2011 AWD and handling

[ninerhawk]

For those of you who have driven both the FWD and AWD versions of the 2011 Edge, do you have any subjective opinions on how the ride or handling compares over a similar course, similar conditions?

[rwbronco]

The AWD is going to handle better but is going to weigh over 400lbs more. Something to keep in mind.

 

From this autoblog post: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/23/whoops-mt-discovers-ford-edge-sport-slower-than-less-powerful-s/

 

In any case, the Edge Sport, with its massive 22-inch wheels and wide tires, can't keep up with the base Edge in a straight line.

 

On the flip side, the AWD Edge Sport (with those aforementioned oversize wheels and tires) handily out-handled its base model sibling. In other words, this is a case where you need to pick your poison, either handling or straight-line acceleration. And of course the upcoming EcoBoost will add another interesting option to consider in a few short months.

 

While it's an unfair comparison testing a heavier car vs a lighter car and claiming heresy when the lighter car ends up being faster 0-60, it's still worth mentioning that the AWD system's weight slows it down in a straight line.

 

If you don't "NEED" AWD, don't get it. The extra weight, frictional power train loses, cost, including maintenance, fuel economy doesn't justify if you don't use it.

[wwest]

For those of you who have driven both the FWD and AWD versions of the 2011 Edge, do you have any subjective opinions on how the ride or handling compares over a similar course, similar conditions?

 

Haven't driven one, don't own one, don't plan to.

 

But.

 

Partially engaging the rear drive while turning might very well result is rather strange handling dynamics on an adverse, slippery, roadbed surface. During low speed acceleration, straight ahead, no real problem except for premature (<100,000 miles) failures within the drive train's weakest link(***) due to drive line windup and/or tire scrubbing.

 

*** PTO for Ford, Transaxles(TC lockup clutch) for Acura MDX.

[Sparky]

Haven't driven one, don't own one, don't plan to.

 

But.

 

Partially engaging the rear drive while turning might very well result is rather strange handling dynamics on an adverse, slippery, roadbed surface. During low speed acceleration, straight ahead, no real problem except for premature (<100,000 miles) failures within the drive train's weakest link(***) due to drive line windup and/or tire scrubbing.

 

*** PTO for Ford, Transaxles(TC lockup clutch) for Acura MDX.

What a hell you talking about??