Edge Limited FWD vs. AWD

[Dreamss]

Just a quick question for all of you,

 

My dealer called me today as a courtesy call and asked me if there was anything I wanted to change or add to my order as it was the last day to do so before he submitted the order I placed.

 

I ordered the Limited with the FWD option but people (most people actually) I've been speaking to about my purchase think I should have opted for the AWD due to living in Montreal meaning significant snow, sleet and unpredictable weather at times, better resale (for our market) and it would sell faster here should I ever decide to sell it.

 

My reasoning not to have chosen the AWD initially was the additional parts (should they break and need repairing = $$), weight of car is more with AWD and extra gas consumption, I don't drive to work so the snow on a daily basis isn't a major "concern", i don't do winter sports (hate the cold) and don't have a country house where off road may be needed.

Do I truly need AWD, prob not, but with my wife and I also driving my 2 year old daughter around, it may be reassuring to know that it is there should and if we need ever need it.

 

I've never driven a FWD vehicle or AWD, it will be a first for me either way so I don't know the difference between them. All my cars past have been RWD sport sedans but was told once you go AWD you don't go back.

 

My question is, on a full tank of gas, how much more will I be "losing / spending" to drive the AWD over the FWD? Does it work out to probably around $10.00 more per fill up or so? Is the extra fuel consumption something I should be considering or is it so insignificant that it shouldn't be the deciding factor?

 

Also, I keep reading that the 2 drive very differently, can anyone who's driven both or know the biggest differences between the 2 driving styles please provide your impressions on both. Does the AWD feel "wierd" in the summer or would i not notice the difference between the AWD vs FWD in the summer driving in the city and / or long highway cruises.

 

Lastly, what is the reliability of these AWD system, should I expect it to last a long time, say 10 years or so before I worry about repairs?

 

I just hate having to have this system on the car for the 8 months i prob don't need it but i know it is piece of mind when i would.

The $1500.00 upgrade cost was an issue, now it's not, i just want to make the right choice before it's to late.

 

Any feedback would be appreciated, now or after my deadline to change order as we never know what they can do if i push them.

 

Thanks in advance!

Tony

[CanuckG35]

Like you, I am coming from RWD Sports Sedans only. I opted for AWD for the added safety and piece of mind for when my wife and 3 year old daughter are in the car. Not only does AWD come in handy in winter time driving, it also can be helpful in rainy/wet conditions. IMO, the reduced fuel economy due to the added weight of the AWD system is minimal (about 1-3 imperial MPGj is all). IIRC, you guys in QC are mandated to have winter tires on, correct? A good winter tire setup and AWD will work great in the winter! I personally would go with the AWD, however only you can choose.

[wilsons66604]

I had a Honda Element AWD a few years ago and loved it because it was available when I wanted it (parking in big grass fields at the Kansas Speedway could get pretty muddy at times) but usually FWD was all that was active. Last winter, I got stuck several times in my Camry Hybrid (FWD). That's when I decided to get another AWD.

 

I haven't driven a FWD Edge but my AWD Edge drives great. There is a gauge in the instrument cluster that lets you know what wheels are being driven. Most of the time it's Front but I have noticed the AWD kick in when leaving a stop.

The gas mileage is less for the AWD by a couple of MPG

 

If you are used to Rear Wheel drive, it will take a little getting used to FWD. In order to cut donuts, you need to do it in reverse (lol)

I doubt you will notice the difference between AWD & FWD until you get into a muddy, wet, or snowy situation.

[choff1138]

I have driven a FWD for the last 10 years in Alaska (snow, ice, you name it) and was "fine" I never got stuck, but I was never crazy. There were times that I just wasn't able or shouldn't have driven the FWD. It also was a small, low car, so that also played into those added difficulties. I went with the AWD as we are planning on not having to use our 4wheel drive truck as much. We try to commute together as much as possible and tend to keep one car parked. It is time for the truck to take a break.

 

There are to many differences between my escort and the edge to say what is because of awd and fwd.

