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AWD car companies......& gimmicks... Posted by Mike Lynch [Email] (#81) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Mike Lynch) on Tue, 2 Aug 2005 13:27:47 In Reply to: Benefits of AWD for us in mild climates?, Geoff, Mon, 1 Aug 2005 14:25:53 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The two car companies that emphasize AWD are Audi and Subaru. Both of these chassis use engines mounted in line, hung entirely out in front of the axles, diff and clutch, that produce a poor weight distribution that is improved with the AWD hardware. Many other makers make AWD cars like Infiniti, BMW and Mercedes for the tiny percentage of those owners whose winter driving habits make it worth the expense. I don't think anybody makes the case that these RWD chassis are improved by AWD as do Audi and Subaru.
I do recognize the Audi and Suby folks attachment to the confident feel of AWD having spent many, many miles in Quattros. For me, once you get beyond the confident feel, you begin exploring the massive understeer at the limit, which ain't neccessarily a bad thing for us over exuberent amatuers.
There's a couple of "tweeners". The new Acura RL is one. A FWD chassis with added AWD and electronic diffs that put the power to the outside rear wheel for handling. Magazine tests I've read say it still feels FWD. Jaguar X type is another. I suppose Jag had to do something to gussie up the Mondeo chassis. I believe the new STS Caddy can be had in AWD like a BMW, Benz or Infiniti.
Every auto company has it's signature gimmicks. With Saab I suppose it's turbos, with Audi and Subaru it's AWD. Now that Saab has AWD 9-2Xs and 9-7Xs I'll just have to learn to talk outa' both sides of my mouth....Oh yeah, I'm already good at that....
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