Buying a Volvo S60 from an online auto auction or a dealership comes with an important decision — should you choose all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD)? This choice affects performance, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and overall driving experience.
Each drivetrain has its pros. FWD models tend to be lighter, get better gas mileage and require less maintenance since fewer components can malfunction. Because of this, they’re a better choice for mild-climate regions. Vehicles with all-wheel-drive (AWD) offer better stability and grip on the road. It is great if you drive in snow, rain, and/or off-road conditions. We’ll talk about the differences in detail here so you know which version of the Volvo S60 is for you.
Understanding AWD and FWD in the Volvo S60
It’s critical to know how these control two wheels and four wheels respectively before picking one and the functional benefits of each before you choose which one to use.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) sends power only to the front wheels. This is the system that comes standard in most base versions of the Volvo S60.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Power is evenly distributed between the four wheels. And that can change depending on the road’s condition. This type of drive comes in higher trims and performance-oriented versions of the S60.
Different systems affect acceleration, handling, fuel consumption, and upkeep costs. We’ll look at the important aspects to keep in mind below.
Performance and Handling Differences
When choosing a drivetrain, how a vehicle drives is an important factor. When compared to the S60’s RWD variant, the AWD versions improve grip noticeably especially when accelerating on a slippery surface. It constantly checks for wheel slip and redistributes torque accordingly. This gives you additional control in the rain, snow, or icy road conditions. AWD versions are recommended for use in cooler regions and unpredictable weather.
FWD models’ lighter weight gives them added agility. Because of the less mechanical complexity, there’s less drivetrain drag allowing for swifter acceleration on dry grounds. If your driving is mainly done on tires or roads in cities and highways, FWD offers a smoother and more predictable driving experience. Due to the weight added by more components in the AWD, some drivers also prefer the lighter feel of the steering.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost Considerations
One major difference between AWD and FWD that will affect your choice is fuel economy. FWD models usually have better fuel economy than AWD ones. For instance, the Volvo S60 B5 Mild Hybrid gets 26/35 (city/highway) MPG FWD (front wheel drive). On AWD (all-wheel-drive), the AWD version is 25/33. Although it may not seem much, it adds up especially if you are someone who drives long distances. Furthermore, owing to extra parts such as the rear differential and electronic sensors, AWD vehicles cost more in terms of insurance and maintenance. FWD cars, therefore, are a more cost-effective choice for those looking for fewer expenses and more efficiency.
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
Due to having more moving parts in its AWD system, the S60 may have more potential points of failure as time goes on. Parts like the transfer case, rear differential, and AWD sensors need frequent maintenance and can get costly to repair when fail.
Tire replacement is another thing you will need to take into account. All four tires of an AWD car need to be replaced at the same time for optimal performance; however, a FWD model is more flexible in this regard. This might make routine maintenance easier and cheaper.
Driving in Different Weather Conditions
Your local climate should play a major role in your decision.
AWD: Ideal for Harsh Winters
If you live in a region with snowy or wet weather, AWD is the safer option. It provides better traction on icy roads, reducing the chances of losing control.
Scenarios where AWD is beneficial:
- Frequent snowstorms or icy roads.
- Unpaved or gravel roads (better grip on uneven terrain).
- High-performance driving (better acceleration in wet or slippery conditions).
FWD: Suitable for Warmer Climates
If you live in California, Florida, or Texas, where winters are mild, AWD is often unnecessary. FWD provides sufficient traction for dry and rainy conditions.
Accident Risk and Safety
AWDs provide better traction, leading many to think they are safer. However, they can’t prevent all accidents all of the time. Even though AWDs assist in stability and acceleration on slippery roads, they do not impact the braking system, and thus the stopping distances are the same as in FWDs. Drivers may think they are safer in snow or rain in cars with all-wheel drive (AWD), but crashing more often suggests the opposite. Cars with front-wheel drive (FWD) are more predictable and weigh less. Hence, they usually have shorter stopping distances than AWDs. A front-wheel-drive Volvo S60 with quality winter tires is just as safe in winter as the all-wheel-drive version. Last but not least, it is the driving, the tires and the road conditions that are more important in preventing accidents than the drivetrain.
Price Comparison
All-wheel-drive (AWD) models cost about $2,000 to $3,000 more than front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, depending on the trim. Depending on the package, AWD is included with more upscale options that enhance performance and luxury hence raising the cost further. Is the extra cost worth it though?
If you live somewhere that’s really cold and snowy all winter or where roads frequently become slippery, you’re going to like the added safety and control of an AWD vehicle. Otherwise, you can do without it and save some money. But if your area is mostly warm or moderate, you can opt for FWD without compromising on performance or comfort.
Final Verdict
Deciding if you would prefer an all-wheel drive (AWD) option or front-wheel drive (FWD) option for the Volvo S60 will ultimately come down to where you live, how you drive and how much money you wish to spend. If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall during the winter season and want better traction and stability while driving, then AWD is a good choice. AWD simply grips better, provides better acceleration for slippery surfaces, and in general, has a higher market price in a colder climate. If your priorities are higher fuel economy, lower maintenance, and a lower sticker price, then FWD is the better choice.