[turnsignalslol]

Hi guys,

I currently have an M2 Comp and was honestly planning on making an(other) impulse decision of getting a G80 but I’ve decided to slow down and give myself time to save some more money up as well as wait for interest rates to fall down before getting one.

This brings me to my question: do any of you Comp RWD guys regret not going for the xDrive model? I’ve asked some friends who owned G80s and they said that the xDrive is just miles better than the RWD and never get a RWD version (he’s driven both). I know I should be the final judge by test driving but there’s only so much you can do in a test drive (go around the block near the deslership). I’ve already tested out a 23’ G80 xDrive and it felt great, especially when gunning it from a red light. I’m wondering if the RWD is really as bad as the xDrive people say and if it’s worth dishing out the extra 10k for the xDrive (used market).

[Needsdecaf]

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2044505

[BackOnBlack]

...and
https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2045788

[KevinGS]

Nope, no regrets.

But if you're buying a G8X and you need it to "hold its value" to maximize its value on a future trade, then get AWD.

If you're a stoplight racer and love having the absolute lowest 0 to 60 times, then get AWD.

If you like to drive aggressively and swiftly in inclement weather, get AWD.

If you plan on taking your G8X out in the snow or ice, get AWD.

None of this applies to me, so again, I have zero regrets.

And I've driven both RWD and AWD on the track, and for me, the biggest advantage of AWD is on a track, with all the traction control nannies off. Then you realize just how early in a turn you can jump on the throttle and the AWD sorts it all out and pulls the G8X through the turn. With RWD, you have to really understand the throttle inputs on a track, though RWD with MDM on or with the 10-stage traction control is pretty damn good too, but it's still going to squirm a bit. AWD squirms a bit too, but for like 1/2 a second... whereas the RWD is like a second. It sounds like a minute difference, but on a track, it makes all the difference....especially in regards to confidence.

On the road, AWD feels more secure as well on some of the tightest turns. You can just jump on the throttle early. Otherwise, the RWD is fine, but you need to keep the TC on (and only graduate to MDM mode when one is comfortable). The good news is that the TC is not obtrusive, unless you're trying to fly through a hairpin turn (then it will simply cut all power so you don't go into a full power slide).

So, for me, if I found an RWD and AWD that I wanted within about $5k of each other, I'd get the AWD. $10k difference, I'm getting the RWD.

[Tyga11]

RWD is the pure experience. I would never consider AWD

[BryanCO]

I regret not getting the FWD CVT edition with the front bench seat option.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Honest statement, I have AWD in my M4 & have no regrets. Am not in debate mode pushing AWD vs RWD. I also have a powerful RWD car that greatly exceeds the cars traction capability but its not a BMW.

Since these cars came out I have always wondered how does the AWD's RWD capability stand up against a real RWD version. No G8XX cars were available to drive when I ordered mine.

Since the AWD car can also run as a RWD car has anyone with strong RWD preference ever made a comparison as how the AWD car stands up as a RWD car?

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Honest statement, I have AWD in my M4 & have no regrets. Am not in debate mode pushing AWD vs RWD. I also have a powerful RWD car that greatly exceeds the cars traction capability but its not a BMW.

Since these cars came out I have always wondered how does the AWD's RWD capability stand up against a real RWD version. No G8XX cars were available to drive when I ordered mine.

Since the AWD car can also run as a RWD car has anyone with strong RWD preference ever made a comparison as how the AWD car stands up as a RWD car?

Even in RWD mode, you're still dealing with added weight of the xDrive system. You can probably feel the over 200 lbs of extra weight compared to the RWD, but I would say RWD + M Drive Professional gives you a lot of added fun in a lot of different situations, even with the xDrive allowed. Only problem logistically would be the fact it resets itself to AWD mode each time you restart the car.

[jmg]

After 2 RWD M3s I opted to try out the M X-Drive for my G82 with only a 99 lbs penalty. No regrets. To reiterate other's experience, the most gain is in the 0-60 drag an on the track. Since I attend regular track days the X-Drive has been great for me. However, I know that the RWD is still super grippy and you save a bit of weight. I don't think you will regret going either way.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Honest statement, I have AWD in my M4 & have no regrets. Am not in debate mode pushing AWD vs RWD. I also have a powerful RWD car that greatly exceeds the cars traction capability but its not a BMW.

Since these cars came out I have always wondered how does the AWD's RWD capability stand up against a real RWD version. No G8XX cars were available to drive when I ordered mine.

Since the AWD car can also run as a RWD car has anyone with strong RWD preference ever made a comparison as how the AWD car stands up as a RWD car?

The X-Drive penalty is 99lbs, not 200lbs, but it's still not an unnoticeable amount at the very limit. The added benefit of being able to throttle out a bit sooner still nets a faster time in general, and it takes a small amount of driving style change to take advantage of it. Luckily there is still butt-gyro communication despite the lack of steering feel, so it's fairly easy to gauge.

The only other limitation is tire choices. You have to be within 1% rolling diameter, which limits your tires choices vs RWD, which has no such limitation.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

RWD is the pure experience.

I cannot roll my eyes hard enough at this. This is not a Miata, Caterham, or Ariel Atom. It's still a 3,500 plus pound luxury sedan / coupe laden with computers. But RWD makes it "pure"?

