V60 FWD or AWD?? - Need Advice

zawaprz · Jun 30, 2015

Hello, I'm new to this forum... so pardon me starting just into new thread immediately...

We would like to purchase V60 wagon for my wife's daily trips to her work, mostly highway (I'd say 90-95% vs non-highway)...

I am investigating FWD vs AWD....
I like V60 with FWD --> gas millage... all gr8!... but...
We do leave in Cleveland, OH area - lot's of snow from snow lake effect (Erie Lake here)...

- AWD then is good thing... yet... this 2.5L motor is not efficient.....

1) Does anyone have any experience of FWD driving on snowy, and slippery roads? How does it handle vs AWD??? How is electronics of FWD vs AWD...???
2) How AWD works? Is this computerized and works more like 4x4, or is this traditional AWD with all equal distribution of torque toward each wheel?
3) Have anyone actually tried both of this cars? How AWD engine noise levels stands vs. FWD? I'd think a 5 cylinder car (AWD) would be more quiet??
4) Also I'm assuming AWD's acceleration is only marginal slower then FWD's...(true/false??)

Just trying to justify spending more money on AWD vs FWD... I love fact of 25/37 from FWD....

How problematic is luck of spare tire in Volvo? What do you do when you get a flat tire?? (we come from Passat/Sienna world... not luxuries, yet with spare tires).

Thx

pshifrin · Jun 30, 2015

My V60 T5 AWD can easily get 30mpg on all highway driving.. with regular gas too, so the difference isn't THAT much. Going from a T5 FWD S60 to AWD V60 made a world of difference in handling and performance, even on dry roads. Would never go back to FWD. AWD is fully computerized, just step on the gas and go, rain, snow or shine.

Northeast · Jun 30, 2015

Welcome to the forum! You're asking a question that has been debated here many times, you will probably find (using Google) many threads to enjoy. It boils down to this:

1. FWD + good winter tires works great, many here see no need for AWD. FWD with all season tires is not so great even though most people seem to make do.
2. AWD + good winter tires is an unbeatable combination in the snow belt. Once I tried it I've never gone back. AWD with all season tires is better than FWD with all season in some ways but not in others...this combination generates the most debate.
3. The 4 cylinder engines in the FWD cars are pretty new, while the 5 cylinder engines in the AWD cars have been around for many years and all the bugs have been worked out. Many here would opt for the 5 cylinder version just because the newer engines are bound to have some growing pains as is true with any new platform. And, in the real world you may or may not achieve the gas mileage windfall that you hope for. It depends on a lot of factors.

If it was me, living in lake effect prone central NY, I'd go for the AWD 5 cylinder version. Good luck with your shopping!

Scottvolvo · Jun 30, 2015

My .02c is that I drove the 4 and 5cyl engines....preference was the torquey feel of 5cyl and HATED the stop/start feature in 4cyl esp since I do lots of city driving. As for fuel consumption my s60 is a 2012 fwd and I average 25mpg in Miami city traffic 80% of my driving. I have done a few short (200mi) road trips and see 28mpg average. I find that in just rain, I can spin front tires very easily, as with snow this would not be sure footed car. I can't stand that volvo sells these cars have no mini spare tire, although the last flat I had was way back in 2004 on a new toyota, but still driving around without a spare must have Murphy's Law full attention, with my luck it's waiting to happen late at night crossing of alligator alley! If this is your first Volvo, enjoy the drive, it is the most comfortable small car brand you can drive.

Bmo Pete · Jun 30, 2015

pshifrin said:
My V60 T5 AWD can easily get 30mpg on all highway driving.. with regular gas too, so the difference isn't THAT much. Going from a T5 FWD S60 to AWD V60 made a world of difference in handling and performance, even on dry roads. Would never go back to FWD. AWD is fully computerized, just step on the gas and go, rain, snow or shine.