 

I certainly wouldn't base a decision on the possible resale of the car in 10 years though.

 

Good luck and you will be happy with either.

[GatorCat]

This is a great topic, and something I was debating myself. I've had mostly RWD sports sedans also (a couple of FWD thrown in as well).

 

I'm in Florida so when I asked about AWD they looked at me like I was nuts. BUT, if you look at some other brands, you'll notice that AWD is becoming the standard: Audi (Quattro), Acura (SH-AWD), Subaru, VW (4Motion), MB (4Matic). Ford should market this and not stick it as an afterthought.

 

I think Ford is doing a poor job of selling the benefits of AWD. This is a handling feature that is useful not just in snow and mud, but also wet or slick surfaces, or even during aggressive driving/cornering.

 

I've decided to go with AWD because of the handling characteristics, in that I don't want the stability control to have to engage in cases where the AWD can compensate. The system is designed to anticipate loss of traction, etc. instead of reacting like stability control does. I'm hoping it provides a more secure and fun driving experience.

 

I'm looking forward to my first AWD car, so maybe I'll change my tune in the future. We'll see. Either way, good luck with your new EDGE!

 

 

[LIVIO]

Just a quick question for all of you,

 

My dealer called me today as a courtesy call and asked me if there was anything I wanted to change or add to my order as it was the last day to do so before he submitted the order I placed.

 

I ordered the Limited with the FWD option but people (most people actually) I've been speaking to about my purchase think I should have opted for the AWD due to living in Montreal meaning significant snow, sleet and unpredictable weather at times, better resale (for our market) and it would sell faster here should I ever decide to sell it.

 

My reasoning not to have chosen the AWD initially was the additional parts (should they break and need repairing = $$), weight of car is more with AWD and extra gas consumption, I don't drive to work so the snow on a daily basis isn't a major "concern", i don't do winter sports (hate the cold) and don't have a country house where off road may be needed.

Do I truly need AWD, prob not, but with my wife and I also driving my 2 year old daughter around, it may be reassuring to know that it is there should and if we need ever need it.

 

I've never driven a FWD vehicle or AWD, it will be a first for me either way so I don't know the difference between them. All my cars past have been RWD sport sedans but was told once you go AWD you don't go back.

 

My question is, on a full tank of gas, how much more will I be "losing / spending" to drive the AWD over the FWD? Does it work out to probably around $10.00 more per fill up or so? Is the extra fuel consumption something I should be considering or is it so insignificant that it shouldn't be the deciding factor?

 

Also, I keep reading that the 2 drive very differently, can anyone who's driven both or know the biggest differences between the 2 driving styles please provide your impressions on both. Does the AWD feel "wierd" in the summer or would i not notice the difference between the AWD vs FWD in the summer driving in the city and / or long highway cruises.

 

Lastly, what is the reliability of these AWD system, should I expect it to last a long time, say 10 years or so before I worry about repairs?

 

I just hate having to have this system on the car for the 8 months i prob don't need it but i know it is piece of mind when i would.

The $1500.00 upgrade cost was an issue, now it's not, i just want to make the right choice before it's to late.

 

Any feedback would be appreciated, now or after my deadline to change order as we never know what they can do if i push them.

 

Thanks in advance!

Tony

 

 

 

Tony, my advice to you is........go for the AWD brother.........we live in Canada!

 

Especially in Montreal, instead of doing this you will be doing this in the snow!

 

Livio

Edited September 28, 2010 by LIVIO

[bpattie]

Just a quick question for all of you,

 

My dealer called me today as a courtesy call and asked me if there was anything I wanted to change or add to my order as it was the last day to do so before he submitted the order I placed.

 

I ordered the Limited with the FWD option but people (most people actually) I've been speaking to about my purchase think I should have opted for the AWD due to living in Montreal meaning significant snow, sleet and unpredictable weather at times, better resale (for our market) and it would sell faster here should I ever decide to sell it.

