Is AWD really that much safer than FWD?

Question

I'm in college and I want a cute, small, sporty coupe like the scion tC, but my mom is absolutely insisting on an AWD car, even though I live where there is NO ice or snow. Problem is there aren't really many affordable small cars with AWD.

1. Is AWD really that much safer?

2. Is it worth the extra $$ (for AWD & lower gas mileage)?

3. Do you guys have any suggestions for cute small cars/coupes that come with the AWD option (no subarus)? Preferably cheaper than 30k, 40k max.. Or will I be stuck with a huge family size sedan type car? I really don't think I can convince her about this.

Answer 1

Yes it is much safer and if you are looking for something nice, look at these vehicles because I have driven all of them and they really ride and handle great...........

Fusion, Milan or MKZ

Answer 2

suzuki has the aerio awd. and it get's pretty good mpg. My experiance with awd is, it's awsome with good tires. it's a different feeling in the rain. I felt confident driving 70 miles an hour in the rain. I had a subaru wrx wagon. It had a little performance, and a little utility. I recommend you test drive Ford 500, is silky smooth and it's awd, with a shiftless tranny, it's right were you want to pay, it's a midsize car, so it has plenty of room, and the style is awsome.

Answer 3

Stay away from Ford. Since the Scion is a Toyota, check out a Lexus. The only positive thing about AWD is that the car may be slightly more stable. It's not worth it to get AWD. It does not help in the snow either, a RWD will actually drive better than an AWD in the snow if equipped with snow tires. Go with FWD. By the way, there is nothing wrong with Subarus, it is none of my business to ask why you don't like them, but they come close to reliability with a Toyota. You're best of with the Scion tC, it is a great car. And no, AWD is not safer, not worth 2 less miles per gallon and 2000 extra dollars. A lot of AWD only engages when the wheels slip, and if you have anti lock brakes, stability control, and traction control, which is standard on most cars these days. The best affordable AWD is the Lexus IS 250 AWD. The Lexus is the best by far. Lexus has been rated as being the most reliable cars for over 13 years! No lie.It is worth the extra money because of how long it will last you. This will tell you about that car. It is so well equipped For $35k. Happy car buying! At least take a look at the Lexus. They're "cute". http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?... Click on Standard features and specs, and select the AWD model. I can Guarantee you will love this car. Please at least test drive it.

Answer 4

I would get an Audi - They are awesome cars - handling is great and so is the safety.  The A4 model is pretty small and you can get a used one for about 20k (maybe for 2005 or 2006) even some TT models are awd and very sporty

Answer 5

i dunno how much safer it is i dont try to crash but i have two cars one is an awd version one is fwd and believe me i feel about a hundred times more confident with that car but it also has four wheel steering too.

Answer 6

It makes absolutely ZERO difference to the maximum level of total mechanical grip that the tyres have on the road, it just channels the engines power through all of the tyres instead of two. This gives an advantage in slippery surface driving whilst accelerating and exiting corners. What you really want to go for for maximum safety is a solidly built medium to large car with advanced suspension and quality wide tyres (Taking that to it's logical conclusion, you want a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640!! Do you reckon your mom will spring for one of those?). Traction control, ABS, and electronic stability control all reduce the likelihood of you losing control of your car in an exceptional situation. For maximum crash survivability, you want a larger, more solidly built car (Audi A6 or Mercedes E class), with excellent passive safety ratings. Lotsa airbags, active head restraints, active seatbelts, that kind of thing.

What do you have against Subarus? Ask your mom for a Legacy GT, or a 3.0R. 5 star safety rating, leather interior, and it goes fast and handles well. Also looks d**n good in black!