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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 9 of 10

#77 of 96 Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza by lch77

Mar 28, 2009 (8:43 pm)

My son wanted an AWD car while in college in upstate New York. 147 inches so far this winter in Syracuse. Based on budget and the AWD requirement, we agreed on the Matrix/Vibe or the Subaru Imprezza Outback Sport.
 
He liked the styling of the Matrix while I liked what I had read about the ride/handling/traction of the Subaru. We were about to get the Matrix when the Subaru sales lady suggested that my son drive them back to back and push them hard. I suggested that we also find a slippery area to test the AWD systems. Besides the better on center tracking and cornering testing of the Subaru, we found a muddy road behind the dealership. The Subaru went up the hill. The Matrix couldn't.

#78 of 96 Re: Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza [lch77] by steve_ HOST

Mar 28, 2009 (9:53 pm)

Replying to: lch77 (Mar 28, 2009 8:43 pm)
It's the tires.
 
I'm running all-seasons on my Outback and if I wasn't paying attention, I could lose it on the snowy road going up to my local ski hill.

#79 of 96 Re: Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza [steve_] by nippononly

Mar 29, 2009 (12:23 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Mar 28, 2009 9:53 pm)
But don't both Imprezas and Matrixes come with fairly crappy OEM all-season tires? I'm pretty sure they do.
 
My $0.02 would be that the Impreza has stability and traction control and the Matrix probably doesn't - I don't think it's standard on Matrix and is in fact a fairly hard-to-find option.
 
Which for the money definitely swings the advantage in favor of the Subaru, IMO.

#80 of 96 Re: Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza [nippononly] by kyfdx HOST

Mar 29, 2009 (7:12 am)

Replying to: nippononly (Mar 29, 2009 12:23 am)
fairly crappy OEM all-season tires
 
That doesn't even begin to describe the (lack of) snow capabilities of the Bridgestones on my Impreza...
 
I understand why they put cheap tires that wear out fast on new cars... but, putting these tires on a full-time AWD car is criminal..
 
Given similar tires, I'd have to agree that the Subaru has it all over the Matrix in the AWD department, though.

#81 of 96 Re: Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza [kyfdx] by fintail

Mar 29, 2009 (8:26 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (Mar 29, 2009 7:12 am)
A co-worker of mine's other half bought a new STi last year. Endless complaints about the tires.

#82 of 96 Re: Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza [fintail] by nippononly

Mar 29, 2009 (1:02 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Mar 29, 2009 8:26 am)
I saw a comment somewhere the other day about how the Potenza RE92 was quite possibly the worst tire in existence, and I know I would have to agree as that is what was on my last new Subaru when it came from the factory.
 
I hope they don't still use those, but I fear they just might.....not on STIs though, thank goodness!

#83 of 96 Re: Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza [fintail] by lch77

Mar 29, 2009 (2:23 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Mar 29, 2009 8:26 am)
My test was unscientific and I recognized that to be fair both cars should have the same tires, BUT if I bought either car, the tires tested would be the ones I got.
 
The Impreza did have the above mentioned RE92's (described as awful) but did make it up the hill anyway. Just for the fun of it, I tried the hill today with my 2002 A4 Quattro with Michelin Exalto Sport A/S tires. It rained last night so it was even muddier than it was yesterday To my surprise, the A4 did NOT make it up the hill either. It does have ASC which I left turned on. It does not have a differential lock like my 1990 Audi 200 Quattro did.
 
BTW, both the Subaru WRX and WRX STI come standard with high performance SUMMER tires. I think you'll see that everyone agrees that if you these tires in snow country, you MUST switch to either Snow or All Season tires in winter.

#84 of 96 Re: Matrix/Vibe vs Subaru Imprezza [lch77] by fintail

Mar 29, 2009 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: lch77 (Mar 29, 2009 2:23 pm)
Ah that would explain it. Although I am not in snow country, I am sure the grip leaves something to be desired in the rain.
 
I do have to wonder why an AWD "rally" style car would come with summer tires.

#85 of 96 Potenza RE92 by morin2

Mar 29, 2009 (5:33 pm)

I just bought my 2009 Outback last sunday. All Outbacks had potenza 92's on them. My Special Edition Outback comes with 17' alloys and the Potenzas are 92A rated 260 treadwear, traction A, temperature A. The base model Outbacks have 16" steel wheels and Potenzas rated at 360.
 
With 260 treadwear rating, I expect to be replacing these tires soon (my trade-in had Bridgestone Dueler Revos rated at 520). I haven't driven the Potenzas in any demanding conditions yet but the comments are not encouraging. Recommendations for replacements?

#86 of 96 Re: Potenza RE92 [morin2] by steve_ HOST

Mar 29, 2009 (6:30 pm)

Replying to: morin2 (Mar 29, 2009 5:33 pm)
I put Yokohama Avid T4's on my '97 22,000 miles ago. Sort of a medium priced all season tire.
 
Owners are kicking tires around over in the Subaru Outback/Legacy Tires and Wheels discussion.

Messages Page 9 of 10

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