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4WD & AWD systems explained

1376 messages,  Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 9:11 AM

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#1330 of 1376 Question 4x4 vs. AWD by aagic Jul 26, 2008 (7:36 am)
Hi guys, I'm new here and could use a little help. I do some light off-roading, mostly on the beach which can be a bit tricky if the vehicle is not somewhat capable. I currently drive a 4x4 Jeep Commander and I drove a Cherokee Sport before that. My lease is up soon and I'd like to get another SUV which will allow me to go on the beach but I'd also like to improve my gas mileage. The problem is that virtually all of the 2008s I see with good gas mileage are AWD instead of 4x4 and I'm not confident in their ability to get me out of the sand. I could use some advice. Are the AWDs capable enough? What are the true 4x4s out there for 2008 with decent gas mileage? Right now I'm looking at the Patriot which gets 20/22 MPG with the off road package. Thanks for your help. - AAGIC Replies to this message: paisan (Jul 26, 2008 7:16 pm) ateixeira (Jul 31, 2008 7:44 am)
#1331 of 1376 Re: Question 4x4 vs. AWD [aagic] by paisan Jul 26, 2008 (7:16 pm)
Replying to: aagic (Jul 26, 2008 7:36 am) Key is to air-down your tires.   I'm not a big fan of a FWD-based offroad vehicle like the patriot.   I'd look more toward the Nitro/Liberty if you plan on doing offroading with it.   -mike
#1332 of 1376 Re: AWD eats tires? [heyboer] by ateixeira Jul 31, 2008 (7:41 am)
Replying to: heyboer (Jul 17, 2008 11:58 am) Congrats, I think you made a great choice for your needs.
#1333 of 1376 Re: Question 4x4 vs. AWD [aagic] by ateixeira Jul 31, 2008 (7:44 am)
Replying to: aagic (Jul 26, 2008 7:36 am) I think the problem is your needs are contrasting.   Heavier duty 4x4s with low ranges and locking axles tend to weight more and get poor mileage.   Light duty crossovers can be fuel efficient, but that is precisely because they are lighter.   Ask yourself how often you truly go off road. Once a year on the sand? I think a crossover with good ground clearance, AWD, and 18psi in the tires will do just fine. Every weekend on sand, gravel, unimproved roads, and some rocks? Then you may want something beefier with skid plates and a low range, but you will sacrifice mileage.   Try a Subaru Forester, which has the most ground clearance among car-based crossovers if you tend toward the former. For the latter, maybe consider Grand Vitara with a low range and the new engines coming for 2009, the 4 banger should be fairly efficient for a truck.
#1334 of 1376 4matic AWD in E500 by paisan Jul 31, 2008 (3:51 pm)
Anyone out there a MB guru? I'm looking at a few cars next year as my 3rd car and want to learn about the AWD systems out there on various cars. So far in the running for my 3rd car are:   A8L A6 4.2 E500 4-Matic 2010 Legacy G8 GT (No AWD of course)   The Audis and MB would be used, the Leg or G8 would be new. Anyone know the torque split and the traction control systems employed on the A8, A6 and E500?   -mike Replies to this message: kdshapiro (Aug 01, 2008 5:31 am) ateixeira (Aug 01, 2008 11:57 am) paisan (Aug 01, 2008 12:37 pm)
#1335 of 1376 Re: 4matic AWD in E500 [paisan] by kdshapiro Aug 01, 2008 (5:31 am)
Replying to: paisan (Jul 31, 2008 3:51 pm) If it were me, the 2010 Legacy would be choice. After the dust settles, imo, it would be the most utilitarian and most fun to drive, reliable, with a reasonable cost of ownership.
#1336 of 1376 Re: 4matic AWD in E500 [paisan] by ateixeira Aug 01, 2008 (11:57 am)
Replying to: paisan (Jul 31, 2008 3:51 pm) Way back when Drew would have told us. He was a great M-B resource. At one point Benz used 3 open diffs and let traction control manage the rest. Nowadays I'm not sure.   The Audis use a Torsen. That would be good for track duty, given that's where you often drive.   For street/snow I would go with the Legacy. Replies to this message: paisan (Aug 01, 2008 12:37 pm)
#1337 of 1376 Re: 4matic AWD in E500 [ateixeira] by paisan Aug 01, 2008 (12:37 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 01, 2008 11:57 am) Well let me elaborate....   The LGT Wagon that I have will continue as my DD as well as track duty. The Armada will remain as my tow vehicle and in-law hauler.   The "new" car will essentially be a backup for my DD and weekends, trips up to the lake, etc. etc.   The car may be on the track but most likely won't be on track. Although an Audi A8L would be interesting to see on track   I'm afraid the new 2010 Legacy will not be larger enough (is that a phrase?) than my 05 to differentiate itself from it and would overlap where my current Legacy stands.   -mike
#1338 of 1376 1998 yukon trouble engaging 4wd by tom13940 Aug 27, 2008 (12:27 pm)
Hi Guys: I just bought a 1998 yukon to use for towing and am having trouble getting the 4wd to engage. The light on the dash wants to eather not stay lit or go off after awhile. Can anyone help? Replies to this message: paisan (Aug 28, 2008 5:37 am)
#1339 of 1376 Re: 1998 yukon trouble engaging 4wd [tom13940] by paisan Aug 28, 2008 (5:37 am)
Replying to: tom13940 (Aug 27, 2008 12:27 pm) I think in 1998 you can only use 4wd on dirt/mud/snow. If you are trying to use it on pavement, you will kill your differential.   -mike Motorsports and Modifications Host

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