AWD VS BEAST

[DoberManPin-Sure]

AWD is undoubtedly great and has all the amazing engineering that we have in our Beasts. However, if you've got a need for speed (specifically acceleration) and don't mind the extra spend, it's 100% worth it. I sometimes still get tunnel vision and mild nausea on some full charge accelerations and I love it. The TRX I sold 5 months after buying my Beast had roughly the same 0 to 60 as the AWD, which was no joke in its own right.

In short, you won't lose either way, but the Beast definitely has a unique benefit.

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[mcm4ss]

I wanted one. I was told it would be "years' before I could get one. So I went AWD. Damn thing is stupid fast and I drive it on chill most all the time. I would not use a beast. at all. But that being said I am glad I did not. I have talked to several around here who say they make noises from drives. I also like I have lockers front and back where the beast uses software. But if you have spots to really use that ridiculous speed I would say yes. I just cannot drive that fast.

 

[cyberjeff25]

I like to put cybertruck skeptics in my cyberbeast- put the vehicle in beast mode. Ask my passengers not to make funny noises when I step on the accelerator. They always say / “I’m not making silly noises- I have been in lots of fast cars”—- step on the accelerator and listen to their funny noises they make. These are usually friends from my local Porsche and Corvette clubs. They are skeptics when I suggest that this silly looking truck is faster than any car in their car club- they of course, are skeptical of that claim. After the launch control blast they understand. Then the truck drives itself to lunch while listening to the best stereo I have had in any car. At the restaurant this huge truck parks itself- backing into a parking space - using rear wheel steering and finally lowers itself down. While driving I ask Grok to explain Einstein’s theory of relativity. End result- my friends understand why Musk is the richest man in the world and likely the first trillionaire.

 

[Skil101]

Looking to buy a used Cybertruck.
Is the beast worth it?
2024 VS 2025?
Best place to find listings?

Is a beast cooler, yes. Will ever need that much more speed probably not, I got AWD and it’s plenty of fast, could went best but rather save 20k and invest it but to each there own..

 

[DoberManPin-Sure]

I like to put cybertruck skeptics in my cyberbeast- put the vehicle in beast mode. Ask my passengers not to make funny noises when I step on the accelerator. They always say / “I’m not making silly noises- I have been in lots of fast cars”—- step on the accelerator and listen to their funny noises they make. These are usually friends from my local Porsche and Corvette clubs. They are skeptics when I suggest that this silly looking truck is faster than any car in their car club- they of course, are skeptical of that claim. After the launch control blast they understand. Then the truck drives itself to lunch while listening to the best stereo I have had in any car. At the restaurant this huge truck parks itself- backing into a parking space - using rear wheel steering and finally lowers itself down. While driving I ask Grok to explain Einstein’s theory of relativity. End result- my friends understand why Musk is the richest man in the world and likely the first trillionaire.

The AWD can do everything you've described EXCEPT the "no funny noises challenge." My friends and colleagues lose that challenge every time!

 

[cyberjeff25]

Also the beast has the three little heads etched into the tailgate - that makes the extra cost worth every penny.’

Is buying a new cyberbeast actually difficult? I thought Tesla had cyberbeasts stacked up in every depot that they can’t sell / thus all the incentives offered lately.

 

[mongo]

The front motor in the Cyberbeast is a permanent magnet synchronous motor, which is different from the induction motor used in the front of the AWD model. This configuration allows the Cyberbeast to utilize a mechanical locking differential on the front axle, while the rear wheels are independently controlled by the two induction motors, providing a form of independent locking without a traditional mechanical differential.

Minor clarification from the wording: Both AWD and Beast have a locking front axle. Beast has SW rear diff, AWD has mechanical locking rear diff.

 

[Leifmb]

Relatively big decision.
Drive them both
Make your decision

Other than neck snapping speed on tap, there's really not much difference - though some have mentioned more motor noise from front (seems to be used more for normal propulsion, but I've not verified this)

The beast primarily uses the front motor to drive, yes.