 

My reasoning not to have chosen the AWD initially was the additional parts (should they break and need repairing = $$), weight of car is more with AWD and extra gas consumption, I don't drive to work so the snow on a daily basis isn't a major "concern", i don't do winter sports (hate the cold) and don't have a country house where off road may be needed.

Do I truly need AWD, prob not, but with my wife and I also driving my 2 year old daughter around, it may be reassuring to know that it is there should and if we need ever need it.

 

I've never driven a FWD vehicle or AWD, it will be a first for me either way so I don't know the difference between them. All my cars past have been RWD sport sedans but was told once you go AWD you don't go back.

 

My question is, on a full tank of gas, how much more will I be "losing / spending" to drive the AWD over the FWD? Does it work out to probably around $10.00 more per fill up or so? Is the extra fuel consumption something I should be considering or is it so insignificant that it shouldn't be the deciding factor?

 

Also, I keep reading that the 2 drive very differently, can anyone who's driven both or know the biggest differences between the 2 driving styles please provide your impressions on both. Does the AWD feel "wierd" in the summer or would i not notice the difference between the AWD vs FWD in the summer driving in the city and / or long highway cruises.

 

Lastly, what is the reliability of these AWD system, should I expect it to last a long time, say 10 years or so before I worry about repairs?

 

I just hate having to have this system on the car for the 8 months i prob don't need it but i know it is piece of mind when i would.

The $1500.00 upgrade cost was an issue, now it's not, i just want to make the right choice before it's to late.

 

Any feedback would be appreciated, now or after my deadline to change order as we never know what they can do if i push them.

 

Thanks in advance!

Tony

My personal preference was the AWD route, more for added Winter traction both snow and ice. But I have a 4 WD also to fall back on if I need it. I have a old Honda Civic that is my "airport" car and that is FWD. I have used it in some pretty nasty Colorado winter weather, and though it will not get me where the 4WD can, it does really well in most of the "sane" driving conditions. I think choff1238 is correct. You will be happy with either choice.

[Dreamss]

Thanks eveyone!

 

I just got in from the dealer and I did it, I made the change from FWD to now AWD.

 

I think that added sense of security will make me feel a little better driving through any type of weather now and I won't hesitate to go out in conditions that I would second guess before.

 

I'm sure either option would be fine but I can see the added value of the AWD being from Montreal.

 

Now, order goes in tomorrow morning, let's see how long it takes before I get to drive it home!

 

Feel free to continue adding opinions or comparisons for both, myself and others would probably find it very useful if debating which to buy.

 

Thanks again!

Tony

[wilsons66604]

Good call Tony! You'll be glad you went AWD.

[CanuckG35]

Thanks eveyone!

 

I just got in from the dealer and I did it, I made the change from FWD to now AWD.

 

I think that added sense of security will make me feel a little better driving through any type of weather now and I won't hesitate to go out in conditions that I would second guess before.

 

I'm sure either option would be fine but I can see the added value of the AWD being from Montreal.

 

Now, order goes in tomorrow morning, let's see how long it takes before I get to drive it home!

 

Feel free to continue adding opinions or comparisons for both, myself and others would probably find it very useful if debating which to buy.

 

Thanks again!

Tony

 

Good stuff Tony. The extra piece of mind having your wife and 2 year old driving in the winter with traction placed on 2 extra wheels is worth it alone. I placed my order on Monday, so we'll have similiar wait times!!

[Waldo]

AWD is the biggest scam the automobile industry has going on these days. "Piece of mind", "safety and security" is all a bunch of bull. AWD helps you get going faster in slippery conditions. It does a great job of doing that. But it can only help when you are actually putting power to the road. Braking, cornering, and straightline stability - the important things that actually make you feel "secure", are pretty much unaffected by AWD.

 

I've been driving FWD through the last 15 Canadian winters and have never had any issues. Good snow tires are the key to safe and secure driving in the winter. AWD is certainly more fun and will make you feel like a king of the road as you blow everyone away from stop lights, but that feeling it gives you is a false sense of security. AWD also does a great job of removing the torque steer feeling of a FWD car, but I'd rather save the $1500 and gas mileage penalty and just hold the wheel tighter.

