F- Type - AWD v 2WD. Beneficial or not?
#22
There's a reason Porsche makes both the GT3 and the Turbo S....
Motortrend just did a head 2 head of the P1 (RWD) vs the 918 (AWD). 918 sets Laguna Seca lap record...but P1 is better driver's car...goes back to AWD vs RWD.
But honestly the F-Type is not a track car or out to set any lap records...the AWD is, IMO, purely for the wet conditions. Half the control is going through a misery, extended winter. Tons of rain/snow/ice. THAT is Jaguar's intended audience with the AWD....
Motortrend just did a head 2 head of the P1 (RWD) vs the 918 (AWD). 918 sets Laguna Seca lap record...but P1 is better driver's car...goes back to AWD vs RWD.
But honestly the F-Type is not a track car or out to set any lap records...the AWD is, IMO, purely for the wet conditions. Half the control is going through a misery, extended winter. Tons of rain/snow/ice. THAT is Jaguar's intended audience with the AWD....
#23
My SLK55 would have benefited from AWD as it was all over the place except in straight line, then it was a rocket. Not sure about "active AWD" versus Audi 40-60 full time. Talked myself out it on Ghibli as much for cost as anything else. My '08 TT 3.2 Cab. was nice with full time 50-50-AWD, car very drivable. I think the limited slip and active dynamics make the choice in the Jag hard. I suspect the V8 will benefit more than the V6, but both will do ok without AWD because of the existing tech in the drive train!
#24
Having owned 3 Porsche's in the past, the thing I love about the Jag is that it is far more unique on the road. Here in NorCal, 911's are about as common as a Prius (very slight exaggeration).
Very difficult to criticize anything about the driving characteristics of a Porsche... they are awesome machines with a killer motorsports record, which they have brilliantly translated to the street. But... with the exception of the very high end (turbo, gt3), they really have gotten a bit on the boring side (personal perspective)... they are almost too good (Odd criticism, I know).
The F-Type R is a beast and is absolutely gorgeous. It makes you giggle and scares the sh*t out of you at the same time. Puts the fun back in driving for me.
I took possession in Feb '15, and have yet to see another R on the road ironically (I do see handfuls of convertibles/v6's). I love that it is far more unique.
Very difficult to criticize anything about the driving characteristics of a Porsche... they are awesome machines with a killer motorsports record, which they have brilliantly translated to the street. But... with the exception of the very high end (turbo, gt3), they really have gotten a bit on the boring side (personal perspective)... they are almost too good (Odd criticism, I know).
The F-Type R is a beast and is absolutely gorgeous. It makes you giggle and scares the sh*t out of you at the same time. Puts the fun back in driving for me.
I took possession in Feb '15, and have yet to see another R on the road ironically (I do see handfuls of convertibles/v6's). I love that it is far more unique.
#25
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My SLK55 would have benefited from AWD as it was all over the place except in straight line, then it was a rocket. Not sure about "active AWD" versus Audi 40-60 full time. Talked myself out it on Ghibli as much for cost as anything else. My '08 TT 3.2 Cab. was nice with full time 50-50-AWD, car very drivable. I think the limited slip and active dynamics make the choice in the Jag hard. I suspect the V8 will benefit more than the V6, but both will do ok without AWD because of the existing tech in the drive train!
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#33
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What you are describing, the Top Gear style sideways, smoking tire, opposite lock turn is not only slow, it is also a sure way to lose one's license. There is a lot of oversteering bliss to be found in a high powered, nicely balanced RWD car long before smoke billows from the tires.
If you don't get it, get a RWD beater out on a gravel fire road and explore the phenomenon. If you get it right, you will feel you have mastered the art of driving. I've never owned a front wheel drive car and never will. My 4x4 is there for ski trips and boat launches.
Fortunately, the AWD F-type is supposed to be very rear-biased and it might not ruin the car completely. It probably will be a pretty fun ride, just not as satisfying as the RWD version.
