Completely Torn - advice please!

AdrianC

facade said:

Neither of those are AWD, they use electrically controlled "bang the back axle in when the fronts start spinning" systems. Very few cars are proper AWD now, I think the RangeRover RangeRover is, the evoque started with a haldex system, like the Audi quatro system, then moved to a GKN "terrain response" system, both types are mainly FWD biased.

AWD just means all wheels are (or can be) driven. Lots of people make up other meanings as to what "proper" is, to rule in or out their personal preference...

And since not all Evoques are AWD, and the OP's considering a Focus instead, I think we can safely assume that the drivetrain is pretty much irrelevant to the decision.

Herzlos

I thought the distinction was that AWD was permanent power to all wheels, and 4WD was configurable somehow. That seems to have matched the badges on the various cars I've had - the 4x4's have usually had a switch or Haldex.

I dare say it's used pretty interchangeably here and is completely irrelevant to the question.

John_

If I were you I’d look at the all-in costs, including depreciation, over three years (look on Autotrader to see the value of a three year older car), calculate how many journeys you do, and work out the additional cost of the more expensive choice per journey and per year.
I like nice cars too, but and tend to make my decision based only on the annual cost, not the upfront payment. Looking at it this way justified me buying a ore-reg Mercedes SL63 in December, as it came with a full 40% off the new price.

DrEskimo

John_ said:

If I were you I’d look at the all-in costs, including depreciation, over three years (look on Autotrader to see the value of a three year older car), calculate how many journeys you do, and work out the additional cost of the more expensive choice per journey and per year.
I like nice cars too, but and tend to make my decision based only on the annual cost, not the upfront payment. Looking at it this way justified me buying a ore-reg Mercedes SL63 in December, as it came with a full 40% off the new price.

Very true.

Also why the additional upfront purchase cost of an EV doesn't actually dictate whether it is more expensive to run over the ownership period. Lower deprecation and lower running costs typically make them much cheaper to own despite the higher purchase price. The higher purchase price is a barrier to entry, rather than an indication of how expensive it is to own.

It's also why comparing the additional purchase price (ICE vs EV) to the savings in fuel (petrol vs. Electricity) makes no sense. It's the difference in depreciation costs that's important.

almillar

Herzlos said:

I thought the distinction was that AWD was permanent power to all wheels, and 4WD was configurable somehow. That seems to have matched the badges on the various cars I've had - the 4x4's have usually had a switch or Haldex.

I dare say it's used pretty interchangeably here and is completely irrelevant to the question.

I would clarify it by saying the term 'Permanent AWD or 4WD' has been diluted by people dropping the permanent word. It being permanent is better for off roading but worse for most on road driving, with greater tyre wear and fuel costs.