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SUVs 4WD & AWD systems explained
1377 messages, Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 1:47 PM
You are in the SUVs Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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GM's AWD system in the C3 pickup is permanent AWD. GM's AutoTrac system is full-time part-time AWD. Read my previous post on this system: drew_ Feb 7, 2001 6:25pm Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards |
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| What do you think is better for wet and slippery roads, a FWD with traction control or a permanent AWD like MDX (if you couldn't get a 4WD with traction control)? | |
| I am looking at a ford explorer (1998) with traction control and four wheel drive or a Mercury Mountoneer(2000) with all wheel drive which is better. | |
| Hmm, I don't recall the RWD Explorer being available with traction control. In any case, your vehicle will have more traction with AWD, so I would go for that. | |
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FYI, the Acura MDX has full-time AWD, not permament AWD. The reason is that it is usually a FWD (2WD) vehicle unless you're accelerating (but only up to a certain speed), if slippage is detected, or if the VTM-4 lock button is pressed (up to 18mph, only in 1st, 2nd or Reverse gears). The MDX's AWD system is not always proactive, but rather, reactive. Traction control only makes use of whatever traction is available at the front wheels. If those two wheels simply do not have enough grip to pull the vehicle, you will still go nowhere. With AWD on the other hand, you will have an extra set of 2 drive wheels, and hence twice the amount of available traction. Permanent AWD/4WD (ex. Audi Quattro, MB 4-matic) is still the best, but full-time AWD is better than FWD with TRACS. Which vehicles are you looking at specifically? Hope this helps! Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
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FYI, the Acura MDX has full-time AWD, not permament AWD. The reason is that it is usually a FWD (2WD) vehicle unless you're accelerating (but only up to a certain speed), or if slippage is detected. The MDX's AWD system is not always proactive, but rather, reactive. Besides engaging the rear wheels during acceleration or when slippage is detected, it will also engage the rear wheels if the manual VTM-4 switch is pushed by the driver. This is only for low speeds and it will progressively disengage as the vehicle approaches 18mph. Thanks. |
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| Thanks for the addendum, William. I had already added the "VTM-4 button" to my post above. Guess you must have caught it during my editing. The VTM-4 lock is one of the more unique features of the MDX's AWD which sets it apart from many other AWD systems on the market; though the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape has something somewhat similar with their RBC AWD system, but usable at all speeds on slippery pavement. | |
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Drew, since this is a good board for this type of question, I've been told by (surprise!) Audi fans that their Quattro system is "better" than the permanent AWD system in the new BMW 3-series, and the 4Matic in MB's. Does Quattro have a number of "enhancements" beyond 4Matic and the BMW system? I know that BMW's split is not as optimal as you'd like, but I'm not sure if Quattro is really "better" than 4Matic (other than the fact that you can buy it in an under $30k vehicle in the form of the current A4 -- in fact, are there many otherPermanent/Full 4WD or Permanent AWD systems under $30k?). And any other vehicles out there that have the Audi Allroad's pneumatic suspension system for under $60k? |
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And where does VW's 4Motion system fit into as far as these classifications go? Thanks. |
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| Host: Is GM's awd in the 2001 GMC Denali's and 2002 Cadillac Escalade's considered permanent or full-time? Their literature says permanent but I am curious how you would categorize based on your definitions in this forum. Also if you do categorize them as permanent, what other SUVs are available in the US with permanent awd? | |
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