[Waldo]

 

I've decided to go with AWD because of the handling characteristics, in that I don't want the stability control to have to engage in cases where the AWD can compensate. The system is designed to anticipate loss of traction, etc. instead of reacting like stability control does. I'm hoping it provides a more secure and fun driving experience.

 

 

I'm afraid you are grossly misinformed about the function of AWD, stability control or both. The AWD will never compensate for stability control. It can compensate for traction control, but that is not handling. Another way to compensate for traction control is to lift your right foot off the gas pedal. AWD only works when your foot is pressing on the gas, stability control works all the time.

 

People have somehow misinterpreted AWD systems as enablers for better handling. Part of this comes from the fact that race cars with AWD always outperform 2WD competitors. It's not because they can actually take corners faster, it's because they can distribute the traction on corner exit among the 4 tires, allowing greater acceleration out of the corner. Some people might argue that this is technically "handling", but really it's just a different form of low-traction acceleration. The only way that an AWD system can improve handling is because the weight of the system will actually lower the CG of most vehicles. That can give an impression of better handling because of lower roll moments, but the extra weight itself isn't going to give you any additional grip.

[oakville_edge]

People have somehow misinterpreted AWD systems as enablers for better handling. Part of this comes from the fact that race cars with AWD always outperform 2WD competitors. It's not because they can actually take corners faster, it's because they can distribute the traction on corner exit among the 4 tires, allowing greater acceleration out of the corner. Some people might argue that this is technically "handling", but really it's just a different form of low-traction acceleration. The only way that an AWD system can improve handling is because the weight of the system will actually lower the CG of most vehicles. That can give an impression of better handling because of lower roll moments, but the extra weight itself isn't going to give you any additional grip.

 

Waldo is correct - AWD is not a safety feature. Arguably it's the opposite. It creates a false sense of traction, where traction is in fact limited. It's important to be in tune with the road conditions, and to that end noticing some wheel slippage when you accelerate is an excellent indicator that you will encounter the same when you attempt to stop.

 

2WD is better on gas, and less likely to break down as its a more simplified system. There are limited circumstances where AWD/4WD will get you out of a stuck position, however that's about all the benefit you will see. In fact I laugh as I see people spend $ 1500 + gas + additional maintenance on the AWD system to better handle snow... yet leave on All season tires.

 

Winter tires improve your traction more significantly then AWD on its own (yes AWD + Winter tires will help you get going even better of course). If snow is truly your concern, use the $ 1500 you save on a great set of winter tires. You will not only avoid getting stuck, but more importantly you will be able to STOP!

[CanuckG35]

AWD is the biggest scam the automobile industry has going on these days. "Piece of mind", "safety and security" is all a bunch of bull. AWD helps you get going faster in slippery conditions. It does a great job of doing that. But it can only help when you are actually putting power to the road. Braking, cornering, and straightline stability - the important things that actually make you feel "secure", are pretty much unaffected by AWD.

 

I've been driving FWD through the last 15 Canadian winters and have never had any issues. Good snow tires are the key to safe and secure driving in the winter. AWD is certainly more fun and will make you feel like a king of the road as you blow everyone away from stop lights, but that feeling it gives you is a false sense of security. AWD also does a great job of removing the torque steer feeling of a FWD car, but I'd rather save the $1500 and gas mileage penalty and just hold the wheel tighter.

 

I 100% agree that the MOST important thing regarding winter driving is equipping your vehicle with proper winter rubber. No 4WD or AWD system will let you brake or corner better on snow or ice than a good set of winter tires. I NEVER run anything except winter tires on my vehicles in the winter. Blizzaks have been my personal choice of winter tire.

 

Regarding your comment about AWD vehicles being the biggest scam in the auto industry, I couldn't disagree more. Are you actually saying that Subaru's AWD system, Audi's Quattro, or Infiniti's ATTESSA, etc adds zero safety in winter driving, wet road conditions, or even dry pavement conditions when you need to perform an emergency manoevure??? I beg the differ.

