[brianch]

I've been talking to some people about the CLA and it seems like most car guys blow it off because its FWD.

Does that bother you at all?

Also for the 4Matic. Are the 4Matics usually rear wheel drive bias?

I'm assuming the CLA 4Matic will be FWD bias?

 

[brianch]

The RWD/FWD vs AWD debate is different depending on what car you are referring too.

Some AWD systems are RWD most of the time while others are FWD most of the time. Some AWDs are 50/50 front and rear all the time.

Cars that are true AWD and 50/50 split experience some understeering which is what makes people think RWDs handle better. Handling is subjective, it depends if you are referring to lap times or referring to the driving characteristics (turn in, stability during turns, oversteer/understeer) or if you are just talking about pure driving enjoyment.

The 4Matic in the CLA is most likely front wheel drive biased. So its basically a FWD unless the car feels like the rear wheels need power to help it through. Generally when traction in the front is lost during turn in (understeer) it will send a certain percentage of power to the rear to help it through the turn.

Personally I think AWD (RWD or FWD bias) is a better rounded car over a RWD or a FWD. But some RWDs will still perform better vs a FWD bias AWD vehicle.

Keep in mind the base CLA being FWD doesn't mean it will be a bad handling car. There are some FWD vehicles that exhibit very little understeer through enginnering and design of the chassis and suspension.

 

[brianch]

People who complain about FWD are people who are usually performance nuts. Or at least people who think they are performance nuts.

In a city driving environment there is no advantage of RWD over FWD. It is only on the track that it makes a difference. Even still there are many FWDs that are faster than RWDs on small-medium sized tracks. So unless you are a weekend track warrior there is no reason to not own a car because it is FWD. Of course unless you like drifting and sliding around the city - which probably isn't the best idea.

A FWD is more practical in wet and snowy weather.

 

[brianch]

Ive never had a problem with FWD. The purpose of having a car for me is just simple. I go A to B to work drive my kids to and from school. But 4matic AWD will be a security point for me and my family.

^ this

Not everyone needs AWD. Some just want a simple car to get from point A to B in style.

I wouldn't be surprised if the FWD was faster than the AWD. Less drivetrain loss in the FWD.

 

[brianch]

In a regular situation it is always in FWD. It is only in extreme situations where traction is an issue (snow, ice, wet/slippery, aggressive driving) where the rear wheels will kick in.

So if you do the following:
-Driving in snow
-Driving on ice
-Drive in heavy rain
-Drive like a maniac

The AWD might be worth it.

 

[brianch]

How do you think the CLA 45 AMG will do with the 4Matic system? I am sure they designed that car to be driven hard. I would be interested to see how that car handles at the extremes. I would assume it wouldn't be hard to plow into a turn and loose traction in the front tires while understeering. Now what happens next will make it interesting.

 

[brianch]

I agree. Which is why I am very curious how the CLA45AMG will manage that 4Matic system without blowing it up.

Either way I can't wait to drive one. I do like to drive the cars fast sometimes and I'd like the benefits of the 4Matic if it works well. I've driven Acuras new SHAWD system which is FWD bias and I found it was very good. When you start to understeer you can feel the power transfer to the rear and propel the car through the turn canceling out the understeer.

 

[brianch]

The difference between FWD and RWD is almost nonexistent with today's technology.

All cars now come with traction and stability control which aggressively take over handling and damping out things such as torque steer, momentum loss, and under or over steer.

It is unlikely consumers could even tell the difference between the two in a blind test.

Only historic sympathetic buyers could demand one type of drive over another as old cars did handle different based on where power was placed.

AWD is another matter due to the independent nature of performance when power can be decoupled from the traction and stability control systems which allows for superior handling during extremes though at a constant cost of efficiency and power over RWD and FWD counterparts.

Buyers should get the car that offers them the best utility and value over perceptions that are no longer appropriate in the 21st century.

I like your advice.

You should always get what seems to be the best value to you. Which brings the most utility and use to your lifestyle.

 

[brianch]

From a regular person street driving standpoint

AWD RWD FWD.. All the same

When things get hairy? Wet, snow, cold, mud, crazy driving

Thats when the advantages and disadvantages start to show up.