 

[HunterMt8]

Looking to buy a used Cybertruck.
Is the beast worth it?
2024 VS 2025?
Best place to find listings?

YES! The comfort and handling are very different. If possible, take a two-day loaner, and you will see the difference. It is worth every penny.

 

[henchman24]

Probably an unpopular opinion, but AWD. The Beast has (an admittedly amazing) the party trick with the acceleration. Absurdly fast, but that is the primary benefit it has. Everything else between the Beast and the AWD, I'd argue the AWD is superior.

FWD bias vs RWD bias: The AWD utilizes the rear motor as the primary drive motor. It is essentially pushing you along while the beast pulls you along. On paper this doesn't sound that much different, but it is and mostly in partial throttle applications. If you pull away from a stoplight at third to half throttle and hit an expansion gap, there will be a very slight moment where traction is lost and the induction motors kick in for a split second. This causes a brief stutter. It is mostly imperceivable in the AWD since the front motor just adds a touch of pulling force (or doesn't happen at all due to weight transfer). In the Beast, you'll feel a bit more of a push from both rear motors activating for a second. Tiny, but perceptible difference. It also tends to increase the noise in the Beast. You're simply closer to the front motor and the whine from it being used is much more noticeable than the AWD. Being FWD bias will also have an impact on tire wear. Simply asking the tires to do more, and where they have more slip will wear them out faster.

Locker performance/placement of permanent magnet motor: It is honestly rare that they should ever be used, but the AWD having a locking rear vs the two motors in the rear is much preferable when you need to use the lockers. This is mostly a stall torque situation of going from zero RPM to actually rotating. This is a weakness for induction motors, and the smaller they are, the more it tends to be an issue. The rear of the Beast has two smaller induction motors. Which gives it a stall torque disadvantage, and the fact they are not mechanically linked means you're resorting on software to keep them at the same RPM, which never is exact. Additionally the times you need a locker are typically very slick surfaces or big inclines (or both). On the inclines, the weight is on the rear allowing the permanent magnet motor with the better stall torque and actual mechanical locker to perform better.

Efficiency... pretty simple AWD is ~3-4% more efficient. Not a big deal IMO, but some may think so.

With driving dynamics, when being pushed and ignoring the half throttle stuff. There is a difference. The Beast is heavier, but it is primarily heavier in the rear. When you're pushing the truck hard, it can make it a bit more tail happy and more willing to drift (extra power plays a role here too). Which is objectively a more fun experience. It trades being mostly neutral to a bit tail happy. For most people, I'd argue neutral is better. Especially since the most normal people will do is more 7 or 8/10ths instead of 10. The heavier also plays into the ride a bit. The Beast is just slightly unsettled feeling compared to the AWD. The rear suspension has to do a bit more work and the rebound settings in the dampers aren't quite up to task IMO (though I think this could be fixed OTA).

In the end though, it is about the acceleration. If it is worth it to you, these differences can be tolerated, or in the stall torque issue, almost never encountered. If the acceleration isn't worth it to you, the AWD is slightly better in all the other areas.

 

[jeffrey2z]

Looking to buy a used Cybertruck.
Is the beast worth it?
2024 VS 2025?
Best place to find listings?

Yes beast. After waiting five years for the cyber truck to come out, I can tell you that waiting a couple extra months for the beast was well worth it. I love my truck!

 

[Tecyber1]

Looking to buy a used Cybertruck.
Is the beast worth it?
2024 VS 2025?
Best place to find listings?

Ah, the same argument since time and memorial! Having been a MSP owner, to me it always boils down to these questions:

1. Do you want to constantly haul ass 0-60MPH? Are you aware of the consequences for doing so (e.g., Burning the tires off, frequent tire changes)?

2. Do you care about efficiency, range?

There will forever be a FOMO aspect to Performance, Plaid, Beast variants and at the end of the day some just need to experience before they know (that was I).

