AWD VS BEAST

[OldDirtyRobot]

It depends on what you prioritize. I had a model 3 performance for a couple of years, and the acceleration was really cool, but at some point, maybe a few months in, I drove normal in it. I started to value range over launch. Nice to have in your back pocket, but something I found to be less of a priority. If you would have told me 10 years ago that 4.1 0-60 is considered slow I would have laughed at you.

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[L3it3R]

It depends on what you prioritize. I had a model 3 performance for a couple of years, and the acceleration was really cool, but at some point, maybe a few months in, I drove normal in it. I started to value range over launch. Nice to have in your back pocket, but something I found to be less of a priority. If you would have told me 10 years ago that 4.1 0-60 is considered slow I would have laughed at you.

This. *IF* I want to be ridiculously quick, I'll take the M3P.

That said, I drive that maybe 1-2 times a month for about 5-6 minutes, max. My daughter daily drives it now.

 

[DCcybertruck]

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 have been looking everywhere for an in-depth FWD & RWD driving dynamics comparison between the Beast and AWD this by far is on of the best I've found scouring the net, very objective and to the point.

I have been lurking in this forum for several months now as I debate between the Beast or AWD, this is really helping me make a rational decision, the mind says get the "AWD" but the heart 's desire is the "Beast"

 

[sys700]

I am a beast owner. Tesla Service Center gave me an AWD for 5 days as a loaner. Bottom line: I couldn't wait to get my beast back! The AWD often made "clunk" noises when accelerating from a stop position. It was not as fun to drive. My beast felt more comfortable, and I missed the dashboard (the AWD dash reflected sunlight). The AWD seemed to corner slightly better, but I preferred the extra weight of the beast. Is it worth the extra $20k? For me, absolutely. YMMV. I didn't realize how much better the beast was until I didn't have that extra speed when I needed it. If I had to do it again, I'd go with the beast, no question at all. I felt a sense of relief once I had mine back, the experience was very different. I recommend test driving one of each before you make up your mind.

 

[Griswold]

I had 2 separate 48 hour test drives before I purchased, one with AWD and one with CB. Aside from the wheel covers I honestly couldn't tell a difference in sound, ride quality, or acceleration. I'm sure if I floored it I would've felt a difference.

$20k wasn't worth it in my opinion. I recommend test driving both and seeing how it meets your needs. Now the new Basic trim I would notice enough differences to want to pay $20k more.

 

[b2ezu01]

I am a beast owner. Tesla Service Center gave me an AWD for 5 days as a loaner. Bottom line: I couldn't wait to get my beast back! The AWD often made "clunk" noises when accelerating from a stop position. It was not as fun to drive. My beast felt more comfortable, and I missed the dashboard (the AWD dash reflected sunlight). The AWD seemed to corner slightly better, but I preferred the extra weight of the beast. Is it worth the extra $20k? For me, absolutely. YMMV. I didn't realize how much better the beast was until I didn't have that extra speed when I needed it. If I had to do it again, I'd go with the beast, no question at all. I felt a sense of relief once I had mine back, the experience was very different. I recommend test driving one of each before you make up your mind.

Same here with my 2024 Foundation CB. Also, why I have biturbo Porsche Cayenne instead of Cayanne S.

 

[mongo]

If you don't need all your range, turn on slippery surface mode for full time AWD with either trim.

 

[DCcybertruck]

I test drove both the CyberBeast and AWD and what impressed me most was how quiet the interior sound of the AWD, just barely hearing the rear PMM (permanent magnet rear motor) whine however, the CB having the PMM on the front had a louder sound motor whine, almost like a super Hornet F/A-18 jet or Boeing 737 (ex 20 year Navy Vet served on A/C), about to take off, both model was great to drive and experience.

 

[REM]

I had 2 separate 48 hour test drives before I purchased, one with AWD and one with CB. Aside from the wheel covers I honestly couldn't tell a difference in sound, ride quality, or acceleration. I'm sure if I floored it I would've felt a difference.

$20k wasn't worth it in my opinion. I recommend test driving both and seeing how it meets your needs. Now the new Basic trim I would notice enough differences to want to pay $20k more.

surely they capped both rides to "chill mode"? The beast is shockingly quicker than the AWD.

 

[Griswold]

Capped to 85 mph. I had a loaner S and plaid was available. I thought the demo was on beast mode but with a rear facing car seat heavy acceleration wasn't on the top of my list. That could also explain perceived noise levels

 

[Legend_]

In my younger days I would have definitely made the financial sacrifice to purchase the tri.

Most middle aged and beyond don't need or desire violent acceleration. Competent and agile is plenty for us.

So really, beyond the price difference, it really boils down to your age and maturity level and how you utilize a car. If you see an older guy driving a tri, it's for bragging rights and having the top model, nothing else.

I fully agree!

 

[RDMSguy]

I have the AWD, but have been given a beast as a loaner for warranty work. I have to be honest, it felt identical to me. I felt no real difference in acceleration, handling or noise. I’ve read people say the beast is louder, but it sounded pretty much identical to me. But maybe I’m not as sensitive or in tune with these things though.

I’ve also been given a model s plaid as a loaner, and that car felt terrifyingly fast.

 

[Little Mule]

The best option is If you get one sold in Jan 2025 with free transferable supercharging…

 

[CyberTexas]

The best option is If you get one sold in Jan 2025 with free transferable supercharging…

I thought that free supercharging via LUXE or Foundation were non-transferable??

 

[hemiarch]

The best option is If you get one sold in Jan 2025 with free transferable supercharging…

No such thing. None of those are transferable. Have one.

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