+1, absolutely agree! There is no debate, this covers it all! Next question?

zawaprz · Jun 30, 2015

Thx pshifrin! Indeed, I used an online gas / year consumption calculator and found that if driving on regular gas, ~ 17K / year, with ~90-95% highway the difference is ~ 350-400/gas/year... so... that's not drama

. We've been leaving in WI before... and man.. I know how tough life may be with having just FWD and AWD is nearly Must TO HAVE as snow plowing get so much worse recent years in many areas... In the end I'd think test drive will bring lot's of clues... Lock of spare tire is a huge question mark though...

s6013t5 · Jun 30, 2015

Northeast said:
Welcome to the forum! You're asking a question that has been debated here many times, you will probably find (using Google) many threads to enjoy. It boils down to this:

1. FWD + good winter tires works great, many here see no need for AWD. FWD with all season tires is not so great even though most people seem to make do.
2. AWD + good winter tires is an unbeatable combination in the snow belt. Once I tried it I've never gone back. AWD with all season tires is better than FWD with all season in some ways but not in others...this combination generates the most debate.
3. The 4 cylinder engines in the FWD cars are pretty new, while the 5 cylinder engines in the AWD cars have been around for many years and all the bugs have been worked out. Many here would opt for the 5 cylinder version just because the newer engines are bound to have some growing pains as is true with any new platform. And, in the real world you may or may not achieve the gas mileage windfall that you hope for. It depends on a lot of factors.

If it was me, living in lake effect prone central NY, I'd go for the AWD 5 cylinder version. Good luck with your shopping!

+1.

Lack of a spare is a matter of personal preference. Some people get by with the tire sealant, others like myself have bought a donut ($85 used to $250 new). Keep in mind on an AWD car you cannot drive more than 50 miles on a donut or risk doing damage to the AWD system. We have it mainly to get off a highway, or to better cell service in remote areas. Otherwise we would just use AAA for a tow.

The 5 cylinder will be louder than the 4, because of the odd number of cylinders. It just sounds different, and creates more vibration, but we love it.

zawaprz · Jun 30, 2015

Thank you ! Gr8 inputs, appreciate ;O) a lot. (sorry, totally
forgot about citing ... this is for
Today, 09:28 AM #3
Northeast )

zawaprz · Jun 30, 2015

... probably in the end of the year will be (my wife's)... just researching... we man love homework, right?

, thx Scottvolvo for your 0.02 c!

zawaprz · Jun 30, 2015

Engine noise levels??

Guys, the last aspect:
1)ENGINE noise level of AWD vs FWD?
2) how is standard 8 speaker radio vs KARDON or whatever that +$1200 option? Seems to be quite expensive upgrade....

3) also am assuming technological package is a MUST.... (??).
4) xenon head lights? option/package/standard??

pshifrin · Jun 30, 2015

Bmo Pete said:
+1, absolutely agree! There is no debate, this covers it all! Next question?

From one Pete to another, thanks!

Stormin Norman · Jun 30, 2015

I live in Chicago and run AWD with winter tires in the dark time of year. The total confidence in any kind of weather is quite empowering.

I would not return to FWD, the difference is quite dramatic.

The 5 cylinder motor may be a bit less efficient than the new 4 cyl, but the 20 year history of this motor is that of a very reliable motor. It seems very quiet to me as well.

Good luck.

P50GT · Jun 30, 2015

One key point that no one has pointed out to you is that the new FWD Drive-E cars have switched to a fully electric steering producing an almost numb steering effect while the AWD cars come with Hydraulic steering with electric assist. This produces a very different driving experience, so you should definitely drive the two if you have not already. The handling of the two drivetrains is night and day. The V60 AWD provides endless confidence whereas the FWD does the opposite.

zawaprz · Jun 30, 2015

Stormin Norman said:
I live in Chicago and run AWD with winter tires in the dark time of year. The total confidence in any kind of weather is quite empowering.

I would not return to FWD, the difference is quite dramatic.

The 5 cylinder motor may be a bit less efficient than the new 4 cyl, but the 20 year history of this motor is that of a very reliable motor. It seems very quiet to me as well.

Good luck.

Thx! In fact I do travel to Chicago area. .. roads get often snowy there...

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

zawaprz · Jun 30, 2015

P50GT said:
One key point that no one has pointed out to you is that the new FWD Drive-E cars have switched to a fully electric steering producing an almost numb steering effect while the AWD cars come with Hydraulic steering with electric assist. This produces a very different driving experience, so you should definitely drive the two if you have not already. The handling of the two drivetrains is night and day. The V60 AWD provides endless confidence whereas the FWD does the opposite.

