Quote:
Originally posted by viperdout
Dude, you are totally wrong about AWD. While it does add weight and a little friction, it also adds much more traction, thereby getting off the line quicker. The tall gearing will keep you ahead near the end, but AWD is just so great. I found myself literally losing control just punching it with RWD, even on pavement. With AWD, I never have problems with control. AWD does not hamper your steering in an xmod, the xmod was designed for AWD, and that's why the turning sucks.
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On the right surface you will always have a faster top speed with only 2 wheels turning. Yes, it adds traction, yes you'll launch harder every time. yes, it's easier to control.
Let's scale it up to 1:1 cars...
Go look at a neon SRT-4 and a Subaru WRX. FWD Vs. AWD, similar horsepower and torque figures. The WRX's drivetrain efficiency sucks. On an 1/8 mile track, the Peon would get schooled. On the 1/4 mile, the WRX gets a painful lesson. Trained drivers in both cars, stock for stock, the Neon will have a quicker time. I've seen it happen many times at the track (2 people in my car club have WRX's and one has an SRT-4)
The simple fact is that you're increasing friction, weight, and worst of all, rotating mass with AWD. High-powered R/C Cars take skill to drive RWD. Hop in a Supra and goose the throttle in 1st gear. I'd bet you couldn't keep it going in a straight line either. It takes skill to drive an RWD car that's grossly over-powered, and you have to be gentle with the throttle when launching. It's no different with R/C Cars. It's possible, with the right tires and suspension on the right surface to launch an RWD xmods in a straight line, especially without upgrading cells or things like that.
I'd almost bet you a small amount of cash, that if we ran a 1/4 mile scale race, 1320' * 1/24, or 55' with the same mods on a good surface (hell, even a smooth yet mediocre traction surface like a clean hardwood floor) except me RWD and you AWD, I'd probably beat you every time. I've tested this over and over and over again. The only time I can find a real advantage to AWD in a straight line is with flat-out crappy traction surfaces, such as dirty linoleum, freshly waxed hardwood floors, solid sheets of ice, etc.
Break out a stopwatch with and without AWD on a 55 foot straight-line run and you'll see what I mean.