looking for a new toy when it gets warmer in chicago

[LHOswald]

FWD is still FWD. some handle alot better than others but AWD > RWD > FWD. i would definitely say a WRX\WRX STi. just like alfa said, that all screams a wrx and if you've got the money, going for the STi will only make the smile on your face bigger. ask Mr. Sheehan how much fun he has in his...

[AHTOXA]

Awd isn't always better than rwd. Lancia stratos is one example.

[comingbackdown]

Awd isn't always better than rwd. Lancia stratos is one example.

Every drivetrain has its pros and cons. As far as performance or racing, FWD is limited.
RWD is fun but less stable than AWD.
AWD has some cons too.
For example, AWD is a little bit easier to break things on if you way overdo it. That drivetrain shock has to go somewhere...

[AHTOXA]

It's not only that. AWD tends to behave differently from RWD, however it can be tweaked to the driver's preferences.

[LHOswald]

the only major cons against AWD is weight, which is a huge factor. but when you add in the benefits that you get better traction, better handling and a less chance of it oversteering (but still a pretty big chance it'll understeer) i think its better than RWD. RWD of course does put more power to the wheels so it'll have better acceleration after you hit 2nd or 3rd.

[theholycow]

still a pretty big chance it'll understeer

Lame.

[the unknown]

well thanks for the responses everyone. this has helped me, and now im reconsidering a WRX. i like the GC chassis WRXs because of the styling, lightweight, and the fact that there arent very many of those on the road anymore. and i do agree that unibody double wishbone front suspensions offer great handling characteristics. thats why im partial to cars with that setup, even though some of my choices run mac struts in the front.

[vedran]

good pick!

good luck finding a non-abused WRX with all working synchros/gears, though. i have yet to drive one

[watkins]

the only major cons against AWD is weight

Do not forget the high drivetrain losses and higher unsprung weight (sorta)

[LHOswald]

higher drivetrain losses is definitely a huge con, but higher unsprung weight? minimal

[94Corolla5Speed]

I don't see where unsprung weight comes in. AWD cars don't have heavier wheels, tires, or brakes.

[LHOswald]

they need to have bigger brakes to stop the weight of all the AWD components, driveshaft is bigger, 4 axles instead of 2 and stronger wheels to support it all. the wheels and brakes are minimal but the axles and bigger driveshaft do add some unsprung weight

[94Corolla5Speed]

Ah, right the driveshafts. Those escaped my mind for some reason (referring to the fact that they are unsprung weight.)

[IMBoring25]

In the case of a fully-independent suspension, the driveshafts are sprung weight and the axles are partially-sprung weight.

[LHOswald]

even if it is independent its still unsprung slightly.