# Runway vs Drivetrain: Consolidation isn't the same as planning

Getting your data in one place is only the start. The modeling layer where your team actually plans shouldn't require a data engineer to make it work.

See it in action

## Trusted by fast-moving teams

## The core difference

Both Runway and Drivetrain give you data integration, reporting, and collaborative workflows. The main differences are how your formulas are written, whether you can explore what-ifs, and how quickly your team can own the model without outside help.

### **Formula language**

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Runway lets you write in plain language with built-in tags, filters, and drivers so you don't have to memorize any syntax.

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Drivetrain is built on DAX, Microsoft's Power BI formula language. Despite claims of being "Excel-like," it has a steep learning curve and takes months to master.

### **Assumption exploration**

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Runway lets you create a draft scenario, drag a hiring date or funding round on a timeline, and see every metric update instantly.

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Drivetrain is optimized for scheduled reports and budget collection workflows—not real-time scenario exploration.

### **Self-service ownership**

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Runway's ~6 week implementation puts your finance team in the driver's seat. Model changes are quick edits, not projects.

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Drivetrain's collaborative implementation means 50% of the work falls on your team, and model changes require DAX expertise.

## Simulate business decisions in real time

See how Runway works for teams that want to plan, not just consolidate. Faster decisions, fewer bottlenecks, and a model your whole team can understand.

## Platform breakdown

A side-by-side comparison

| Features                              | Runway                                     | Drivetrain                                   |
|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Human-readable formulas                | Included                                   | Not included                                 |
| No programming required                | Included                                   | Not included                                 |
| ~6 week implementation                 | Included                                   | Not included                                 |
| Real-time scenario simulation          | Included                                   | Not included                                 |
| Drag-and-drop timing changes          | Included                                   | Not included                                 |
| 750+ integrations                      | Included                                   | Included                                    |
| Collaborative budget workflows         | Included                                   | Included                                   |
| Version control                        | Included                                   | Not included                                 |

## Honest reviews—The good and the bad

“Onboarding is awesome”  
A real customer named Vivian

Will Simon  
CFO at Mainspring

“Runway is what Excel should have always been”  
  
[View original source](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/will-simon-93381b181_most-cfos-are-drowning-in-data-and-they-activity-7352025903490613250-WP31)

Ben P.  
Director of FP&A

”Runway has allowed me to immediately reference any part of our model with ease, and to segment in any way I can imagine. We can now get down to vendor level BvA analysis.”  
  
[View original source](https://www.g2.com/products/runway-financial/reviews/runway-financial-review-10867583)

Derek Ou-Ponticelli  
CFO at AngelList

“Runway makes complex modeling a lot easier. It's just better and easier than an Excel spreadsheet.”  
  
[View original source](https://youtu.be/V13Pfyj0taQ?si=HriAY8SqHV5eOA5I)

## Frequently asked questions

### What's the difference between Runway and Drivetrain?

Runway and Drivetrain both connect your data and enable financial planning, but the core difference is the modeling language.

Runway uses human-readable formulas that anyone on the finance team can understand and modify. Drivetrain is built on DAX, Microsoft's formula language for Power BI, which has a steeper learning curve than standard spreadsheet formulas.

- Runway lets you explore what-ifs in real time. Drivetrain is optimized for scheduled reports and budget collection.

- Runway's ~6 week implementation puts your team in the driver's seat. Drivetrain's implementation requires your team to do 50% of the work while learning DAX.

### Does Runway replace spreadsheets completely, or can we still use Excel/Sheets?

Runway becomes your primary planning surface. You don't have to abandon spreadsheets entirely. Teams often keep lightweight Excel or Sheets files for ad-hoc analysis. Runway acts as the source of truth for forecasts and reporting.

### What does onboarding look like across Runway and Drivetrain?

Runway's average implementation is about 6 weeks. The long pole is usually data access — waiting for IT to grant API credentials. Once connected, your finance team owns the model from day one with human-readable formulas.

Drivetrain uses a "collaborative" implementation model where 50% of the work falls on your team. Because the platform is built on DAX, your team needs to learn a new formula language before they can make structural model changes independently.