[ChrisM4]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

I cannot roll my eyes hard enough at this. This is not a Miata, Caterham, or Ariel Atom. It's still a 3,500 plus pound luxury sedan / coupe laden with computers. But RWD makes it "pure"?

The manual version makes it pure

[Delmoney335]

How many times will this be asked lol

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

I cannot roll my eyes hard enough at this. This is not a Miata, Caterham, or Ariel Atom. It's still a 3,500 plus pound luxury sedan / coupe laden with computers. But RWD makes it "pure"?

Not sure what experience you have but I don't like AWD and never have. If you think you need it, go for it.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Not sure what experience you have but I don't like AWD and never have. If you think you need it, go for it.

Learned to drive on a Mk3 Supra. Then Z32 300ZX. Bothe manuals. Followed by a Mk 2 Supra, also manual. Then I owned the Z32 for many years. Last manual was a 991.1 Carrera S RWD.

Have owned all manner of FWD, AWD and RWD. Torque converter, Dual Clutch autos. Naturally aspirated, Turbo, turbo diesel, hybrid and full EV. 4, 5, 6 and 8 cylinder engines.

I completely respect your right to your choice. Nothing wrong with RWD whatsoever. I’m not asking you to like the AWD.

But to call a G80 a “pure” driving experience, even in RWD, Manual form when the car has a twin turbo direct injected engine, computer controlled trans and diff, with EPS, multi stage traction and stability control, three way electronic shocks, abs, brake by wire, and enough modes to make a computer programmer dizzy. Not to mention digital gauges, climate control, HUD, LED ambient lighting, iDrive, heated seats, and on and on and on PURE. Well, it’s not really very pure. Lot of electrons between you and the road. It's not even pure compared to cars sold today, like the BRZ, Miata, Z, etc.

Sorry if my initial post was harsh. But some frame of reference is often helpful. Especially if you’ve ever driven a car with a 2 barrel carb and no ABS or power steering.

Jesus I really have turned into the old guy. Get off my lawn. Lol.

[Gatti-man]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

RWD is the pure experience. I would never consider AWD

Ah yes the seeing tail lights pure experience. Glad I spared myself and got the awd version that can actually put power down on the street.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Not sure what experience you have but I don't like AWD and never have. If you think you need it, go for it.

There are many types of AWD. BMW M X-Drive is rear biased. It's almost always 100% RWD until it senses slip, then it sends as much as 100% power to the front as need. This means that, unlike front biased AWD systems, it doesn't understeer like the front biased AWD systems you might find on an Audi, VW, or Lexus.

On the track, my G82 X-Drive can still throttle steer, only it recovers faster and pulls you out of the slide with more control so you can get harder on the throttle sooner than my RWD M3 and M3 CS did. Trail brake, rotate, transition to throttle, adjust the rear with the throttle, then power out sooner as you corner exit.

You don't feel this on the street, unless you are driving like a maniac and should have your license taken away. At street speeds, what you will feel is harder acceleration, and less oversteer if you accelerate too fast then turn the wheel. Also, my F80 M3 CS would fishtale easily if it's cold or wet with track rubber. With X-Drive it's a little more stable.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by ChrisM3

The manual version makes it pure

Nah, its a great car but its not "pure". Throttle house said it is fast, comfortable, civilized, livable, all the technology you could ever want. Does not read very pure.

I would think benchmark pure is manual steering, manual brakes, manual transmission & no computers. Like the car Throttle House tested & recorded below. They even used the P word.

Described by the Throttle House guys as a "Homicidal Maniac". A loud, dangerous and unruly machine of PURE driver engagement. It also weighs only 2250 pounds with 520 horsepower that explodes out the side-exit exhausts and straight into your eardrums.

https://youtu.be/81OVZnHWd2A

[TJR_///M3]

No regrets at all.
Will soon order my next G8X and it will be another RWD Comp.
Certainly not going to try and justify one versus the other and highly doubt you will be disappointed no matter which you get.

[natmad]

RWD described as a pure driving experience compared to AWD seems reasonable.

[kjx]

Originally Posted by natmad

RWD described as a pure driving experience compared to AWD seems reasonable.

The only remote way this statement could have made any sense was if AWD couldn't be put into RWD mode. Or if the AWD mode wasn't rear-biased with easy oversteer in full AWD, and crazy oversteer possible in 4WD-sport. Full RWD with traction control set to 0 (out of 10) lets you do an in-place 180 (or more) spinning the rear. So sometimes, things that seem reasonable couldn't be further from the truth.

People who want 'pure' driving experiences shouldn't be driving a car with traction or stability control or an automatic transmission. And they certainly shouldn't be doing it in a class of car as heavy or luxuriously cosetted as the G8X.

And yet, these wannabe purists show up to talk down one of the biggest value props of the G8X generation - the AWD. It's probably one of the only options on the car that appreciates 2x-3x it's MSRP delta in the used car market (4k new translates to 8 to 12K bump in the used car market). And there's a reason for that - supply and demand - less people sell their AWD cars and more used buyers want it. Of course, people holding an RWD dead duck would want to talk it up to deal with their own cognitive dissonance and/or until it becomes someone else's problem.

[jmg]

I get the feeling those who think the RWD is more "pure" haven't driven the X-Drive. It's rear biased. It's got all the character of a RWD car with the advantages of a AWD car. It's just cost, 99lbs, and packaging. Neither is "pure".