I now drive a 1997 BMW 540i. I love driving the car but the maint. is killing me. Kind of like breaking up with a REALLY HOT girl I am looking for a Hemi awd. My wife is primary driver as I have a company car. Is the "out of the hole" performance really compromised because of awd? understeer in turns? I love the look of the car and I would like to not have to pay $2,000 per year in maint.

 

The long term reports I have read convinced me to go with RWD Magnum. I understand the traction control etc make for a good bad weather driving. Of course its easer for me to think this as I have a backup vehicle (AWD 95 Safari van). But for 95% of the year driving RWD is fine. I will tell you RWD is alot more enjoyable than FRD comming off a couple FWD bonnevilles to the RWD Dodge.

Cant speak for AWD but- more maintenane and more parts.. The magnum is a heavy car to begin with.

 

Personally I have the RT rwd as well, and I have purchased winter tires for it when it finally hits. Remember AWD is only as good as the tires you put on it anyways, so save the money and get a nice set of rims for the summer and a set of winter tires for the stockers!

 

AWD's are slower in the 1/4 mile, but I have to believe that if you are after mountain-road performance that putting power to the ground via 4 wheels its better than two.

However AWD owners who want to mod the car are long-suffering. Lots of little differences make AWD cars incompatible with most mods. One exception is that they can use the KW Variant 2 system to upgrade the suspension ... but not the Hotchkis sway bars. Also AWD's have a goofy offset on the wheels so you will have a hell of a time finding a set of aftermarket wheels if that is your wish. Not sure if there is an issue with catbacks, but I do know that intakes can be dicey as there is a difference the plumbing up front in the engine cavity. The AirHammer needed a special AWD version.

Shortie Headers will fit, but only just barely. Hi flow cats need a special bend in the pipes that is still not ready for prime time.

I have an RWD myself.

An AWD with a set of KWs on, lowered about two inches (remember that AWD's are raised up one inch from RWD height), would be a formidable performer in spirited mountain driving. My RWD is lowered two inches and has sway bars on, and between that, the big brakes an a slew of other mods, I can glue myself to the bumper of most Bimmers and even the odd Porsche or two. But I would really like to pit it against a lowered AWD to see who comes out on top in that exchange.

Tough call.

 

AWD's are slower unless the street is wet or snowy, then they will suck the door off any RWD AS LONG AS YOU ARE GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE!! They slide badly in the rain with your foot down. And yes the transfer case adds weight and complexity but I have a 2005 AND THE 7/70. So I have a while before I need worry.