Thoughts on driving differences between RWD and AWD

[jdirik]

I just joined and am considering switching from a Tesla Model 3 Performance to a Taycan. Would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences in the differences in driving and handling between the Taycan RWD and AED models. I’m looking at getting a new 2025 model. I’m not so much concerned about the reduced acceleration from the 4S to the base model as I never used all the power in the Tesla. Thanks and hope to share a picture soon!

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[W1NGE]

I just joined and am considering switching from a Tesla Model 3 Performance to a Taycan. Would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences in the differences in driving and handling between the Taycan RWD and AED models. I’m looking at getting a new 2025 model. I’m not so much concerned about the reduced acceleration from the 4S to the base model as I never used all the power in the Tesla. Thanks and hope to share a picture soon!

Advise to try one of each.

Note that only 1 variant is RWD and the rest all AWD which might influence your decision.

Personally, AWD all day long given that all cars are RWD biased in any case (not the case since launch but over time with software tweaks it became the norm). Excellent in adverse weather and snow.

 

[Sace]

Well depends on your driving style and preferences. I have a RWD model from 2023. I have had both 4 and 4S on different occasions and I prefer the feeling in the RWD. Would be great with a bit more power (Which the 2025 RWD have) but on small twisty roads etc. I find the RWD more fun to drive.

Braking hard in slippery conditions can be a bit sketchy in the RWD though as it can only regen on the rear wheels but I got used to it in the winter

 

[AutoX]

You live in dallas, so winter driving shouldn't be a concern. The biggest drawback of the rwd is reduced acceleration, but if you're okay with that, then get the RWD. They're more fun to drive.

 

[LeftCoastElectric]

RWD will want to slip to the side during an enthusiastic acceleration around a corner. Where as the AWD is on rails.

 

[AutoX]

RWD will want to slip to the side during an enthusiastic acceleration around a corner. Where as the AWD is on rails.

That's a plus in my book.

 

[JerryLNK]

No advise, just personal experience. I got the MY22 RWD. 402HP is fine; plenty. Hauls ass when necessary, and in an instant. This isn't a track car and I don't care about what I can do in a straight-line from 0 to 60. More HP would go to waste on me. I like the slightly lighter feel of the front end. But, honestly, RWD or AWD, either one, this car is exceptional. Go drive both if you haven't already. Let us know what you think, that's far more important. Happy journey!

 

[LeftCoastElectric]

That's a plus in my book.

100%

I mean, if you like to pull .85g doing a right hand turn on the way to work to get the adrenaline pumping in the morning.

 

[FlyingPoint]

Having owned a 2021 RWD for three years and almost 28k miles and now a 2024 4S, I have real world experience in both models. First, the RWD had air suspension, most are not spec'd this way.

Second, the only real difference is in these areas:

1. More acceleration and power in the 4S or other AWD models. One forfeits this with a RWD.
2. The 4S is a bit heavier on the steering and turn in. I would opine that the 4S is more stable in hard power corners, but I never broke the rear wheels loose in the RWD.
3. Miles per kWh is slightly less in the AWD for obvious reasons. On average, about 20 miles per charge.

Other than this, not much to speak about. If I had a piece of advice, lose the RWD and upgrade at least to the 4S. Good luck, can't go wrong with either of them.

 

[AutoX]

100%

I mean, if you like to pull .85g doing a right hand turn on the way to work to get the adrenaline pumping in the morning.

I got it to 1.2 on a cloverleaf. Tires began to squeal, but still had plenty of grip.

 

[AutoX]

No advise, just personal experience. I got the MY22 RWD. 402HP is fine; plenty. Hauls ass when necessary, and in an instant. This isn't a track car and I don't care about what I can do in a straight-line from 0 to 60. More HP would go to waste on me. I like the slightly lighter feel of the front end. But, honestly, RWD or AWD, either one, this car is exceptional. Go drive both if you haven't already. Let us know what you think, that's far more important. Happy journey!

0-60 sprints gets old quick. My other 2 cars does 0-60 in the 3.5sec range. After the first week, I rarely floor it from a stop. The RWD has plenty of power, especially at normal daily driving speed 40-80mph range. Having said that to break the rear loose, you would need to drive really aggressively or turn off traction control. Otherwise in normal driving I doubt most people could tell the difference between AWD and RWD in term of handling and turn in.

 

[prj]

0-60 sprints gets old quick. My other 2 cars does 0-60 in the 3.5sec range. After the first week, I rarely floor it from a stop. The RWD has plenty of power, especially at normal daily driving speed 40-80mph range. Having said that to break the rear loose, you would need to drive really aggressively or turn off traction control. Otherwise in normal driving I doubt most people could tell the difference between AWD and RWD in term of handling and turn in.

Maybe if you live in a sunny climate.
RWD anything with over 200hp completely useless here in winter...

 

[prj]

I just joined and am considering switching from a Tesla Model 3 Performance to a Taycan. Would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences in the differences in driving and handling between the Taycan RWD and AED models. I’m looking at getting a new 2025 model. I’m not so much concerned about the reduced acceleration from the 4S to the base model as I never used all the power in the Tesla. Thanks and hope to share a picture soon!

Just get a Taycan 4, and if you ever need more power upgrade it to 940 PS.
The difference in price between a Taycan 4 and a Taycan RWD is quite small.

 

[Sly_North]

Maybe if you live in a sunny climate.
RWD anything with over 200hp completely useless here in winter...

Canada and Switzerland experience here. With RWD and winter tires, one only needs enough weight on the rear wheels... Like a skateboard battery weighting a few hundred kg will do...

 

[prj]

Canada and Switzerland experience here. With RWD and winter tires, one only needs enough weight on the rear wheels... Like a skateboard battery weighting a few hundred kg will do...

I think you missed the point entirely. 4WD is at least twice as fast off the line in winter and also significantly quicker even with just 400hp in the wet.

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