities. Its like asking; which is better, Orange Juice or Poodles?

[Reed]

i just want to throw in my vote for MR. Just so when this does turn into a snake pit i'll be toward the top.

[ac427cpe]

Orange juice.





better in what way? for racing? rally or F1?

[Skyline_BNR34]

Ok so it is all dependent on more variabes than just what we were talking about, so basically both is just as good and basically they handle the same.

[curtis73]

How about an MR with AWD? Now that would be wicked. Diablo VT had that... any others?

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by curtis73

How about an MR with AWD? Now that would be wicked. Diablo VT had that... any others?

Well its replacements the Murcialago and what ever the other one are both have AWD.
The Buggatti EB110 also had AWD.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by Black Lotus

---The best handling platform for cry babies and girly men (like Elton John and his new bride) is FWD.
................
---The best handling and the most satisfying car to drive for advanced skill drivers is mid-engined rear drive.

We had better swap cars then.....

[Altimas]

MR>*
AWD helps you get the power down but seeing as most AWD setups are front engined, you get similar weight distros to FWD cars so you get arund 60% weight in the front generally so it doesn't handle any better when not accerating (worse than FWD since it adds weight) but it helps you get out of the corner.
Given alot of AWD setups are FWD untill the front wheels slip(vicous coupling) and then use a 50:50 spit (based on FWD) I really wouldn't touch those with a 10 foot pole since they have power on understeer.
But with cars like the wrx with adjustable splits, it's better since you can make them behave like a RWD car but still fat slicks AWD isn't needed for tarmac racing.
Basically AWD doesn't help handling a bit, it just helps you get the power down while MR and argubabally RR help handling and getting the grip down.
The problem with MR and RR (more drastic) is lift off oversteer and with RR (porche's) is power on understeer since there is so little weight up front.
RR is excellent for braking though.

[Black Lotus]

Originally Posted by Moppie

We had better swap cars then.....

Oooh, you goof!
You're just being a big silly!
(tee hee)