AWD versus FWD on a Race Track

edit: I was wrong. Upon comments from others and extra research, the speed limit for the AWD is either 43mph or gone entirely.

I also found an article from Motor Trend that said the FWD did their lap in 27.5 seconds versus the AWD doing 27.0. (both test cars were Limiteds)

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-toyota-prius-limited-awd-first-test-review/

*note: The FWD press car was equipped with Toyo Extensa tires, while the AWD was equipped with Michelin Primacy. Probably doesn't account for the half second improvement, but it wasn't a perfect apples to apples comparison.

The AWD also had a better stopping distance(122ft vs 132ft), but it's hard to know if the improvement comes from any added regen braking from the rear drive or from the tires themselves.

 

Depends on the driver and the mods done to the car... Front wheel drive car racers use way different wheels on the front than on the back compared to RWD and the technique for racing them takes a while to learn. Whereas AWD works well for people who aren't race car drivers, but want the car to track well around curves at speed, as well as in ice and mud.

Or as this Quora link explains:

"Racing cars are typically not all-wheel drive (AWD) for a few reasons. Firstly, AWD systems add weight and complexity, which can affect a racing car's performance and handling. Secondly, in many racing scenarios, particularly on smooth racetracks, rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive setups can provide better performance and handling characteristics. These setups allow for better weight distribution and more precise control during high-speed cornering." Why aren't racing cars AWD? - Quora

 

seems that is fun with correct tires

 

toyota says awd is active up to 43 mph, not 25

 

I edited my post. I also found a source that said the speed limiter is gone entirely. Unfortunately the New Car Features section on the AWD motor doesn't say anything about the topic at all(that I could find).

 

Neither. Prius Prime is the fastest.

 

The info screen on the dash(with the 4 wheels) shows the AWD working at higher speeds, especially when its wet. I'm going to go with that the AWD will have better drive out of the corners which could make up some time.