Subaru AWD #1: open diffs front/rear, viscous fluid center diff. Used in manual transmission cars. 50/50 basic power distribution. 'GT' versions used to have a viscous differential on rear axle, this may be found on all of them now.
#2: open diffs front/rear, auto tranny, electronically controlled clutch to send power to rear axle. 90F/10R power distribution under no-slip conditions. Same comment about GT and limited slip rear diff. Subaru claims the system reacts at the moment slip occurs, not after (part of their criticism in their ads of the Honda CRV, for example)
#3: auto tranny, limited slip rear diff, AWD electronics combined with electronic stability control and ABS. Used on high-end Outbacks, maybe the Tribeca too, I can't remember.
#4: STI system: electronically controlled center diff, limited slip front and rear diffs (again, viscous fluid). Manual trans.

I think that's all of 'em. If I missed something or misremembered, by all means someone correct me.

The Torsen-based Quattro system is a passive mechanical one that corrects slip after it begins. It's very effective, as are all of Subaru's systems. However, in a world of cars like the STI, Mitsubishi Evo, and Nissan Skyline, it's hardly state of the art and is probably much heavier than newer electronically controlled systems.

Note Audi also labels the Haldex AWD system (used on the TT and VW cars), which uses an electronic clutch as a center diff with open front and rear diffs, as Quattro, just to confuse things further.

Then there's the variety of 4matic, BMW, and Toyota (and Lexus) AWD systems available. M-B used to use a crummy one on the M-series SUV that used an open center diff and corrected slip via the ABS system. Brakes should stop the car, not make it go...

posted by 12.30.3...

• AUDI A6 AVANT - what do you think, good car?, WFVIGGEN, Sun, 25 Jun 2006 05:00:53
  • I have some experience with a '99 A4 2.8, B. Millar, Sun, 2 Jul 2006 21:12:01
  • Have owned several VW/Audi products..., Siegrisd, Mon, 26 Jun 2006 08:59:45
    • Re: Have owned several VW/Audi products..., Justin VanAbrahams , Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:46:49
      • Interesting about Subaru..., Siegrisd, Mon, 26 Jun 2006 15:07:56
        • Audi uses both Torsen and Haldex..., Bob M, Wed, 28 Jun 2006 09:15:00
          • Re: Audi uses both Torsen and Haldex..., Justin VanAbrahams , Mon, 3 Jul 2006 08:51:05
        • Subaru has 4 systems by my count, BrianG, Tue, 27 Jun 2006 07:34:59 <-- Viewing This Message
          • Re: Subaru has 4 systems by my count, Justin VanAbrahams , Tue, 27 Jun 2006 12:01:03
      • Quattro vs Suby AWD...., Mike Lynch , Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:36:39
        • I don't believe that there is a distiction..., Siegrisd, Mon, 26 Jun 2006 15:15:19
  • Nice, solid, slug......, Mike Lynch , Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:39:57
    • FWD vs. AWD, BrianG, Mon, 26 Jun 2006 08:11:45
      • Western snow country...., Mike Lynch , Mon, 26 Jun 2006 10:57:38
        • why is that?, Bob M, Wed, 28 Jun 2006 09:19:49
          • CHP......, Mike Lynch , Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:32:21
          • mountains, man, patm, Thu, 29 Jun 2006 06:07:08
            • Re: mountains, man, Doctor, Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:26:15
          • probably because, Trev, Wed, 28 Jun 2006 17:21:54
  • Re: AUDI A6 AVANT - what do you think, good car?, anthony94114, Sun, 25 Jun 2006 07:22:18

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