Macan RWD Vs AWD

[rjf]

Put it this way, only the entry model is RWD and if it had better dynamics you would see this at the top of the range which is aimed at "drivers " but you don't.

Same holds true for Taycan.
Forthcoming Cayman EV and Boxster EV will offer AWD for the first time.

So @W1NGE, would you consider the GT3 RS with its rwd to be ‘pointless’ as well? Not really a driver’s car?

Educate us, please.

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[W1NGE]

So @W1NGE, would you consider the GT3 RS with its rwd to be ‘pointless’ as well? Not really a driver’s car?

Educate us, please.

So that's basically a track car and in the specialist category.

So rather than compare apples and pears let's be sensible.

 

[rjf]

So that's basically a track car and in the specialist category.

So rather than compare apples and pears let's be sensible.

Fair enough.

Consider then other daily drivers from Porsche - each rwd:

911
911 Carrera T
Panamera

or perhaps:

Subaru BRZ
Ford Mustang GT

 

[Awaz]

As I said before, Porsche has a pedigree of making solid and rather fun RWD cars. And as some have mentioned, for snow and winter, winter tyres are far more important.
@W1NGE does winge about RWD, but here is AI Overview below:

AI Overview
While AWD provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions, good tires are more important for overall performance and safety. AWD systems rely on the grip provided by the tires, and even the most advanced AWD system won't be able to overcome the limitations of poor or unsuitable tires.

Here's why:

• Tires determine grip:
  Tires are the sole contact point between the vehicle and the road, and they provide all the traction.
• AWD relies on tire grip:
  AWD systems distribute power to all four wheels, but they can only use the available traction provided by the tires.
• Tire tread depth is crucial:
  Worn tires, especially those with insufficient tread depth, significantly reduce grip and handling, regardless of whether the vehicle has AWD or not.
• Proper tire selection is vital:
  Choosing the right tires for the specific driving conditions (e.g., winter tires for snowy conditions) is essential for maximizing traction and safety.
• AWD doesn't make up for poor tires:
  Even with AWD, a vehicle with poor tires will not perform well in slippery conditions.

In essence, while AWD is a valuable feature for certain driving situations, it's the tires that ultimately determine how well a vehicle can handle those situations and how safely it can be driven.

 

[Awaz]

Grand Prix cars are only RWD for a reason.

AI Overview

Formula 1 cars are rear-wheel drive (RWD), and have been since the early years of the sport. While there have been some experimental four-wheel drive (4WD) cars in the past, none have been successful in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Reasons for using RWD:

Weight and Aerodynamics:

RWD allows for a lower center of gravity, which is crucial for optimizing aerodynamics and handling. 4WD would add unnecessary weight and make the car taller, hindering these aspects.

• • Driver Control:

RWD provides drivers with more control over the car's behavior, particularly during cornering.

• • Tradition and Regulation:

The FIA has a history of regulating RWD in F1, and it continues to be the preferred system for performance and control.

• • Historical Success:

F1 cars have been successful with RWD, and there's a strong tradition of using it in the sport.

Historical Context:

In the early years of Formula 1, some cars used front-engine, 4WD setups.

• • As technology evolved, the trend shifted to mid-engine, RWD configurations, which proved more efficient and effective.

• • While 4WD has been explored, the weight and aerodynamic drawbacks have led to the consistent use of RWD.

Importance of Wheels for grip:

In a typical Formula 1 Grand Prix race, cars change all four wheels during each pit stop. The number of pit stops a driver makes during a race can vary depending on the race strategy and track conditions, but it's common for drivers to make 2-3 pit stops.

 

[ColdCase]

In essence, while AWD is a valuable feature for certain driving situations, it's the tires that ultimately determine how well a vehicle can handle those situations and how safely it can be driven.

All interesting points. But the base 2WD and AWD Macan comes with the same factory tires. We are talking the difference between the Macan AWD and RWD using the same tire and same driver skill on the same public streets.

So the focus is on a sporty SUV in the real world street driving, and the OP's question about differences in the Macan's nimbleness. Not G forces or technical limits on the track. I'd never use a track optimum setup on the street, it is not safe in unskilled hands.

Speaking about nasty weather, don't forget hydroplaning where at some point the torque AWD sends to the front tires pulls them through standing water which grabs traction when a 2WD front end just floats. How many of us switch tires day to day based on rain in the forcast (like they do on the track)? I admit I will switch cars

Perhaps driver's skill is just as important ingredient as tires. Years ago I drove my 2WD open diff economy car into hunting camps where others with 4WD and snow tires had to walk in.

 

[Awaz]

All interesting points. But the base 2WD and AWD Macan comes with the same factory tires. We are talking the difference between the Macan AWD and RWD using the same tire and same driver skill on the same public streets.

Yes, same tires, but that doesn't mean that renders RWD cars useless/dangerous, as W1NGE often purports them to be Otherwise those 911s mentioned above by @rjf wouldn't be on the roads.

I have been driving RWD cars all my life in UK in mixed conditions, never once had a problem. And, as mentioned, definitely there is a fun factor in them.
The emphasis, in AI quote, is on tyres, ie in good roadworthy conditions.

 

[W1NGE]

Fair enough.

Consider then other daily drivers from Porsche - each rwd:

911
911 Carrera T
Panamera

or perhaps:

Subaru BRZ
Ford Mustang GT

There are AWD variants across the 911 range skipping the 911 Carrera (I have one - 992.2) and T (manual only), Panamera are all AWD except the base model ( I had a P4ST).

Let's not go off piste with other brands.

Let's face it there are more AWD variants in the Porsche range than not and oddly Porsche chose the Macan EV to introduce a RWD variant for reasons provided at the outset.

 

[Awaz]

Well pleased with this sort of range, now that the weather is better. It was 18C (64F), and while staying at a hotel, I charged to 100% for the first time as it was free charging there.
After driving about 4–5 miles, the app showed pretty good range.

 

[USMA81]

I drove the Macan on low friction roads at the LA PEC. It was difficult to get the vehicle to spin out, much more so than a rear wheel drive vehicle. I came away deeply impressed, and thought about my many times driving 40-50 years ago in Colorado where at times I had very little control of the car on ice. The technology is impressive, and AWD plays a role. I’m at the point in life where the added safety of AWD in snow and rain is preferable to being able to drift the vehicle.

 

[Garylaw]

Nice take on the RWD from two great car enthusiasts and guys who really know what they are talking about

 

[Awaz]

Very interesting comparison. And my driving experience and preference is the same about RWD version.

 

[Garylaw]

Very interesting comparison. And my driving experience and preference is the same about RWD version.

I was looking at the 4 and even a stretch to the 4s but now im back in the RWD zone haha

 

[tmrqs]

I was looking at the 4 and even a stretch to the 4s but now im back in the RWD zone haha

While I recognize the RWD is a great trim (even more so than I expected), I remain team Turbo.

 

[USMA81]

Interesting take on the two ends of the model line. One nit to pick: the RWS on a shorter wheel base vehicle virtually lengthens the wheel base of the vehicle at high speeds on twisty roads. It improves handling in this situation. They got that wrong, saying it is less needed on a shorter wheel base wheel base vehicle. Ok, it might be less needed in a short wheel base vehicle in slow, tight turns (likely their point), but it is valuable if you drive on twisty roads or the track.

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