Yip, I think at the starting line, the 2WD rear drive will have better acceleration as opposed to an identical vehicle with the same engine power specs using AWD. You'll lose more power due to parasitic loss when you add a secondary drive train to steal power off of. I know this when I used to own a Toyota 4x4. When I try to launch the Toyota in its 4WD high gear mode, it just does not have the launching back to the seat feel as opposed to when you launch it in 2WD mode. I would love to see low 15's on a Durango R/T but with the AWD and its much added weight, I'd be lucky to see 16's. I would have to go drive and play with a Dakota R/T and see what it feels like with a lighter vehicle and using 2WD to get a good comparsion.

 

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The AWD outperforming a standard 2WD/RWD is generally true when you are talking about driving in harsh terrain or areas where traction and handling is the key thing in winning the race. But still as noted, If they had a RWD Durango R/T vs AWD Durango R/T with the same engine/transmission specs and you put them both on a smooth level normal straight 1/4 mile asphalt pavement, I think the RWD R/T will take it off the line. Mainly because of power/weight ratio and parasitic HP loss on having a second powertrain to transfer power to. I think a 2WD 5.9 litre Durango is about a few hundred pounds lighter than the R/T. If the AWD theory was true on the If's, and's or but's, logically you would see all these mid-high to high end sports cars come with AWD to have the ultimate 0-60 and 1/4 times?

I finally got to go play and test drive a used 02 Dakota R/T and the power is exhilarating. The Dakota R/T weighs in around 3900 lbs so that is a major advantage over the Durango R/T at nearly 5000 lbs.

 

I would do these mods to your R/T
I have a 2K R/T as well and have done the following
Fastman TB
Performance PCM - Definite Recommend this....
Intake performance Stage III
180 Robert SHaw Stat
MSD Wires and Autolite Plugs
Forget name, but brass cap and rotor
I have noticed a nice difference with all the mods, but the top three I suggest first. THey were great for my R/T
Brian

 

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@scg
Its a Durango