#34
#35
With that said, I'm looking very forward to playing with my new 2016 R, once I receive it later this month.
I'll report back on my opinion once I get some seat time in.
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#38
Really guys? Are we really going to play the RWD, AWD, and eventually FWD game? While we are at it how about throwing in the Full-Time 4WD system in my Range Rover and the part-time 4WD system available in other SUVs. How about the MB 6WD system in their monster truck.
If we stick to the F-Type then the RWD has is proponents as do the AWD guys. I just like the car.
I did not get the Porsche because to me it was missing a certain je ne sais qua.
I got the RWD V8 S Roadster because I wanted a car that could go topless. The AWD was not available in 2015. However, I would still have gone RWD without the roof even if an AWD version was available. It depends on what you want. I use my Range Rover Sport in the winter. The F-Type is for a nice summer drive with nothing more challenging than the odd summer shower. I do not track. I am not looking for tenths or hundredths of a second edge. For me the F-Type V8 S Topless (I mean Roadster) is perfect.
Another example. I have hunted with rifles. Most would agree that a reliable semi-auto rifle is best for hunting. However, I hunt with a recurve bow. I don't use a compound bow. I thought about using a longbow but the size gets unmanageable. I would bag more game with a semi-auto rifle. It's more efficient and I have more range. I choose a recurve bow.... It's a preference. It's harder. It's more of a challenge.
If we stick to the F-Type then the RWD has is proponents as do the AWD guys. I just like the car.
I did not get the Porsche because to me it was missing a certain je ne sais qua.
I got the RWD V8 S Roadster because I wanted a car that could go topless. The AWD was not available in 2015. However, I would still have gone RWD without the roof even if an AWD version was available. It depends on what you want. I use my Range Rover Sport in the winter. The F-Type is for a nice summer drive with nothing more challenging than the odd summer shower. I do not track. I am not looking for tenths or hundredths of a second edge. For me the F-Type V8 S Topless (I mean Roadster) is perfect.
Another example. I have hunted with rifles. Most would agree that a reliable semi-auto rifle is best for hunting. However, I hunt with a recurve bow. I don't use a compound bow. I thought about using a longbow but the size gets unmanageable. I would bag more game with a semi-auto rifle. It's more efficient and I have more range. I choose a recurve bow.... It's a preference. It's harder. It's more of a challenge.
Last edited by enfield; 04-04-2015 at 11:15 AM.
#39
How often do you see that technique used on the hairpins at LeMans, Sebring, Sears Point, Watkins Glen, etc?
Last edited by Foosh; 04-04-2015 at 11:47 AM.
#40
I tracked a both a 911 Turbo and an R8, both of which have AWD. Brands was damp'ish as I recall. The 911 was an absolute animal once the turbos kicked in and precise in the turn in. The R8, I felt was sterile and 'just another Audi'.
Both, though left me feeling a bit 'numb' as they seemed to do all the hard work for me, and thus why I feel AWD takes away an element of fun.
Sure, in the rain the AWD F may be able to get off the mark a tad quicker, but it won't stop you from aquaplaning and spinning.
I feel the integration of so much 'control' ultimately takes away the driver's control.
I guess we have a couple of weeks to wait before someone is brave enough to thrash their AWD (before it's run-in ;-)) to get some times.
You were right to question the turning circle - you are correct, it is 35', same as the 2WD - my mistake...just testing to see if you are paying attention ;-)
Both, though left me feeling a bit 'numb' as they seemed to do all the hard work for me, and thus why I feel AWD takes away an element of fun.
Sure, in the rain the AWD F may be able to get off the mark a tad quicker, but it won't stop you from aquaplaning and spinning.
I feel the integration of so much 'control' ultimately takes away the driver's control.
I guess we have a couple of weeks to wait before someone is brave enough to thrash their AWD (before it's run-in ;-)) to get some times.
You were right to question the turning circle - you are correct, it is 35', same as the 2WD - my mistake...just testing to see if you are paying attention ;-)