AWD vs Cyberbeast - Things I've noticed

[Seribus]

Its been really cool driving the CB loaner this week. Gives me good reference, contrast and compare for just driving a different Cybertruck in general regardless of model difference. I was able to look it over and see most the things I had questions about exists in both models. Honestly, after driving both I don't have fomo and just as happy to get my awd back. Now if Tesla gave me a sweet deal to slide up I would entertain it. After a handful of beast launches I'm good.

Sponsored

 

[Leifmb]

I had an even quicker S Plaid and went for the AWD, 0-30mph doesn't seem much different - traction limited. The Sl Plaid pulled harder, longer, but I prefer the RWD of the AWD vs running front-wheel drive most of the time which is how the Beast operates. Also nice to have two real lockers in the AWD vs one in the Beast should you ever need the extra traction. Nothing wrong with the Beast, it's an amazing machine, but for the purpose the AWD works better for me and still has plenty of kick. Really wished the S/X Plaid and Beast would come with bigger brakes, my S Plaid was dangerously underbraked for 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of forque. Can gain speed quicker than you can think, but slowing it down...wow, that took some planning. It's no 911 Turbo/GT3!

On traction-the Beast doesn't need and or wouldn't work with a rear "locker" as it has one motor on each wheel for torque vectoring, which should perform better in ALL situations...at least in theory!

 

[Baldyloxx]

The Acceleration and handling is noticeably different. Actually feels like a real sports car when driving it compared to the AWD.

Also, I love the how the motors sound, like a spaceship when accelerating/regen braking.

This was one vehicle that I was ready to splurge on and wanted zero fomo on it so I'm glad i picked the CB because I know I would have wanted it when having the AWD.

Subjective, but fair..

I can say my AWD feels sporty and sounds like a spaceship (Actually like a StarWars Tie-Fighter under deceleration) the same. Maybe I rather save a bit on tires via a bit longer tire life. Still plenty on tap to make me grin… My AWD is almost as quick as my ModelY performance off the line..

bravo.

 

[CyGo]

The Beast, with its primary drive motor located in the front, is definitely more noticeable (because it's closer) than the AWD, which has its primary motor located in the rear.

Regarding the compressor, if you have it set to auto lower on park (or whatever that setting is called), the compressor will cycle much more frequently. Just FYI.

 

[scottyah]

On traction-the Beast doesn't need and or wouldn't work with a rear "locker" as it has one motor on each wheel for torque vectoring, which should perform better in ALL situations...at least in theory!

eh, looks like theory hasn't matched reality on any EV yet. Time will tell for sure.

 

[sefar]

I just traded my FS AWD for a used FS beast. I too wish the interior was more posh instead of just subtly nicer but I haven't left a vehicle stock since about 1991 so that will be remedied soon.

Someone else smartly said that the AWD is a sporty sedan, the Beast is a low end sports car. I would edit that to mid grade sports car.

It isnt just the straight line speed which is breath taking but also how much better it handles that speed and handles in general. It feels more comfortable to me and my grins per mile have easily tripled.

 

[JohnDutoit]

My main noise issue with CB is wind noise on the sides of the windshield. I've tried a few things but nothing helped...

 

[Shrey]

My main noise issue with CB is wind noise on the sides of the windshield. I've tried a few things but nothing helped...

I also have noticed this and my CB is in for service for Wind noise & air leak noise coming from the front door window.

They gave me basically a new CB (<800km) as a loaner with a 36xxx VIN and I noticed the windsheild noise in this one too but the wind & air leak noise is not present from the left door where mine is.

What things have you tried? Curious as to what you have tried as Ive tried a bunch, things like adding foam backer rods under the weather strip in the frunk, etc

 

[Killlbox]

Yeah, freeway on ramps are some of the daily pedal-push joys!

THIS!!!

Had our Beast for almost a year and this will NEVER get old.

 

[smg]

I've been loaned an AWD while my Beast is in the shop. Things I've noticed:

Disclaimer: I do have the winter tire package on the Beast, and I do know that it makes a huge difference in handling, and reduces the acceleration potential a bit, but I didn't always, and I feel like this list still holds true, taking into account what it drove like before.

