Why Subaru's AWD Systems Are Not Just Hype
 

This, IMO, is a very impressive video. While, granted, the steepness of that particular hill in the test is a severe test for any car-based AWD system, Subaru shows how it has mastered the art of traction.

My own experience, with an Outback, in low-traction conditions, was also excellent...especially in severe snow and sleet-storms.

One thing I would have liked to see, though, that the video didn't show, is how an Audi Q5 would have compared. Audi's Quattro systems go back virtually as long as Subaru's, and have also received a lot of perfection over the years.

That video demonstrates why most traditional AWD systems suck - they basically become FWD when pushed to limit. The Subaru is better than most because its probably using limited slip center diff and possibly limited slip front and/or rear diffs. I'm personally a big fan of torque vectoring AWD systems found in Nissan GTR and Acura SH-AWD models - these are far more capable than traditional systems.

mitsubishi s-awc would have easily made that

Actually, Subie did use the limited-slip diffs on a number of their older vehicles, including my former Outback. The newer Foresters, though (like the one in the film), Imprezas, and some of the Outbacks now use the electronic torque-vectoring system for the rear wheels. It seems to work just as well and, of course, eliminate some weight.

Given the choice, though I'd rather have the LSD. Heavier and bulkier, yes, but also less-likely to fail than electronics.

I like torque-vectoring!

They should've used the 50-50 lock button on the RAV4, but it is Subaru marketing stuff, so they would never do that.

Great showcase of why they believe they are the best!

Yea 50/50 lock would of had that rav 4 up there without a problem thats why its there, but no lets act like subaru is the best in awd systems.

Nice demostration thanks for sharing :thumbup::)

No sh-awd comparison huh. That would have been a good battle vs Subaru.

if you look more at youtube videos, you will see dealers of almost every manufacturer have these, and their vehicle wins every time... Audi, BMW, Acura, they all have them.

Your are correct sir. No dealer/mfgr is going to show their vehicle coming in 2nd or 3rd place in one of these videos. Interesting video though.

But 4x4 lock is a part time 4wd system (and front/rear axles still have open diffs?) - while Subaru has full time AWD.

The SH-AWD system is good at varying the torque side-to-side for hard cornering on dry pavement (more torque to the outside wheels generally means less understeer), but it does little added good beyond other car-based AWD systems when starting out on steep grades and/or slick, low-traction surfaces like in the video.

Thanks.:) Impressed me, too, though, although, as some other posters have noted, other factors could be involved, too.


I had an Outback, BTW, for 7 years, and, even in 2-foot blizzards and sleet (ice-pellet)-storms up to 5 inches deep, it was never stuck. I understand why the U.S. Ski team has used Subies for years.