335i V 335xi

[Mental]

I noticed that the 335xi weighs less than the 335i Coupe. Uses one mile per gallon less on the hiway. It is also faster 0-60 than the 335i. This is counterintuitive to me, because all wheel drive cars always seem to weigh more and be a little sluggish. What gives?

[ctorrey]

Maybe AWD offers better traction off the line?

[330ximd]

Your figures are way off on the weight; the xi weighs more. Check out the millions of other threads like yours by running a 'search'.

[Emission]

I just got done with a Nissan GT-R for the long weekend. With AWD, it launched like a sidewinder off the wing of an F-16. There is no possible way any 2WD vehicle can motivate 3500+ pounds off the line as quckly. The 335xi can be launched the same way... :thumbup:

- Mike

[GinoDotCom]

The XI weighs more than the 335i man, what lies have your read? You've been had! Check your stats dude your way off base. 335i gets slightly better gas too.

[jwac]

The 335xi is faster because it is equipped with pixie dust and rocket boosters. Everybody knows that. OP, please search for your answers... this topic has been beaten senselessly.

[Mk23]

I just got done with a Nissan GT-R for the long weekend. With AWD, it launched like a sidewinder off the wing of an F-16. There is no possible way any 2WD vehicle can motivate 3500+ pounds off the line as quckly. The 335xi can be launched the same way... :thumbup:

- Mike

You doing another review?

I'd like to see one about the GT-R.

[upenndash8100]

AWD always weigh at least 150-200 pounds more than the regular car b/c of the crap they must put in it to make ALL the wheels deliver the power ...opposed to just two. As a result- the car is slower. But, it should handle better in the turns and on different surfaces.

[jummo]

AWD always weigh at least 150-200 pounds more than the regular car b/c of the crap they must put in it to make ALL the wheels deliver the power ...opposed to just two. As a result- the car is slower. But, it should handle better in the turns and on different surfaces.

AWD cars do weigh more. In a case where HP is more than adequate to spin the tires on launch, an AWD car may be faster off the line due to increased grip.

jummo

[AzNMpower32]

I still don't understand the point of AWD unless you live within the snowbelt. I drove the 325i sport purposely thru a strong storm, with torrential rain, thru many mountain roads that didn't have even surfaces. Lots of ponding, I didn't know the road, and I was going very quickly around the bends (obviously, I was looking for a drive). It handled fine in that kind of foul weather. It's not like my tires are in great shape either.

Like others have mentioned, AWD has better grip off the line. As for fuel consumption, the EPA testing methods are flawed IMO, often producing illogical results. In the combined EU cycle, the 335i consumes 9,1l/100km, whereas the 335xi consumes 9,7l/100km.

[getz]

I just got done with a Nissan GT-R for the long weekend. With AWD, it launched like a sidewinder off the wing of an F-16. There is no possible way any 2WD vehicle can motivate 3500+ pounds off the line as quckly. The 335xi can be launched the same way... :thumbup:

- Mike

More like 3900+ lbs. That Nissan is a Piggy on the scales.
-Getz

[doug8888]

There was an episode of Top Gear where they drag-raced the M3, an RS4 and a mecedes (forget which -- sedan, supercharged 6.0L V8). The Audi with AWD took the immediate lead by 2-3 car lengths and lost it at about 3rd gear when the other cars (with better power-to-weight) caught up and overtook it. The merc won.

The point is that AWD only helps you off the line and traction situations. The extra weight will slow you down in every other situation, and the benefit of front traction in cornering is debatable given the extra weight up front.

In the 3-series' case, it also raises the car up an inch or so, so up goes your center of gravity.

[Kenny@JleviSW]

Just to sum up what others have mentioned:

AWD cars tend to weigh more than the RWD version
They're usually faster 0-60 due to the added traction but will have more powertrain loss at higher speeds
It gets lower MPG because it's heavier and more powertrain loss.


AWD are very useful under a lot of situations (e.g. read the thread about a member that almost got ran off the road by a big rig). I almost got an XI but liked the handling of RWD better as well as the feel of it. I sometimes wish I went with XI instead though.

[Emission]

You doing another review?

I'd like to see one about the GT-R.

Yeah, just gave it back Monday after four hellishly-fast days. :thumbup:

I have to get a hot-off-the-press Mazda6 review up tomorrow, then I can do the GT-R review for early next week. I will post a link when it goes live.

- Mike

[Emission]

Just to sum up what others have mentioned:

AWD cars tend to weigh more than the RWD version
They're usually faster 0-60 due to the added traction but will have more powertrain loss at higher speeds
It gets lower MPG because it's heavier and more powertrain loss.


AWD are very useful under a lot of situations (e.g. read the thread about a member that almost got ran off the road by a big rig). I almost got an XI but liked the handling of RWD better as well as the feel of it. I sometimes wish I went with XI instead though.

Nicely said.

- Mike