Compared with a FWD S70, how much does the AWD affect fuel efficiency? I live in Massachusetts and am trying to decide between a GLT or an AWD (same car as the GLT but with the AWD). I have found some specs from Volvo showing minimal affect (difference of only 2 mpg), but I suspect there's a bigger difference than Volvo's specs in the real world. Any real world insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

According to that site, it's only a few MPG. I feel that the AWD is nice, but these cars are generally good in the snow especially with good tires. You can save some on fuel costs and also extra driveline components that may need future repair/service. It's up to you.

 

it also depends on what kind of driving you will be normally doing. i believe the awd disengages after 30mph, after that fuel economy shouldn't be different at all (except for added weight)

 

Yeah after 30MPH AWD is no more it becomes FWD.

 

I recently purchased a 2000 S70 AWD with 138k miles on the dial. This past weekend I drove it 460 mostly highway miles and averaged 26.6 mpg.

 

i have a V70 FWD and get about 24mpg city/29MPG highway. it's probably about a 2mpg difference for AWD and the turbo models may be affected slightly more than that.