AWD vs FWD?

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 28 Sep 2012, 16:01

I was just at the Dealer. He has a 2012 FWD xc70. I thought they were all AWD. What is the ADVANTAGE to FWD? I never had AWD, currently have an 850...no problems in the snow thus far.

Post by **jimmy57** » 28 Sep 2012, 17:40

The advantage is that so many people in the south, southwest and west do not need AWD but like SUV's
The most popular XC90 in those areas has been the 2.5T and now 3.2 FWD.
FWD XC60's are big sellers too.
The low sales of V70 made volvo drop it and it was no big deal to offer a FWD 3.2 xc70. Those have increased sales of wagons in those same areas where FWD SUV's were doing well.
Lexus RS300/330/350 are mostly FWD in the same sales areas mentioned.

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 28 Sep 2012, 17:59

Would I expect higher MPG? Less maintenance? Same performance?

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 28 Sep 2012, 19:00

AlanS wrote:Would I expect higher MPG? Less maintenance? Same performance?

FWD will be slightly higher MPG, less maintenance and from a power standpoint a definite improvement. Of course though, if you can't get grip with your front wheels your gonna be a lot slower than an AWD vehicle.

Jesse