Ordering Charger or Magnum - AWD or RWD

**jsucha** · 01-23-2008, 11:48 PM

I am either going to be ordering a new Magnum in the next few days since the order cutoff is 2/8, or I am going to wait for a few weeks until I see what the new enhanced option packages or features they will be offering in the Charger, as mentioned in Automotive News and on the Allpar site.
It is the wife's car so she will decide which vehicle it will be. It would be the SXT version of either vehicle.
I have researched the posts on this site on the RWD traction in the snow and it appears the opinion is that winter tires at least on the rear are a necessary. I live in Pittsburgh which has many hills, and I am not totally convinced that RWD will cut it even with ESP and the stability control. The AWD is a 2500 option on these vehicles so that is why I am looking for feedback from those who live in a like terrain and climate.
If we get a major snowstorm I have my '05 Ram for getting through that. It is the lesser amounts that concern me, especially since she has driven an Intrepid for 10 yrs that goes great in the snow.

**Bornagainultimatum** · 01-24-2008, 12:41 AM

Go with the AWD in Pittsburgh! Since you are getting the SXT, it would appear that all out horsepower and torque is not necessarily #1 priority. But for the snowy hills, the AWD is the way to go. Besides, you love your wife too much to risk her getting stuck, don't you?

**Super T** · 01-24-2008, 12:45 AM

Last winter we had a couple of real doozies... an SRT (RWD) on stock tires did me just fine, except for the times I had a little fun on purpose :-) The RT was even better when I had it (also RWD). You may have snow more often, but it's still just frozen water... IMHO you don't really need AWD, at least I never at any point in time wished I had it.

**Darthvader** · 01-24-2008, 12:47 AM

If you are not getting an srt then awd for sure. Resale is a lot higher and it really is functional.

**LowGo** · 01-24-2008, 04:58 AM

It's kind of tough to say whether it's worth the extra money in your case. If having a sure footed car in the snow is important to your or your wife, then the AWD is definitely a good choice. If you're used to driving in snow, and have done it in other 2WD cars without a problem, then a properly equiped RWD would probably work fine.

I've driven my AWD in the snow several times, and can say that I would feel comfortable doing so with almost any tires. I didn't get an AWD just because of snow though.

**07MAGOWNR** · 01-24-2008, 09:10 AM

Think of it this way, if the AWD will give you peace of mind while driving in the snow, it is more than worth the price difference. Also, if everything is equal between the Magnum and the Charger, I would wait and order the Charger after the new packages become available. You will be getting more for your money this way.

**F1fan** · 01-24-2008, 09:28 AM

I've never regretted my AWD purchase.

Love it.

**jsucha** · 01-24-2008, 11:57 AM

Thanks for all of the input. Since we tend to keep our vehicles from 8 - 10 yrs then maybe the AWD is the way to go, especially if you look at it on a cost per yr basis.

**FloridaRT** · 01-24-2008, 01:26 PM

Get AWD and put snow tires on all 4 wheels.....................

Bob

**Pushbutton** · 01-24-2008, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by FloridaRT

Get AWD and put snow tires on all 4 wheels.....................

Bob

Said like a true Floridian!

...but I agree; its what I did.

**345hemi** · 01-24-2008, 02:38 PM

it seems that everyone is missing the true advantage if AWD - in european cars it is not there for the snow - it is there for the performance. The ability to push AND pull through a corner made it worth more than the snow traction. We live where it rains alot and i love to burn around corners! AWD in the corners allows me to keep up on the twisties with my buddies 1992 porsche 911. AWD in the winter is nice as well.

**Largo_pq** · 01-25-2008, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by jsucha

or I am going to wait for a few weeks until I see what the new enhanced option packages or features they will be offering in the Charger, as mentioned in Automotive News and on the Allpar site.
I

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums. I currently have a 2008 Charger on order and haven't heard anything about any new enhanced option packages. I took a look on Allpar and Automotive News and couldn't find anything on this topic. Can you send a link because I just ordered my Charger and if there is some cool package on the horizon I probably want to rethink or order another one.

On the topic of AWD or RWD, I live in San Diego where AWD would never be needed so unfortunately I can't help you out.

Thanks in advance for the link!

**MB190SL** · 01-25-2008, 09:41 AM

My AWD is the first car I have had with this feature. I wasn't sure how I would like it, but I had the opportunity to give it a try. I have really enjoyed it, and would certainly give it high consideration of future cars. It is not just show, like 345Hemi said above, it has advantages in other conditions too. If it fits your budget, go for it!

**345hemi** · 01-26-2008, 01:24 PM

clipped fromt he mercedes web site:
The award-winning Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC™ is a permanent all-wheel drive system that delivers optimal traction, whatever the road condition, for maximum confidence and handling control.

http://www.4matic.ca

having rented 300c and magnum rt RWD cars - i LOVE my awd..... but miss the smokey burnouts

we only get 2 or 3 days a year of snow but lots of rain.

buy the AWD