How to Drive AWD cars

[A Velociraptor]

Hello, I'm pretty new to Dirt Rally 2.0 ~50 hours in and I've just moved on from driving FWD cars to AWD. In particular the Under 2000CC cars, I've driven both the Evo and the Focus(2001) in this class and both times i'm constantly at least 10 seconds behind the Pro AI. I will admit I'm not the best but I have to be doing something wrong to be this slow behind them consistently.

With FWD vehicles I thought I was pretty decent usually beating the AI by a few seconds consistently. So either the Pro AI cheats like crazy or I just suck at driving the AWD vehicles. It could also be I'm just overdriving and getting into trouble that way. I don't know, but I think i got the basic idea of a "point and squirt" driving style, especially on gravel and dirt. Where I slide into the corner then hit the throttle once I'm pointed the way I want to go. While on tarmac I need to trust the grip of my car more I think, because I tend to get scared on higher speed sections and brake which unsettles the car then I crash. Any tips are appreciated.

FYI: I'm playing on controller so if the tip is to "Buy a wheel" I unfortunately can't afford one at the moment. My birthday is coming up so if someone wants to buy me that would be greatly appreciated :)

[Emaulligu]

Having read other threads, it seems the AI is better in certain categories than it others. It's been a little bit I've done another Career season, I mostly do Time Trials these days.

A big difference between FWD and AWD cars is that AWD cars are able to maintain some mid-corner grip by gently keeping some throttle. Because the rear wheels are also powered, you're less prone to oversteer than with FWD and you can go through corners much faster.

The Evo X does not belong in "Under 2000CC" category, it belongs in NR4 and while I've been able to set a few good times with it, I never really felt safe using it because even though it has AWD it seriously lacks the grip in turn than the early WRC cars bring.

I tried the Focus 2001 and she's very fast, definitely a lot of fun.

[John Helldiver]

I also play with a gamepad and for me its pretty much like "sliding" the car on gravel and just giving it the direction. Just slide it like a piece of soap and trust you make the corner pretty much. I made it to master few weeks ago using this method. Also don't be scared of high speeds in the corners - you will be surprised of how fast you can go through a 4 corner