I am trying to decide between the 2002 CL-S and the 2002 IS3000. I am currently leaning towards the CL-S especially with the possibility of a 6-speed in the 2002. I really want a manual.
Since I have never owned a RWD auto, I am curious to get some opinions on the difference between FWD vs RWD. I understand that RWD tends to allow for a better handling car, but outside of that are their any other advantages in anyone's opinion?
How would you all compare how the CL-S handles to a RWD vehicle? In the test drives I have had in the CL-S, I thought the vehicle handled quite well and I didn't notice much difference from my test drive of the IS. Of course, I wasn't taking any hard corners (perhaps I should next time).
Thanks in advance-
PNC

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"Do you ever get down on your knees and thank God that you have access to my dementia?" George Costanza

 

If you like 4-wheel slides and hand brake turns, go for the RWD.

If you don't mind "pulling" yourself around turns, vs. pushing yourself, then go for the FWD.

If you are talking about what is faster -- there isn't one (it depends on the car and the setup [tires, driver, etc, etc]).


BTW -- I could do more "impressive" stuff in my Bimmer (RWD) than in my front wheel stuff, but I had more time in it -- and that's just my opinion.

(Go drive them both -- or rent a few cars hehehehe)


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Silver 2001 CL-S with NAVI

• Mud guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo T1S 235/45ZR17-97W* Proxies on 17x8" SSR Competition wheels (48lbs less than stock)
• Kevlar/SS Brake lines w/Brembos?
• Comptech headers & sways
• Silver AEM CAI
• 10 coats of Zaino magic

 

Balance will definitely be more "neutral" with RWD, steering will be lighter. FWD is nose heavy, especially in our cars with a 63/37 front/back balance. 50/50 is the ideal setup. Sways will help that "nosey feel" immensely, but RWD is the more racetrack oriented setup. That said, FWD makes for a great all weather vehicle; no where near as "jumpy" as my Mustang Cobra in the rain. When posi RWD breaks loose you're in for some sideways sliding. Drive both and decide..........I do love my CL-S though, FWD or no.

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CL-S PDG, TR Typhoon Wheels, Comptech Sways, Solaris 9005, guards, nose mask, V-1 hard wired & remote.

 

You also gotta ask yourself, is the IS300 and the CL-S the car you want when u really want to be *driving*. The CL and IS are good cars to drive, but the CL is a sport Coupe and the IS is a Sports Sedan, not neccesarily sports cars. So I think you gotta decide whether u want to be doing crazy manuevers on the freeway or do you want to just sit back, relax and tear it up every so often?

 

I would personally go with the CL-Type S RWD

I JUST WISH!!! someone do a conversion and let me know how it turns out Please??

 

Thanks for the comments so far.
Having driven both vehicles, it really is hard for me to notice much of a difference in handling. In fact, I thought the CL-S seemed to handle a little better. I just felt like it had a more solid hold of the road. Now I wasn't playing Bo Duke out for a run from the law during my test drives, but then again, I usually don't drive through Hazard County on my daily commute either.
I have a Solara now and really enjoy the plush ride. I just wish it had more horses and handled a little better. It'd also be nice if Toyota put a 5-speed in the SLE. You can get one in the SE V6, but then you have to add a lot of options to get to what the SLE comes with as a standard package.
Acura has done an excellent job in loading up the CL (which you all aready know).
My lease is up in Sept on my Solara, so I am hoping that info on the 2002 CL-S will be out by Aug in case I need to put in an order for the color I want. I really like the new blue and the pearl white in the TL-S and I am hoping they will be available in the 2002 CL-S. I am also wanting a manual (as I mentioned), but so far this is the only place where I have seen much discussion about it. Acura is keeping really quiet about it, unlike Lexus with the IS.
Now I am getting off topic of my own topic.
So, any more thoughts/comments on RWD vs FWD would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks-
PNastyC

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1999 Toyota Solara SLE in Diamond White

"Do you ever get down on your knees and thank God that you have access to my dementia?" George Costanza