[wilsons66604]

I 100% agree that the MOST important thing regarding winter driving is equipping your vehicle with proper winter rubber. No 4WD or AWD system will let you brake or corner better on snow or ice than a good set of winter tires. I NEVER run anything except winter tires on my vehicles in the winter. Blizzaks have been my personal choice of winter tire.

 

Regarding your comment about AWD vehicles being the biggest scam in the auto industry, I couldn't disagree more. Are you actually saying that Subaru's AWD system, Audi's Quattro, or Infiniti's ATTESSA, etc adds zero safety in winter driving, wet road conditions, or even dry pavement conditions when you need to perform an emergency manoevure??? I beg the differ.

Well put!

 

I agree, tires are the first line of defense.

I had good tires last Christmas morning when my Camry's front end got high centered in a snow drift. If only I had AWD to pull myself out.

 

Why NOT have AWD?

Concern about the added parts? That's no excuse. This tech has been around for years.

[Ctrl-z]

No doubt there's a large number of people who have AWD but don't need it. But it could simply be a case of better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it.

 

As for myself, I have no choice. Without AWD I would often be unable to reach my farm over the last mile of dirt (i.e. Mud) road. But even if it wasn't for that, I think I'd still opt for AWD simply because I have a low tolerance for torque steer. That and the fact that I've had AWD/4WD vehicles for the last 15 years and I've gotten used to the ability to go where I want to without worrying too much about getting stuck. Oh and the fact that in Canada, every MKX is AWD.

 

What I'd really like is to find is a more technical reference to Ford's current AWD system. I know it's more than a simple reactive transfer of power to the rear wheels but I don't know if it's on the level of, say, Acura's system where the outside wheel can turn at a different speed than the inside wheel on the same axle. That system is a great aid to dry pavement handling.

[akirby]

No doubt there's a large number of people who have AWD but don't need it. But it could simply be a case of better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it.

 

As for myself, I have no choice. Without AWD I would often be unable to reach my farm over the last mile of dirt (i.e. Mud) road. But even if it wasn't for that, I think I'd still opt for AWD simply because I have a low tolerance for torque steer. That and the fact that I've had AWD/4WD vehicles for the last 15 years and I've gotten used to the ability to go where I want to without worrying too much about getting stuck. Oh and the fact that in Canada, every MKX is AWD.

 

What I'd really like is to find is a more technical reference to Ford's current AWD system. I know it's more than a simple reactive transfer of power to the rear wheels but I don't know if it's on the level of, say, Acura's system where the outside wheel can turn at a different speed than the inside wheel on the same axle. That system is a great aid to dry pavement handling.

 

What Waldo said was it does help you get going in slippery conditions, but it doesn't help with handling or braking. He also said it was more fun but again that's not the same as safer. Waldo was reacting to the marketing that touts it as "safer", especially in winter climates, because it's not AWD that makes it safer but proper tires that don't lose their grip in the cold and in snow so that you can corner and stop better.

 

As for Ford's AWD system - it can transfer 100% (or close to it) torque from front to rear based either on actual slippage (detected by differences in wheel speeds) or when it anticipates slippage (turning the steering wheel while accelerating hard e.g. It's all controlled electronically by the PCM. The new Explorer version is even more sophisticated as far as the programming but it's the same basic system. It does not transfer torque side to side directly although it can brake one wheel effectively transferring the torque to the other wheel but I think it's only done as part of stability control or the Explorer's off road programming. I don't think it's done on dry pavement to enhance handling like the Acrua system.

[Waldo]

Regarding your comment about AWD vehicles being the biggest scam in the auto industry, I couldn't disagree more. Are you actually saying that Subaru's AWD system, Audi's Quattro, or Infiniti's ATTESSA, etc adds zero safety in winter driving, wet road conditions, or even dry pavement conditions when you need to perform an emergency manoevure??? I beg the differ.