Bottom line, you won't regret either decision. The AWD is fast as hell for a just under 7,000lb truck. The Beast is stupid levels of fast for a sub 7,000lb truck. ha!

It's up to you...now go do it!

 

[Tecyber1]

Probably an unpopular opinion, but AWD. The Beast has (an admittedly amazing) the party trick with the acceleration. Absurdly fast, but that is the primary benefit it has. Everything else between the Beast and the AWD, I'd argue the AWD is superior.

FWD bias vs RWD bias: The AWD utilizes the rear motor as the primary drive motor. It is essentially pushing you along while the beast pulls you along. On paper this doesn't sound that much different, but it is and mostly in partial throttle applications. If you pull away from a stoplight at third to half throttle and hit an expansion gap, there will be a very slight moment where traction is lost and the induction motors kick in for a split second. This causes a brief stutter. It is mostly imperceivable in the AWD since the front motor just adds a touch of pulling force (or doesn't happen at all due to weight transfer). In the Beast, you'll feel a bit more of a push from both rear motors activating for a second. Tiny, but perceptible difference. It also tends to increase the noise in the Beast. You're simply closer to the front motor and the whine from it being used is much more noticeable than the AWD. Being FWD bias will also have an impact on tire wear. Simply asking the tires to do more, and where they have more slip will wear them out faster.

Locker performance/placement of permanent magnet motor: It is honestly rare that they should ever be used, but the AWD having a locking rear vs the two motors in the rear is much preferable when you need to use the lockers. This is mostly a stall torque situation of going from zero RPM to actually rotating. This is a weakness for induction motors, and the smaller they are, the more it tends to be an issue. The rear of the Beast has two smaller induction motors. Which gives it a stall torque disadvantage, and the fact they are not mechanically linked means you're resorting on software to keep them at the same RPM, which never is exact. Additionally the times you need a locker are typically very slick surfaces or big inclines (or both). On the inclines, the weight is on the rear allowing the permanent magnet motor with the better stall torque and actual mechanical locker to perform better.

Efficiency... pretty simple AWD is ~3-4% more efficient. Not a big deal IMO, but some may think so.

With driving dynamics, when being pushed and ignoring the half throttle stuff. There is a difference. The Beast is heavier, but it is primarily heavier in the rear. When you're pushing the truck hard, it can make it a bit more tail happy and more willing to drift (extra power plays a role here too). Which is objectively a more fun experience. It trades being mostly neutral to a bit tail happy. For most people, I'd argue neutral is better. Especially since the most normal people will do is more 7 or 8/10ths instead of 10. The heavier also plays into the ride a bit. The Beast is just slightly unsettled feeling compared to the AWD. The rear suspension has to do a bit more work and the rebound settings in the dampers aren't quite up to task IMO (though I think this could be fixed OTA).

In the end though, it is about the acceleration. If it is worth it to you, these differences can be tolerated, or in the stall torque issue, almost never encountered. If the acceleration isn't worth it to you, the AWD is slightly better in all the other areas.

I wish I had the time to be so articulate, THIS is an excellent and insightful breakdown of the differences. Cheers!

 

[ABILISK]

Only you can answer which is right for you. But if my Beast gets totaled today, I’m getting another Beast. It’s too much fun.

I don’t use the full acceleration all that much anymore (I’ve had it for 10 months), but it sure is worth it when I want it.

And yes, there is a practical purpose for it too, other than fun. I was sitting in a stopped lane the other day and the lane next to me gave me a huge gap. I moved over then noticed someone coming up behind me going at least 85 mph (I know, I know, should’ve gauged that speed better). It was no problem for the Beast, it got right up to speed quickly and no collision happened.

 

[Cybermo]

Beast acceleration is hilarious. Literally. You're gonna get more noise from the third motor inside the cabin. Some people like it, some don't. Handling/comfort is slightly better in the AWD - especially with core wheels. After over a month with the Beast I was borrowing I ended up getting the AWD, no regrets.

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