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What car company has the best AWD system - READ ONLY

96 messages,  Last post on Jan 18, 2013 at 9:59 PM

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What is this discussion about? Acura, Infiniti, Volvo

Messages Page 6 of 11

#44 of 96 Hmmmm... by wale_bate1

Dec 29, 2006 (1:36 pm)

I'll give the nod to Audi, based on my S4 experiences and on the new RS4 reviews. On the RS4, the initial bias has been reset 60/40 in favor of the rear wheels, or rather the proper drive wheels...

#45 of 96 My vote by scape2

Mar 01, 2007 (9:51 pm)

would go to Audi for its AWD system, and Subaru...

#46 of 96 Re: My vote [scape2] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 02, 2007 (10:25 pm)

Replying to: scape2 (Mar 01, 2007 9:51 pm)
AWD, hands down, no contest. Whomever they don't outperform in AWD, they sell to or design for.
 
Seeing is believing. Watch an Audi go up against any SUV or other AWD system as long as the ride height is not a factor.

#47 of 96 A European View by alltorque

Mar 03, 2007 (12:12 pm)

For on-road or light off-road use it's Audi or Subaru. Large population of both here. Audi is seen as "classier" but Subaru Legacy, (in particular), is gaining ground and both systems have a long history of reliability. Subaru, of course, have years of WRC experience behind them. Mitsibushi Evo's are comparatively rare and seen more as "boy racer" cars........but seriously quick. Serious off-road goes to Land Rover with Audi following. Only Honda AWD we get here is the CR-V and that's mainly a wife's shopping trolley. Most have probably never even been driven on the grass verge at the roadside. Lots of other AWD stuff, but not in serious numbers.

#48 of 96 Re: Hey I can admit when I'm wrong........ [rockylee] by jokm

Mar 14, 2007 (2:07 pm)

Replying to: rockylee (Dec 21, 2006 3:52 am)
Came across this thread by accident and I thought I would share something with you guys.
 
http://globecareers.workopolis.com/servlet/Content/fasttrack/20070308/WHWINTER08- ?section=Engineering
 
Top of the article you will notice Ted Klaus, Honda/Acura chief engineer for research is involved with this article and this is what he says.
"Every system has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on their intended use. Klaus, for instance, says xDrive is flat-out the best on dry race tracks and Quattro is the king if pure traction is what you want."
 
As for Mitsu's AWD technology... Subi has Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) and Traction Control System (TCS). Pretty much same as Mitsu's yet this has been out for years.
 
General Subi's AWD system overview.
http://www.ertlecars.com/subaru/allwheeldrive.php

#49 of 96 Re: Hey I can admit when I'm wrong........ [jokm] by rockylee

Mar 14, 2007 (4:23 pm)

Replying to: jokm (Mar 14, 2007 2:07 pm)
Ummmmm, you better go look at the 08' EVO-X's AWD Technology as to calling it almost the same because that's not the case.
 
The new Mitsu S-AWC is by a large margin the most advanced AWD system in the world.
 
Rocky

#50 of 96 Look out for by iluvmysephia1

Mar 14, 2007 (9:08 pm)

the '09 EVO boys. rockford is right this is the most advanced AWD system in the world. Mitsubishi means serious business and they won't be selling to dorks that felt like defaulting on their new car loan was big-time fun.
 
Serious buyers only for the new EVO-and Mitsu is going to find a lot of buyers for this new car toy racer.

#51 of 96 Some interesting AWD comparison on YouTube... by bubaa

Mar 15, 2007 (9:10 pm)

I've been facinated with AWD since I drive a subie Impreza wagon. Trying to push it limits on snow and ice but always prevailed. Almost did get stuck when my gf made it loose traction on the front and rear end in 9" snow over our manhole drain because of a height difference. As the weight shifted, traction was lost and I got to see how each tire on one side was turning and the other wasn't..open diff. But of course I got in and rock it..abit of gas and I got it out. Still prevailed nevertheless. Anyways, here's an interesting video:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7dVFY5CxT0
 
I'd bet after watching this there's going to be a whole lot of discussion.
 
Enjoy....
Bubaa

#52 of 96 Re: Some interesting AWD comparison on YouTube... [bubaa] by habitat1

Mar 18, 2007 (5:42 pm)

Replying to: bubaa (Mar 15, 2007 9:10 pm)
Something tells me that every manufacturer out there could make a similar video making them seem like the king of handling.
 
I'd really like to see an independent tester like Road and Track or Automobile do the test, not Subaru's (or Audi's or Volvo's, or Honda's) marketing department. What the heck did you expect the video to show?

#53 of 96 Re: Some interesting AWD comparison on YouTube... [habitat1] by circlew

Mar 19, 2007 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 18, 2007 5:42 pm)
What about the C4S or 911T? Does anyone have feedback on these babies? Here's something from Automobile:
 
Sir Mix-a-Lot, the rapper who famously praised big butts, must have been reading Porsche's mind. The new 911 Carrera 4 with all-wheel drive sports an extra 1.7 inches of rump. It's a fashion statement, an engineering solution, and an anticipation of customer enthusiasm for the wide-body look wrapped into two curvaceous Carreras. The fat rear fenders are standard on the C4, whether you opt for the 325-hp edition or the 355-hp S we had the joy of flinging down Monte Carlo Rally roads in the French Alps.
 
The meat accompanying these potatoes includes at least 5 percent but not more than 40 percent of the available torque sent to the front wheels via a viscous coupling, major structural changes, revised brakes, a 1.3-inch-greater rear track, and fatter rubber. The C4S's rear tires grow from 295/30YR-19s to 305/30YR-19s, and curb weight is greater by 122 pounds. Dual-mode dampers with new suspension calibrations are standard on the C4S. Adding the 4 insignia to the deck lid costs $7970 in a Carrera S and $7770 in the regular 911.
 
The engineering changes yield what feels like a whole new 911. The C2's bobble-head front-end motion is gone; the handling dynamics reek of confidence. The steering is more communicative, with the front axle carrying an additional 75 pounds. Yank the wheel, and the nose dives aggressively for the apex while the tail hangs tight. Hammer the gas early to exit, and the front tires haul you forward instead of wide of the desired arc. No matter how you play the right pedal, the C4S drives where it's pointed.
 
But the extra traction and poise don't improve straight-line acceleration or top speed. That will change next year, when Porsche boosts the 911's wide booty with a turbo.
 
Now that's what i'm talkin' about!
 
Regards,
OW

Messages Page 6 of 11

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