AWD or RWD for a first time driver?

[KevRC4130]

So I'm starting to look at first cars for when I get my licence in about a year or so. I am pretty set on getting an E30, but I can't decide if I want a 325iS or 325ix. I have read numerous times that bimmers, especially the E30, are great to learn the wonders of an RWD car, and that RWD is the only way to go. However, I have also read that RWD cars, especially BMWs, can be pretty dangerous in the snow, and living in New England, this is a big concern. Plus being a new driver only makes things worse. On the other hand, there is only snow on the ground 2-3 months of the year, while the other 9-10 will be clear (but rainy). To the 325iS's defense, it has an LSD, which apparently helps a great deal in the snow.

So now I really don't know which would be better for me. I kind of wanted an RWD car just because I plan on always having a performance-oriented car, so I want to learn to handle that from the start. Plus, AWD seems constraining for some reason, but then I realise that many insanely awesome cars (Audi S4 and RS6, Lamborghini Murcielago, etc) have AWD. So I'm really kind of lost. I want the best/most fun/safest driving in all conditions, but I am just worried AWD will take away the fun of the E30. Do you think this is true, or are the ix's just as fun?

Kind of a stupid question, but can you do a burnout with AWD ?

Thanks

 

[codex57]

People have done it for years, but a RWD wouldn't be as safe as an AWD car in Mass. I'm in SoCal and my friend has still spun out in his E30 before. It was dry but had rained a few hours before. Didn't notice he was sitting in a puddle cuz most of the road was dry. Tried to make a U-turn and whoops! Spun out. He didn't even start off that fast (dude drives like a granny).

Think you'll have a chance to switch cars in a few years? If so, then take the safer car and switch when you get better. If not, then just get RWD and try and stay safe.

 

[Average Jae]

this winter will be my first one w/ snows on, so i dont' know for sure. (last winter i had her shelved, which sucked.. ) but i'm a huge proponent of snow tires. (if you haven't figured it out from my other posts already) it doesn't matter what configuration you run, fwd, rwd, awd. when the temp goes south of 40s, and you get snow, getting the snows seem pretty important. good all seasons do ok in the snow and such, but it can't even compare to any snow tires. (esp since even the a/s tire compounds get hard in low temps, sacrificing traction.) i guess i'll see about the rwd myth in snow w/ pilot alpin pa2s slapped on my baby this winter ^^;;

you also have to remember that no matter how the power gets to the ground, it won't help much when you are trying to brake, turn or both at the same time. that's why you see so many "sweet" suv's lined in a ditch w/ their idiotic drivers in a snow storms. awd doesn't defy inertia.

looking back, i'm glad i drove my parent's "junker" in hs, i got to learn a lot in that car, while not having to worry too much about getting the car killed. just use common sense and be careful in horrid conditions. that said, i'd get the awd just to be on the safe side, but even getting the rwd doesn't seem like a bad option. there are plenty of rwd drivers along the snow belt. it can't be all that bad right?

 

[tsquared]

Which ever car you go with I'd highly recommend you look up your local BMW car club and find out where and when they offer a driving school.

The stuff you'll learn at your basic high school driving school has got nothing to due with real world driving. The best way to learn car control is in a safe venue such as car control clinic. And the winter car control clinics are a real eye opener even for experneced drivers.

I've also got to agree with Average Joe. But winter tires on what ever you end up drivng.

regards,

 

[tsquared]

forgot the link to the BMW foundations Street Survival.

http://www.bmwccafoundation.org/dss_index.asp

 

[SpeedPhreak]

if i were u i would go w/the iX. just because u r a new driver. i bought an 88iX specifically for the winter.

i have lived in colorado & reno NV my whole life.

i learned to drive in a 74 nova & i spent some time spinning out & hitting curbs... luckily no damage or accidents. after that i had a 74 charger. then a fiero. one winter all i had was a motorcycle (GSXR600). as a matter of fact ive never owned a fwd car but did have a 4x4 pathfinder for 3yrs which was great in the snow.

at the same time i found my early experience VERY helpful in being able to handle the other cars ive owned.

what ever u decide i would agree w/the drivers school suggestion as well as when it snows go find a large empty parking lot & practice turns, stopping, spinning, etc. that has helped me avoid more than a few sketchy situations.