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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Tracking, Autocrossing, Dragstrip, Driving Techniques > Is RWD or AWD better for track time?



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      04-10-2017, 07:01 PM   #1
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Is RWD or AWD better for track time?

Also A/T or MT? For a experienced driver, but noob at track?
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      04-11-2017, 01:29 AM   #2
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Bump! Asking because I need to make a buying decision in near future. I feel like RWD and 6MT is more fun, but on the other hand AWD and A/T is known to accelerate faster and been a all-weather powerhouse. I think it's easier on track to focus on track itself and course and stopping distance, turning angles etc. and enjoy the track session rather than waste precious time on constantly jerking 6MT and catching your rear end in turns, but then again I don't know if that is true or not
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      04-11-2017, 08:24 AM   #3
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RWD is certainly faster and better handling on track, 6mt vs 6at depends on driver skill.
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      04-11-2017, 01:35 PM   #4
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RWD vs AWD it will depend from the chassis. If you are asking specifically about e9x then RWD will be better. MT vs AT it will depend on the engine. If you are asking specifically about your 328xi then MT would be faster.
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      04-11-2017, 06:58 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by feuer View Post
RWD vs AWD it will depend from the chassis. If you are asking specifically about e9x then RWD will be better. MT vs AT it will depend on the engine. If you are asking specifically about your 328xi then MT would be faster.
Thanks! I'm looking at 335 to buy and I was just wondering how come AT is faster than MT according to some reviews? Also, if RWD is better for track - how come then AWD is faster on acceleration? I thought acceleration was a important portion of track time
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      04-11-2017, 09:23 PM   #6
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Thanks! I'm looking at 335 to buy and I was just wondering how come AT is faster than MT according to some reviews? Also, if RWD is better for track - how come then AWD is faster on acceleration? I thought acceleration was a important portion of track time
335i is turbo charged car. When MT every time you press clutch to shift boost drops thus being slower than AT that will hold boost during gear changes. 335xi will accelerate better from a dig, from 0mph, compared to RWD 335i because of traction. During rolling start, let say 50 to 100mph, RWD will be faster because of less parasitic power train losses. 0 to let's say 150mph again RWD will be faster. In turns, at the track, XI will be slower because won't rotate as easy from added front end weight and power delivery to steer wheels that will make the car want to go straight. Also XI is handicapped for engine builds as the XI transfer case is weak. Front suspension too, selection of race inspired control arm and coil overs is scarce. Additionally, front suspension on XI travels less. Over all, 335i is superior to 335xi.
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      04-11-2017, 10:21 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by feuer View Post
335i is turbo charged car. When MT every time you press clutch to shift boost drops thus being slower than AT that will hold boost during gear changes. 335xi will accelerate better from a dig, from 0mph, compared to RWD 335i because of traction. During rolling start, let say 50 to 100mph, RWD will be faster because of less parasitic power train losses. 0 to let's say 150mph again RWD will be faster. In turns, at the track, XI will be slower because won't rotate as easy from added front end weight and power delivery to steer wheels that will make the car want to go straight. Also XI is handicapped for engine builds as the XI transfer case is weak. Front suspension too, selection of race inspired control arm and coil overs is scarce. Additionally, front suspension on XI travels less. Over all, 335i is superior to 335xi.
So theoretically speaking is RWD with AT 335 kinda the best of both worlds - in terms of track performance?
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      04-12-2017, 08:24 AM   #8
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So theoretically speaking is RWD with AT 335 kinda the best of both worlds - in terms of track performance?
Correct, especially AT with Alpina flash. My 335i is MT but that is matter of personal preference.
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      04-12-2017, 01:54 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain comic View Post
So theoretically speaking is RWD with AT 335 kinda the best of both worlds - in terms of track performance?
Relatively speaking yes. Neither are good track cars. E36 M3 is a good affordable track car that will be reliable.
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      04-12-2017, 01:59 PM   #10
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Ok guys, thanks for clearing it up. One more question. What difference in time/performance are we talking here? If it's just a minor difference and you have to be a experienced driver to even see some gains - then it certainly doesn't apply to me and I guess ANY e9x will be above and beyond my skills. Or is it a very noticeable difference that even a beginner driver can take advantage of?
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      04-12-2017, 02:38 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain comic View Post
Ok guys, thanks for clearing it up. One more question. What difference in time/performance are we talking here? If it's just a minor difference and you have to be a experienced driver to even see some gains - then it certainly doesn't apply to me and I guess ANY e9x will be above and beyond my skills. Or is it a very noticeable difference that even a beginner driver can take advantage of?
It all depends on your driving style... RWD benefits from utilizing slip angles more. new driver to RWD can be timid at first until they learn how to steer with the throttle... FWD is much more forgiving if you over drive it (you just run a wide line). AWD is the "easiest" to drive and put power down, but drivetrains loss and parts are costly to power and your wallet....

You honestly won't notice any difference in "times" at the beginner or intermediate level.
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