• I thought I'd feel AWD would be much slower in day-to-day driving but honestly, not really. This thing is insanely fast too. Even aggressively bombing around town in it doesn't feel appreciably slower at all and in some ways it feels better. More on that below.
• Using any more acceleration than what AWD provides, on city streets and just about any 'normal' driving, is inappropriate for the conditions in almost all cases. Stopping distances are shortened, and traction is pushed even further to the limit. When traffic is dense it just doesn't make sense.
• On the highway, the Beast gives you more for on-ramps and passing. Just no way around it. Beast wins here. It makes you brace for acceleration more, and smiles are wider when you do so. However, cruising noise is louder in the Beast with the PM motor in the front, so for road trips, it actually starts to get annoying, at least for me...
• The noise difference, at least in the current AWD I am loaned, is pretty significant. My Beast has some considerable snarl from the PM motor. I greatly prefer quiet.
• The RWD/FWD biases are real. Understeer is not an issue on the AWD. I feel like it handles a bit better because of this. Underfoot, while you're pushing thru a turn, it just feels 'right'. Perhaps Tesla could tweak Beast Mode a bit to bias the rear motors more? Or maybe they're already doing this and I don't spend enough time in Beast Mode to recognize what's going on. Either way it's not documented, AFAIK.
• The weight difference, coupled with the RWD bias make it also feel like it's a little easier to whip around the AWD in a playful way. It's honestly fantastic.
• I definitely prefer the Alcantara dash. The AWD one has some considerable glare.
• The Beast is in the shop partially for some interior creaks and squeaks, and I have to say, this AWD with half the mileage has it even worse. (although I'm sure there's no actual difference in practice, and its most likely just luck of the draw).
• Some people swear that a rear locker in the AWD makes it better for off-road and others swear that torque vectoring and more HP per wheel in the Beast is better for off road. I tend to lean toward the latter, but I won't be testing the loaner off-road.
• No light bar doesn't give any real difference in wind noise that I can tell, and I'm pretty sensitive to it.

 

[HaulingAss]

I've been loaned an AWD while my Beast is in the shop. Things I've noticed:

• I thought I'd feel AWD would be much slower in day-to-day driving but honestly, not really. This thing is insanely fast too. Even aggressively bombing around town in it doesn't feel appreciably slower at all and in some ways it feels better. More on that below.
• Using any more acceleration than what AWD provides, on city streets and just about any 'normal' driving, is inappropriate for the conditions in almost all cases. Stopping distances are shortened, and traction is pushed even further to the limit. When traffic is dense it just doesn't make sense.
• On the highway, the Beast gives you more for on-ramps and passing. Just no way around it. Beast wins here. It makes you brace for acceleration more, and smiles are wider when you do so. However, cruising noise is louder in the Beast with the PM motor in the front, so for road trips, it actually starts to get annoying, at least for me...
• The noise difference, at least in the current AWD I am loaned, is pretty significant. My Beast has some considerable snarl from the PM motor. I greatly prefer quiet.
• The RWD/FWD biases are real. Understeer is not an issue on the AWD. I feel like it handles a bit better because of this. Underfoot, while you're pushing thru a turn, it just feels 'right'. Perhaps Tesla could tweak Beast Mode a bit to bias the rear motors more? Or maybe they're already doing this and I don't spend enough time in Beast Mode to recognize what's going on. Either way it's not documented, AFAIK.
• The weight difference, coupled with the RWD bias make it also feel like it's a little easier to whip around the AWD in a playful way. It's honestly fantastic.
• I definitely prefer the Alcantara dash. The AWD one has some considerable glare.
• The Beast is in the shop partially for some interior creaks and squeaks, and I have to say, this AWD with half the mileage has it even worse. (although I'm sure there's no actual difference in practice, and its most likely just luck of the draw).
• Some people swear that a rear locker in the AWD makes it better for off-road and others swear that torque vectoring and more HP per wheel in the Beast is better for off road. I tend to lean toward the latter, but I won't be testing the loaner off-road.
• No light bar doesn't give any real difference in wind noise that I can tell, and I'm pretty sensitive to it.

Thanks for your honest feedback!

Even though I still haven't driven a Beast, I've had many of the same theories, thank you for adding some actual experience behind them. I guess I haven't bothered to test drive a Beast because I have trouble seeing how it would make me any happier than I already am!

 

[Seribus]

I was really happy to have the chance to drive a beast but more so to drive another cybertruck to compare to mine to. It's a good feeling to know what's normal versus what's specific to yours.

 

[smg]

I guess I haven't bothered to test drive a Beast because I have trouble seeing how it would make me any happier than I already am!

"Comparison is the thief of joy" holds true.

 

[Seribus]

"Comparison is the thief of joy" holds true.

In my case I was relieved and perfectly OK with my choice of AWD. I thought it would make me want to go up but it didn't. I enjoyed driving it and it's great which ever you have.

 

[Jacob]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that the "Slippery Surfaces" option on the CB will send power to the rear as well under normal acceleration. If that's the case, I wish there was an option to make it stay ON all of the time (until you turn it off).

Sponsored