AWD vs 2WD?

[EricBB]

I've been going to a local race track lately with some friends, and as of the first race of the season, I've picked up a bit of a racing bug. I've been considering investing in a 325ix, as I would assume that the AWD will create more traction, as well as enable the car to get off the line faster.

So as the title implies, I'm curious how AWD holds up against 2WD. In particular, how would a 325ix compare to a 325i? I'm sure it largely depends on the track, so lets just say its an oval shape.

Thanks,
Eric.

[16v of Fury]

E30 325iX's were not really designed w/ racing in mind - they are not durable enough for that kind of stress.  They are a good functional AWD car for poor-traction conditions such as snow, etc.  However, if you want to go fast w/ AWD, you'd be much better off choosing an Audi w/ Quattro AWD or a Subaru, like an Impreza 2.5 RS.  BMW's have expensive parts, too...

Also, E30 M20 cars are not fast enough that you'll need AWD for its extra traction off the line --- you'll be just fine w/ a plain ol' RWD 325i.  

Don't bother w/ an iX, not for motorsport anyway.  They're great cars for practical use in the winter time, but a poor option for racing.

Have a look at some of the other E30 forums out there - plenty of good threads on this topic.

[jpod999]

E30 325iX's were not really designed w/ racing in mind - they are not durable enough for that kind of stress.  They are a good functional AWD car for poor-traction conditions such as snow, etc.  However, if you want to go fast w/ AWD, you'd be much better off choosing an Audi w/ Quattro AWD or a Subaru, like an Impreza 2.5 RS.  BMW's have expensive parts, too...

Also, E30 M20 cars are not fast enough that you'll need AWD for its extra traction off the line --- you'll be just fine w/ a plain ol' RWD 325i.  

Don't bother w/ an iX, not for motorsport anyway.  They're great cars for practical use in the winter time, but a poor option for racing.

Have a look at some of the other E30 forums out there - plenty of good threads on this topic.

New member and already giving great info.  SWEEET!!

[ecpreston]

lets just say its an oval shape.

You're considering racing a car, and you're not 100% sure what kind of track it will be for? What sanctioning body is this? What class? Define those things and the car usually becomes clear.

As far as "getting off the line faster" goes, that really only matters in drag racing. So what are you really planning for the car?

[EricBB]

Thanks for such a quick response. The reason I was leaning toward the AWD was because a friend and I got into a conversation on "how a car could mash the gas all the way around the track".

I'm currently driving a '91 318i. I'd like to put it out on the track, but I'm not so sure if it would be $25 well spent, up against a dozen or so turbocharged Honda Civic's. Now don't get me wrong, I'm in it for the fun, which is why I'm entering on the next race day. I'm just curious what I can do to make those rice burners feel the same way. (Without spending too much money - of course).

Thanks again,
Eric.

[EricBB]

To be blunt, I was insinuating that it is, in actuality, an oval shaped track.

I don't think there is a sanctioning body, it's just small local event. The only one close enough for me to take part in, which is why I'm not driving on a "real track".

Getting off the line isn't limited to drag racing in this case, being that I'm racing with someone else on the track, and every inch counts.

[rsafier]

Well as others have said its very much based on what type of racing your doing. For road course stuff AWD doesn't give you that much advantage if any more just its different. The drawbacks are you have more rotating assembly (transfer case, 2 extra wheels to push, etc), the advantage is in low-grip sisuations you can apply more power to ground then with 2 wheels. It doesn't aid in anything other then that. For Rallycross it would be a nice idea.
I'm running over 300rwhp on my Turbo car RWD and with properly sized tires (285s) you can still hook up. AWD would be interesting, but from what I've read the iX transfercase and other parts really can't take that type of stress.

I've driven a couple AWDs (Talons and STIs) and personally I didn't care for it much. Its quite a bit different then a RWD car. Generally without a lot of suspension setup they tend to be very towards the understeer side of things.

BTW if you look at the 325ix vs 325is 0-60 times I don't think there is any mindblowing launch on the 325ix, nothing like some AWDs which just snap your neck (once again a power thing).

[silverblades181]

I don't think there is a better design. FWD, RWD and AWD all have their advantages and disadvantages and it's the driver who makes the difference in how he drives. I've never tried AWD but I guess it's a bit more forgiving. With a RWD, the secret is smoothness. And it also depends on your suspension setup. There was an E46 M3 with 333hp RWD but he had crazy camber in front, and at a particular corner, he was WOT way before everyone, including a Full race prep Ferrari, an Audi TT and a Mitsubishi Evo8.

As for going against Turbo civics...it also depends on the driver. Ask anyone here that track their M42...the car is very well balanced and can hold it's own against bigger HP cars.

[gearheadE30]

Also, if it is an oval track, then how much is the transitional/off the line handling and power going to do for you? Turbo civics, as much as I dislike rice and large hp #'s through the front wheels, would have the advantake in a circle.

[ecpreston]

There would be no advantage to AWD on an oval. The weight would only be a disadvantage. And I imagine you'd just overheat the transfer case with the wheels always turning at different rates. Also, a turbo civic would be pretty bad too, I can't imagine the front tires would last very long if you were asking them to do all the turning/braking/accelerating constantly. And it would push horribly, as would an AWD car.

There's probably a good reason why oval track cars are RWD.

[b318isp]

Also, the AWD transmission losses are higher, there is greater drivetrain inertia and it is much harder to adjust the car with the throttle. Fit a LSD and traction issues should improve.