I have a slightly juiced V8 RWD that dyno'd 602 est at the crank. It will mildly break the rear end loose in a straight line in upper third gear, sometimes it'll wag a little under pure thrust. I love it, and wouldn't trade RWD for AWD for anything. You can't be an idiot on the throttle with lateral G on the car or the tail WILL, predictably, slide out. As it should be. The RWD V8 F-Types will be the ones to have 20 years from now.

A CPO warranty will get you to 7 years/100K miles which is well worth the typical premium.

 

Also worth knowing is that a 2014 or 2015 V8S RWD will consistently dyno between 495 and 500 at the wheels, making them pretty similar to an R in hp. The engines are identical.

 

I believe the AWD is predominantly RWD anyway, just feeds in a bit of front as conditions dictate. I also think I read somewhere that it's even more RWD in Dymanic mode. I'm impressed at how planted my AWD is, much more so than my previous 5.0 XKR. I don't think you'd be disappointed whichever you go for. The V8 has plenty of raw power, and the exhaust crackles and pops are extremely addictive - ask anyone!

 

RWD is a million times better.

 

 

Both great cars.

 

 

It's unfortunate, but true, that you will get almost as many different answers as you get responses. The issue of AWD v RWD, MT vs AT, and other things boils down to individual preference. There are pros and cons to all of these alternatives, and your unique preferences will weight those pros and cons. Don't be afraid to go test drive the various option you are considering. That's the only way you can know for certain what direction to go in.

 

Buy the one with the lowest miles, best looking, or cheapest priced.
Otherwise, who cares what others think?

BTW, RWD is not a million times better than AWD. Basic math says it's only half as good, since 2 wheels is half of 4 wheel drive. But basic Physics says it's exactly the same since it's sharing the same engine HP....

 

But half is still 500,000x better.

 

RWD vehicles have less drivetrain loss, and are faster.

 

Thoughts from a current AWD R owner who has driven several RWD V8 F's...AWD has a wonderful balance of rear bias. RWD versions I drove were more "tingle up the spine" on the street based on ability to act like a Mopar in a tuxedo. My AWD is just finishing "break-in" so I haven't had any real spirited driving in it yet and it is winter here in the N.E. USA. I can't wait for Spring!

Very individual preferences you ask about. So you know where my experience and personal enjoyment come from:

AWD cars I've owned: Current, '18 F Type R Coupe. Past, '12 Audi V10 R8 Coupe, '16 BMW 650i Gran Coupe (twin turbo V8)
RWD cars I've owned: 3 Vipers ('04 vert, '08 vert, '09 ACR), 996 Porsche 911 GTS, 3 Vettes ('94 & 02 Coupes, 98 Vert), 2 Hellcat Challengers

I love the RWD, high horsepower experience.
The Vipers would wear you out after 90 minutes behind the wheel. I have not spent extended time behind the wheel of the last gen Viper, so they might be different. I loved me each of those bang up your spine, noisy, hot beasts!
Waiting to be flamed but...didn't enjoy the 911 GTS much and sold it after 6 months.
Vette's were fine, got them out of my system.
Hellcats were a hoot. Just a crazy, heavy, powerful American Muscle machine. I really enjoyed them and might have another at some point.

AWD, nothing was as much fun as my current ride, the F Type. The R8 got looks from everyone but was, dare I say, not crazy enough for me. The BMW 650 was a wonderful grand touring car...comfortable with a thrust of power always there. Sounded good too.
F Type...lots of comments to be searched on this forum..."great theatre" is a comment trademarked to this car! I love she!!!

If you liked your Cobra, you might like the RWD better. As others have suggested, best to drive both and see.

 

Quicker, not faster. Unless you spin the wheels because they can't gain traction. Very usual with the RWD F-type.

 

I know most people think they are God's gift to driving, but what is your driving skill? High-powered RWD car is harder to handle than an AWD car, if your idea of going fast is to mash GO! pedal, then you need AWD. Outside of winter driving, where AWD is very helpful, I find such cars to boring to drive, but then, I exclusively drive on pavement.

 

You must be talking about me! I had the 5.0 XKR, the tail was always out, I could never launch especially in the wet, I got spanked on a little track by a friend who was driving his WRX as I couldnt get any power down and was too scared to cut off the dts etc. With the V6 S F type I am able to control the car much better, I've had enormously better track times (driving Jag's cars, not mine), I am getting probably 60% out of the car instead of 40% and I can have a ball at street legal speeds. Even though I didnt like the AWD R to drive as much as the RWD R as I felt the weight in the front end on the track, if I was to buy one it would def's be the AWD.

 

 

 

It's rooted in growing up below the poverty level, focusing after almost going the wrong way, and finally seeing financial results after 40 years of age. Owning a car at all was a dream until I was out of college and paid off most of my student loan.

I've made up for it and feel fortunate I've had the opportunity to enjoy the cars listed and some cool trucks and motorcycles as well.

The R8 wasn't uneventful. It was beautiful and composed with really nice performance. I happen to like a bit of naughty. Just didn't have the "spice" to match the looks for me. When it comes to fun, I like a bit of sassy & sexy from my ride that will require some exertion on my part to tame it. The R8 was really sexy but a bit too mannered for me. Again, personal preference.

The F Type has a huge amount of character. It is really fun to drive, is a most beautiful design, and sounds like a maniac. Chris Harris said it best "...it has a bit of Mopar feel to it..." and "...it wants to have fun...there's a sense of joy about this car...". I can watch this video all day.


I've always enjoyed this commencement address when you think of impact and determination. His "few suggestions" are strong: