RCJD

Guys,

FWD vs SH-AWD? About 4K difference.

Thanks!

Brock79

I have the AWD and I'm thinking it's not really worth it. Unless you live in an area where the AWD is actually needed. You do get different seats and the option to get the Umber interior. Besides that, the car lacks in performance and many other cars are right on par with its performance. Like Camry's, Avalons, and a lot of other normal cars. Even with the "vetch" it's not really a performer and it really shows when your at highway speeds and want to pass someone. I bought my TL as a weekend or evening driver to go along with my SHO, and I relegated the TL as an everyday driver now and put 130 miles on ot daily. I use to drive my truck as a daily driver but I would just rather put the miles on the TL. I have owned it since February of this year and I'm seriously thinking of selling it for something else.

skabei

It's preference. If you like the SH-AWD more after driving it and if it's worth the extra $4k to you then you'll enjoy it.

I bought a 2012 FWD Tech a few months ago and while sometimes I wonder if I should have gotten the AWD, I'm happy with the FWD.

The FWD has a smaller engine and has better mileage (20mpg vs 18mpg). It's also has a lower chance of having mechanical issues (slightly from what I've been reading).

After driving both, the main difference that I can tell between FWD and AWD is when turning. I really wanted the AWD to get the Umber interior but the cost plus the price of gas was a bit expensive for me.

I also live in Toronto, Canada where we get a decent amount of snow in the winter but I've mostly driven FWD cars with winter tires before and I've been just fine.

If you're looking at new cars I think you should try and see what kind of deals you can get. I think Acura sells more SH-AWD TLs so most of the remaining TLs that dealers still have should be SH-AWD. You might be able to get a good discount on an AWD.

sockpuppet

That's going to depend on the circumstances and the person. With the SH-AWD, you get a few more horses, but also a bit more weight. The ride is stiffer, too, I believe. But the FWD performs like a champ, and will offer up better mileage.

For me, living in a northern climate, there's no question. AWD was one of two overriding criteria that I had when car shopping, so FWD was not even a consideration. That said, with good winter rubber, the FWD would be a fine car here, even in the winter. But it certainly wouldn't be AWD.

If you don't get snow, then either one would be good, and the price difference will be a factor only you can assess. If you get snow and ice, then in my opinion, the SH-AWD is a bargain for $4,000 extra (plus all the extra you'll spend in gas).

ABDomega

If you are a daily driving enthusiast, the SH-AWD is not only worth it, it's a must. Also, if you want a 6MT (with AWD) there really is no other option out there unless you open yourself up to the German brands.

I've never driven the FWD but I assume it's no where near as fun in the twisties as the SH-AWD is.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

If you're an enthusiast and you like taking corner's hard SHAWD. If you want a car to get you from A-B with no snow in between then FWD.

I like my 3g just cause it has an LSD and snow is no issue. Given the same circumstances and choice of car SHAWD hands down. Amazing technology in it.

Ken1997TL

Less nose-heavy = more fun to drive.

sockpuppet

While the TL is not a racecar, or even a sportscar, as many seem to treat it, I don't know that it can be compared to a couple of Toyota's with 35 fewer hp. And a lot less visual appeal.

Brock's dissatisfaction with the TL is well documented in these forums.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

OP, keep in mind the SH-AWD is not just for adverse weather conditions...it's for performance (there's a reason the SH precedes the AWD). Accelerate through a few turns and you'll learn the difference.

It all comes down to what you want. You need to get a really good feel for both cars before committing...others' perspectives only do so much.

If you really want a fun driving experience get the 6MT.

mynameisjacob

I test drove the FWD and SH-AWD back-to-back and I still vividly remember the experience.

I personally hated the amount of torque steer on FWD models... it's an unsettling feeling. AWD model totally eliminates this issue. I also felt that the road feel (prob enhanced via stiffer suspension) and steering weight was much more appealing on the AWD. It definitely felt like a different car. Test drive both models... and be sure to whip them through an onramp at "spirited" speed.

If you want a regular daily driver that's going to get you from point A to point B with good HP and speed... get the FWD. If you want a more "special" experience... get the SH-AWD.

Also... the SH-AWD was fantastic in the rain and snow... even with crappy OEM tires. This past winter, I purposely drove the car into a 6" snowy/slushy ditches to test out the AWD capabilities (near where I live of course). 5 out of 5 times it was able to muscle its way out without a fuss... and seeing both the SH-AWD system and the VSA work together in snowy tight turns was very cool.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

I've driven both, and stock for stock there's no comparison on turns. Some members mentioned the stiffer suspension of the AWD model which is true, but might be a moot point for you if you plan on modding the car?


Troll. Please do, I don't want you to be unhappy .

Brock79

Here's an example of what I mean, just last night going around a turn at 60 mph my TL had very load tire squeal and I could feel it wanting to break loose. The tires are stock Michelins and have close to 3k miles on them. The Toyota Avalon that was in front of me was able to take the turn faster and pull away from me in the turn. I had to let off the gas and hold a lower speed as I watched the Avalon gain distance. I take that same turn in my pickup truck which has 31" tires and is lifted at the same speed with no problems at all, I have hit 80 in my SHO on the same turn and in my Vette I have touched the low 90's. Everyone raves about the TL's handling but either I got a dog or the TL just isn't what others think it is. Is it better than a 3G? I would assume so. Is it better than the Civic or Accord or any other smaller and older car? I would hope so. Maybe some members went from a lesser car to the TL and love the upgrade, but I'm sure some members have gone to a TL and their prior car was actually a better handling car. I don't hate the TL I'm just never gonna love the car, it will be when all said and done just another car.

