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Smart Shopper Please help me decide between...
562 messages, Last post on Sep 17, 2009 at 6:31 AM
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Replying to: aredfield (May 09, 2008 5:29 am) On the Subarus you get AWD on any of the vehicles. If you get one with an Automatic Trans, depending on which one you get will determine how much engine power by default is put to the front axle vs. the rear axle, on a manual tranny you get 50/50 by default. The AWD system will strive to have both the front and rear drive shafts moving at the same speed and will move power front to rear to achive this. Subaru also has VDC which controls the side to side power flow, as well as skid control. VDC will use the ABS system as well and throttle control to make sure that both left and right side wheels are turning at the same rate and that the angle that you are turning your wheel at is the way in which the car is moving. So to answer your question, VDC is similar to "stability and traction control" rolled into one. The AWD system is also similar to "stability and traction control" as well. If I were shopping for the safest subaru I'd be looking at ones with VDC (AWD is standard on all subarus so it's a mute point) -mike
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Replying to: aredfield (May 09, 2008 5:29 am) Correct... As paisan noted, there are numerous ways to achieve traction control.. AWD itself connotes traction control. Did I also understand correctly that stability control is not part of AWD? Also correct.. Stability control is an extra layer of protection to pull a vehicle out of skids (or to stop it from skidding in the first place). It involves shifting power, or using the ABS to brake a specific wheel. This is not something that is automatically included with AWD. (but, it could be standard on some systems). IMO, the vast majority of drivers can benefit from stability control, AWD or not... regards, kyfdx |
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Replying to: paisan (May 09, 2008 6:22 am) Stablility control automatically includes traction control Traction control automatically has ABS.
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Replying to: jaxs1 (May 09, 2008 3:53 pm)
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Replying to: aredfield (May 12, 2008 6:35 am) "I personally do not think that this feature [VDC] helps you unless you have a high output motor. VDC does not activate because the car does not have enough power to go in to a slide under power. But keep in mind this is only my opinion and experience. this is your car, your money and your decision. If you want the VDC system you should go in to a premium package as that will give you that feature along with many other toys/buttons." He is trying to get me to upgrade to a Legacy or a Forrester (the new ones are bigger than I want) or maybe a fancier Imprezza. Now, I don't know if what he's saying is true or not. I don't want to invest in VDC on a 2.5 Imprezza if it doesn't help me. My goal is maximum safety is snow/ice on slopes. On the other hand, maybe he's just pulling a fast one. thoughts? p.s. this is exactly why I used to buy Saturns. I didn't have to go through this agony! |
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Replying to: aredfield (May 13, 2008 6:25 am) True, you probably aren't going to lose control of your base Impreza via applying too much power... but, you could certainly lose control by entering a turn at too high of speed, making an emergency maneuver, etc., etc... VDC is a safety option.. Most WRX drivers that want to 4-wheel-drift would turn the VDC off, anyway...  I think it's a worthwhile option on any vehicle... Whether the premium package holds value for you, you'll have to decide.. If your goal is maximum safety, you should definitely get it. regards, kyfdx |
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Replying to: kyfdx (May 13, 2008 8:02 am)  Premium Package (Optional $1,500): Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) 16 x 6.5-inch 12-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels Rear disc brakes Fog lights Body-color side mirrors and door handles Incline Start Assist on manual transmission only Brake Assist Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches Leather-wrapped shifter handle 80-watt 10-speaker audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability, SRS Circle Surround Automotive™ audio enhancement, and vehicle speed-sensing volume adjustment
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Replying to: oregonboy (May 13, 2008 10:39 am) Alloys and 4-wheel disc, plus stability control, upgraded stereo w/6 disc changer.... and other goodies... I'd want all of those...
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Replying to: oregonboy (May 13, 2008 10:39 am) The AWD system does a fantastic job of keeping you going straight when there's typical road problems. Pros who drive the things silly don't get the VDC - the salesperson is right, IMO. The car is very sure-footed as it is and doesn't really need the VDC package with that little power. Now, if it was a WRX with the 300HP engine... yeah, maybe so.  Just stay simple. No leather, no bling, no premium package, no sunroof to make your head boil/act like a magnifying glass. If you DO want the Premium package, get the Outback Sport for the same price, since it comes with all of that standard. Better resale value and better paint options and so on as well, IMO. Plus, it's raised about an inch to do better off-road - but it's not as good in cornering as a result. Yes, this is a car that you must get in manual. Automatic in a car like this is a travesty - like 200 points off of your karma. Not as bad as getting a 911 with automatic, but close.
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Replying to: plekto (May 13, 2008 11:07 am) I believe that there is only something like 1/10th inch difference in ground clearance between the 2008 Impreza and the Outback Sport. I think that the monotone paint on the Impreza is more attractive (IMHO). |
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