Interesting, thx!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

zawaprz · Jul 1, 2015

WHERE IS AWD T5 V60 manufactured? I've heard is all from Sweden?? (2015)... can someone pls. confirm it? thx!

also.. the same question for FWD ? Where is it made?

MDicnMan · Jul 1, 2015

zawaprz said:
Guys, the last aspect:
1)ENGINE noise level of AWD vs FWD?
2) how is standard 8 speaker radio vs KARDON or whatever that +$1200 option? Seems to be quite expensive upgrade....

3) also am assuming technological package is a MUST.... (??).
4) xenon head lights? option/package/standard??

1) Engine 'noise' is a matter of preference. I wouldn't call either a noise issue. The 2.5 is definitely a bigger sound at WOT
2) The standard audio is pretty darn good to my ear. I do have the premium but if I turn off the surround and center channel is is still darn good.
3) That adaptive cruise is rather addictive. I would say BLIS is more of a must though.
4) The Active HIDs are second to none. Superb. The Halogens are not bright enough for my aging eyes.

waynerm002 · Jul 1, 2015

Personally, if I was going strictly for fuel economy, I would get the FWD version and switch over to winters when required. AWD certainly provides a lot of confidence in all situations but the downside is it uses more fuel. I had a BMW 535 and had to drive to and back from the airport during one of the massive show storms we had in the DC region in 2010, never had an issue going or coming back home and there was a bout 8 inches of snow on the ride back. The front bumper did some plowing but no damage. Almost got stuck on a hill because I applied too much gas and the back end slid a bit towards the curb, I just eased off the gas, put it in 2nd and let it crawl up. That being said, if you go AWD, the V60CC may be to your liking when the snow gets crazy, as I have gotten older, I no longer go out to prove my car can make it to work, if it's bad out, I just stay home. Either vehicle will do the job with the right tires in winter, the FWD version affords you the extra mpg.

acee · Jul 1, 2015

zawaprz said:
Guys, the last aspect:
1)ENGINE noise level of AWD vs FWD?
3) also am assuming technological package is a MUST.... (??).

I had test driven FWD and AWD 2013 S60 T5's and personally don't recall hearing any difference in engine noise between the AWD and FWD models.

The 2013 S60 I ended getting has the tech package and personally I find that the best feature is the adaptive cruise control. If you do a lot of highway driving in traffic, it can help take the burden off of the driver.

The active high beams are also great - the last time I drove on a rural highway at night, I could just leave them on the whole time, and the car would automatically switch back to low beams when it saw on coming traffic (now only if I could get the on coming traffic to turn off their high beams!).

The Road Sign Information system is a nice touch, but if you've been driving for a while, you'll usually know what the speed limits are.

I haven't had a situation where the Lane Departure Warning had saved me yet, but it works and I could see it proving itself useful if you were driving while tired.

Overall, I would say that having the tech package makes me feel like I've gotten the most out of what Volvo had to offer from the car. But the feature that I've gotten the most utility out of so far is the ACC.

The downside I suppose is that your car will have substantially more electronics and systems that could fail... I had to have the radar replaced, fortunately under warranty. But I can't imagine how much that would cost out of warranty...

zawaprz · Jul 1, 2015

acee said:
I had test driven FWD and AWD 2013 S60 T5's.......

Thank you!

I believe the 2015 FWD is totally new motor so this is why I wanted to know the difference between 4 cylinders (FWD) 2015 noise vs old 5 cylinders 2015 AWD... I'm assuming both are quite yet with less luxuries cars the noise between 4 and 6 cylinders is simply obvious.

V60 FWD or AWD?? - Need Advice

zawaprz

pshifrin

Northeast

Scottvolvo

Bmo Pete

zawaprz

s6013t5

zawaprz

zawaprz

zawaprz

pshifrin

Stormin Norman

P50GT

zawaprz

zawaprz

zawaprz

MDicnMan

waynerm002

acee

zawaprz

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