Personally, I'd get the RWD in one of the currently available options and get the car in a week or two and enjoy it faster. The AWD isn't going to make a big difference unless you get the performance version. And in any case, you'll be waiting a few months for it. Think what it would look like sitting in the driveway by the end of the month!
Exactly. If we were immortal, I would have waited for AWD, since I really wanted it but not enough to give up this past summer with two Teslas. We did a lot of road trips, especially since we had family from New Zealand visiting. I also bought my S before AWD was available (and even AP) and it's been one of the best purchases I've made, even though it's value has dropped like a rock, I don't value it as an investment but a lifestyle choice -- which was not worth waiting for, for me at least.
RWD is not a safety concern. It may be less convienant if you get stuck in snow, but that’s usually not a safety issue. Not being able to reliably stop in ice/snow is a safety concern. But AWD doesn’t improve braking, since all cars have 4-wheel brakes.
That makes no sense to me. I've probably driven in more snow, ice, slush, freezing rain, then most here since I go many weekends to my cabin, over the mountain passes in BC, in the worst of conditions (
that's just winter here). As I leave the wet valley from the warm Pacific air, and head into the mountains where that changes to snow and ice, and slippery conditions, I immediately notice the difference in handling when changing my dial to AWD (in my Tahoe hybrid). It's not braking that's the concern. It's sliding while driving. With the rear tires pushing the front, as opposed to the front pulling themselves, you're more inclined to slide, especially around corners. Then, the last thing you want to do when going into a slide is to brake hard -- which is our natural reaction. Rather, you must steer into, then out of, a slide, allowing the vehicle to regain control itself, or you'll likely go off the highway or worse. It's the same with AWD except that that control is not lost as easily -- because the tires are involved and pulling -- not being pushed. That's the difference and I can feel it so it's a safety issue for me at least.
I also wanted AWD for after a snowfall, at the bottom of my cabin driveway, to get going from a standstill. If it's not AWD, it's chains or shovel and plow -- and a hassle -- regardless of that video that shows why a Tesla RWD is better than others. That encouraging but still won't get me up my driveway after a snowfall.
Still I love my RWD Teslas.