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SubaruAWD_variations_and_comparisons

16 messages,  Last post on Jun 10, 2008 at 6:22 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru, Engine, Transmission, Coupe, Truck, Sedan, Wagon, SUV

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#1 of 16 SubaruAWD_variations_and_comparisons by kurtamaxxxguy

Apr 16, 2008 (1:26 pm)

Discuss Subaru AWD similarities, differences, and compare Subaru AWD to other AWD systems.

#2 of 16 Keep this civil, please by dcm61

Apr 16, 2008 (2:20 pm)

I declare this a flame free zone.
 
BTW, mine's better than yours.

#3 of 16 forester AWD observations by kurtamaxxxguy

Apr 16, 2008 (5:28 pm)

Wrt AWD all I know is from reading various articles and viewing the Subaru demo videos, which revealed weaknesses as well as strengths in Forester XT.
In the ridiculously rutted road course where Forester had two wheels in air much of the time, Forester certainly did not respond instantly when accelerated; it took a few tries before the vehicle braked the spinning wheels and actually started moving again.
As for the competiton, the Subaru videos only showed quick clips of 4 other Crossovers hung up on various points of that same test track.
We also have the demos on Catalina Island showing Foresters clawing their way up hills while the CR-V (not known for having great AWD per CU and other testers) got nowhere in a hurry.
 
Whatever...
Guess is the Outback XT with its mechanical LSD would have the edge over Forester on same super rutted track. On other hand, the LSD will probably burn up some extra power due to internal clutching action (one reason, perhaps, why the Outback XT's MPG is worse than the Forester.), and is prone to noise.
 
Also guess is that XT's AWD won't be as good as some other brands for high speed Track purposes.
 
Anyway, I have my Auto Socks ready for next year, just in case!

#4 of 16 Re: forester AWD observations [kurtamaxxxguy] by paisan

Apr 18, 2008 (5:09 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Apr 16, 2008 5:28 pm)
Guess is the Outback XT with its mechanical LSD would have the edge over Forester on same super rutted track. On other hand, the LSD will probably burn up some extra power due to internal clutching action (one reason, perhaps, why the Outback XT's MPG is worse than the Forester.), and is prone to noise.
 
The subies lsd is viscous coupled and doesn't lockup nearly as much as a clutch/mechanical lsd. It's also quieter and doesn't burn as much gas.
 
-mike

#5 of 16 Re: forester AWD observations [paisan] by kurtamaxxxguy

Apr 18, 2008 (5:44 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Apr 18, 2008 5:09 pm)
Interesting. I wonder why Subaru omitted the LSD from the Forester for '09.
To save money?

#6 of 16 Re: forester AWD observations [kurtamaxxxguy] by paisan

Apr 18, 2008 (5:53 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Apr 18, 2008 5:44 pm)
It doesn't serve a purpose with the abls in the vdc system. Only a true mechanical lsd (like 08 sti and spec b) would serve as a benefit on cars equipped with ABLS/VDC.
 
-mike

#7 of 16 Re: forester AWD observations [paisan] by kurtamaxxxguy

Apr 18, 2008 (6:10 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Apr 18, 2008 5:53 pm)
abls? automatic brake lock system ?
 
Might next Outback dispense with its LSD's as well? Given VDC and VTC introductions, it seemed the Outback had redundant systems given it had VDC added on top of its drive system.

#8 of 16 Re: forester AWD observations [kurtamaxxxguy] by paisan

Apr 18, 2008 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Apr 18, 2008 6:10 pm)
ABLS is Anti-lock Brake Limited Slip, which uses the abs to shift power left and right on an axle.
 
I fully expect to see the viscous LSD disappear on the OB and Legacies in 2010. You'll see VDC across the board and mechanical LSDs in the STi and Spec B or whatever the "performance" edition of the Legacy is.
 
-mike

#9 of 16 Re: forester AWD observations [paisan] by kurtamaxxxguy

Apr 18, 2008 (9:59 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Apr 18, 2008 6:22 pm)
Ah. Compared to my former Maxx, The disk brakes seem unusually beefy on the Forester. Hopefully they have the capability to handle that sort of additional use.

#10 of 16 Comparo winner by ateixeira

Apr 21, 2008 (1:25 pm)

Check out the terrain, they were definitely testing the AWD capabilities...
 
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=51689

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