Brock79

There is no trolling here, it's my honest opinion and my actual experience with my TL.

Brock79

Aren't you the guy that needed to add a Nitrous kit your car because you said it was slow? Also are you ever going to finish paying the member you bought it from?

saturno_v

If you are a driving enthusiast, the SH-AWD is well worth over the 4K of price difference.

The FWD TL is a very good FWD sport sedan, the SH-AWD becomes one of the best handling sport sedan in its class of power, bar none. Big difference

If you get the manual 6 speed SH-AWD is even better.

And you get slightly better seats too and a thicker steering wheel but that it's just the icing on the cake.

If you want just a comfortable cruiser to go from A to B, especially in mild climate the FWD is perfectly fine but the two cars are almost not comparable in terms of handling.

Brock79

Brock79

^ HeartTls car ^

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Mine is modded to the teeth so I can't comment on your vehicles \ corning ability, mine is impressive even on the crappy stock tires.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Brock, I have to think that if your lifted pickup truck handles a turn better than your SH-AWD TL you're doing something wrong...or you have extremely shitty tires...or this is just another one of your lame attempts at trolling.

keith7120

Coming from a 3G type S, I drove the FWD and the SH-AWD before I made my decision. When I floored the gas pedal on the SH-AWD, that alone made the decision for SH-AWD easy. The type S had to 286 HP and the 09 - 14 base TL has 280 for a heavier car. So the SH-AWD was a no brainer for me.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

According to you and YouTube?

lift3d_

I came out of a 2005 Ford Explorer into a '13 SH-AWD. We had easily the worst winter in 15 years this past season, and I must say that the AWD handled WAY better than my Explorer ever did - never slid, skidded, or got stuck. Was very impressed with the AWD.

Performance wise, I can't speak to it's differences vs. FWD, but from a safety standpoint, AWD is an absolute must.

hadokenuh

The only thing that keeps me from buying a SH-AWD is its stiffer ride. With that kind of ride, I personally can't do every single day.

Test drive both models on the roads that you tend to drive everyday. If you are OK with the SH-AWD ride, get it!

Brock79

According to the member on here that sold and installed the kit for you. Also I'm comparing the handling of a stock AWD TL to other stock cars, not modified.

Brock79

Unfortunately I wish this was a trolling attempt, but sadly it's not.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Is this some joke?

mynameisjacob

LOL at the above. If you can't keep up with a Toyota Avalon on a SH-AWD TL... I don't know what to say... you're doing it wrong.

Booya4139

you put nitrous in?

012TL-GLM

OP, don't get caught in the accumulating bullshit of this thread. The SH-AWD is an entirely different animal. It shouldn't even be called a TL. It is night and day between the 2 models. When I bought my SH-AWD I didn't even look at a FWD. My car was in the shop for a couple days last year and they gave me a FWD loaner. It was horrible. The cost difference is worth every penny if you're a spirited driver. I can tell you if I was looking for FWD I would NOT buy a TL, you'd be better off in a fully loaded Accord.

C8N

Worth every single penny IMO

Sdot

I've owned all FWD's in the past and the SHAWD is awesome! I have mine a little over a month now and my only worry is me burning through the stock tires too quickly due to my new found joy of taking turns. I haven't had a chance to test it through snow/ice yet but I definitely will here in NY.

VQPower37

SHAWD is def worth it, i feel like i can never drive another fwd car after this

Brock79

Again this is my opinion, I know how to drive, I have been to many driving schools as well. The TL awd just isn't what all of the fanboys on here claim it to be. There was a video on here showing a stock 99 mustang passing an awd TL on a road course. That's a rwd car with 45 less hp.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

OP, you can listen to the dozen or so 'fanboys' or you can listen to brock. Your call.

Or better yet, as most would suggest...test drive both and make the decision yourself!

Btw brock, what's the curb weight on that mustang?

Edward'TLS

If you live in where there's little rain and no snow, then FWD is more than sufficient.

Otherwise, it's nothing but AWD.

KarKraze

Personally i think it comes down to your own preference and what you are looking for in your car,the Sh Awd is more about handling dynamics during both the winter and summer.It is important to remember the Sh is neither a sports car or a luxury car,i refer to it as a sporty sedan with luxury appointments.

I test drove both the FWD and the Sh more than once and no offence to the FWD but i just couldn't see myself in one.A little something you can do during the test drive is to floor both cars from a standstill and the torque steer may turn you off from the FWD (not something that is isolated to the TL but most FWD,some better controlled than others), and this is not even getting in to the cornering aspect of the Awd.

Keep in mind that the Awd has bigger rims,better seats,better sounding exhaust etc. things to consider if you are not going to mod you car.

My opinion may be based on the fact that i have owned and driven many high performance RWD and my preference is a RWD over any other forms,simply from a drivers aspect.

For the sake of this discussion,i would only purchase the Awd based on my preference .

carbonTSEX

Haha that's because of the weight difference. Come on now. Did the mustang launch on the AWD TL off the line? Don't you only need to go thru driving school once?

Stick to the original question and stop adding bs. Thanks.

RCJD

Sold! Thanks!

carbonTSEX

I personally was only interested in the AWD since I currently own two front wheel drive cars as well. Wasn't interested in the fwd because it's too much weight for only the front two wheels. Test drive both and the AWD was a easy decision. For an extra $4000 you get 2mpg less, 2 more liters and 307hp which ain't much but it's plenty. Plus you get a better handling car. The AWD is less common her in Washington surprisingly which is a plus. I wouldn't trade it in for a FWD ever. Just gotta test drive both like you stole it and see which one suites you better as a get away car. Haha

RCJD

Sold!

Thank y'all.