 

That's exactly what I'm saying. What kind of emergency maneuver includes using the throttle? No throttle = no benefit to AWD.

 

Now to answer my own question, yes an expert driver can use the throttle to overcome a skid, but the number of people on the road that know how to do this and are trained to react that way in a real emergency is extremely small. Certainly the people who the auto companies are targeting with their AWD advertising are not capable of using this benefit.

[Waldo]

 

Why NOT have AWD?

Concern about the added parts? That's no excuse. This tech has been around for years.

 

Because it's expensive and wastes a lot of gas.

[Ctrl-z]

It's possible to place a certain amount of increased "safety" with AWD based on the principle of not getting stuck (while remembering the old adage of getting stuck farther and deeper than you would have otherwise). I know that without it I'd often be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a long walk in front of me.

 

It appears that Ford's AWD system is not going to provide much of a benefit to handling/performance. But to say categorically it never helps would be wrong - it most definitely helps in more sophisticated designs found in Accura and all the German manufacturers.

[CanuckG35]

That's exactly what I'm saying. What kind of emergency maneuver includes using the throttle? No throttle = no benefit to AWD.

 

Now to answer my own question, yes an expert driver can use the throttle to overcome a skid, but the number of people on the road that know how to do this and are trained to react that way in a real emergency is extremely small. Certainly the people who the auto companies are targeting with their AWD advertising are not capable of using this benefit.

 

So EVERY emergency maneuver requires the foot off the throttle?? I've personally had to swerve hard left and mash on the throttle at the last moment to avoid a wandering moose. I am not saying AWD vehicles are the best thing since sliced bread, however your blanket statement that they are simply an automotive scam and they offer NO additional safety is inherently incorrect. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one.

[CanuckG35]

It's possible to place a certain amount of increased "safety" with AWD based on the principle of not getting stuck (while remembering the old adage of getting stuck farther and deeper than you would have otherwise). I know that without it I'd often be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a long walk in front of me.

 

It appears that Ford's AWD system is not going to provide much of a benefit to handling/performance. But to say categorically it never helps would be wrong - it most definitely helps in more sophisticated designs found in Accura and all the German manufacturers.

 

Exactly. Having my wife and daughter stuck somewhere doesn't seem all that "safe" to me.

[Waldo]

So EVERY emergency maneuver requires the foot off the throttle?? I've personally had to swerve hard left and mash on the throttle at the last moment to avoid a wandering moose. I am not saying AWD vehicles are the best thing since sliced bread, however your blanket statement that they are simply an automotive scam and they offer NO additional safety is inherently incorrect. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one.

 

I don't think I said they offer NO safety benefit, just a very limited one, for a very high price. For the price of an AWD system you could add side air bags to a car that didn't have it, you could put on stability control 5 times over or you could get fantastically grippy tires, all of which I'm sure you would agree would provide much better safety value. Even better you could take an advanced driver safety training course for yourself and your whole family, and that would stay with you for every car you ever own.

[CanuckG35]

I don't think I said they offer NO safety benefit, just a very limited one, for a very high price. For the price of an AWD system you could add side air bags to a car that didn't have it, you could put on stability control 5 times over or you could get fantastically grippy tires, all of which I'm sure you would agree would provide much better safety value. Even better you could take an advanced driver safety training course for yourself and your whole family, and that would stay with you for every car you ever own.

 

Actually you did.

 

I asked you this.

Are you actually saying that Subaru's AWD system, Audi's Quattro, or Infiniti's ATTESSA, etc adds zero safety in winter driving, wet road conditions, or even dry pavement conditions when you need to perform an emergency manoevure???

 

You replied with this.

That's exactly what I'm saying.

 

We both agree that winter tires are the most important thing, I am just saying that 4 drive wheels are better than two and can provide some added safety in all types of weather conditions.

[bpattie]

I am just saying that 4 drive wheels are better than two and can provide some added safety in all types of weather conditions.

Strongly agree, also let's not forget the potentially strongest safety factor a vehicle has.............the skill of the driver.