All wheel drive, four-wheel drive, is it really necessary?
01-13-18, 09:20 AM
#271
Lexus Fanatic
Thank you, Jill, but I'm aware of how Subaru AWD is set up. I owned one for six years. You're arguing semantics....AWD is a particular type of full-time 4WD, but you're correct that it lacks the transfer case and low-range (which is primarily used for off-roading). And, no, Subaru AWD systems usually don't have a differential lock...but other car-based systems sometimes do. The car-based AWD Mazda Protege sedan, for example (now out of production) has a locking differential. So do most small car-based SUVs like my brother's Kia Sportage....even though it lacks a low-range.
It’s not semantics. Your information is wrong. Full time 4WD has a lock center diff and a LO range gear. AWD does not come with LO range. Sometimes it has a locking center. But the absence of LO removes the 4WD from the determination. Do you not agree?A vehicle with a center lock and a LO range is vastly superior to an AWD model without.
01-13-18, 09:35 AM
#272
Lexus Fanatic
Having put a few miles on my new RWD LS I will say in dry weather I definitely do prefer the feel of a RWD car. Driving it in the rain the back end does try to come out some when turning and accelerating where my AWD 2015 would never do that at all, but in the dry the RWD does feel better.
We'll see how I feel next time it snows LOL
We'll see how I feel next time it snows LOL
01-13-18, 10:00 AM
#273
Lexus Fanatic
Having put a few miles on my new RWD LS I will say in dry weather I definitely do prefer the feel of a RWD car. Driving it in the rain the back end does try to come out some when turning and accelerating where my AWD 2015 would never do that at all, but in the dry the RWD does feel better.
We'll see how I feel next time it snows LOL
We'll see how I feel next time it snows LOL
I prefer no four wheel drive on dry pavement as well. However, the Lexus AWD is always on and always is working. That is the nice thing. Same thing as my 4Runner. I will mention I can feeling especially on turning. It is a bit fatiguing IMO. My parents 4Runner seems to be be less. Our LX does not have the same diff like your old LS and my 4Runner where it changes the power transfer, so you don’t feel it as much. If I had to drive my 4Runner as a daily, I probably would rather have part time 4WD, but I only drive it poor weather or for hauling stuff and chores.
01-13-18, 10:06 AM
#274
Lexus Champion
You mean Lexus GX and RX are same? No! AWD = any of 4 wheels can get power when called for, full time 4WD has power going to all 4 wheels
all the time. If you have driven military trucks you will understand.
all the time. If you have driven military trucks you will understand.
01-13-18, 10:11 AM
#275
Lead Lap
Semantics slightly, however heres how I look at it:
AWD VS 4WD, all wheels can receive power, its just how they distribute (when and how) power.
AWD= a computer dictates who gets what, and which axles are automatically free wheelin or full driven in various percentages (50:50 100:0 30: 70). Most conditions are covered by control logic for the average consumer which is why these things are popular. However certain unique situations where detection logic isnt quick enough, you have basically a car which is AWD doing nothing to drive wheels with traction.
4WD= driver and computer can decide who gets what, either due to a switch, or computer can electronically control system. Most of the time, all wheels receive power if vehicle is in 4hi. The penalty here is excess weight, and thereby reduced fuel economy. Also tbh, how many mid size sedans need center lock diff, or expect to clear snow banks higher then their headlights? Even more so, is would the average consumer of a vehicle really care....a typical RX will traverse maybe a bit of snow while maybe exiting the driveway after a snow plow comes on by.
AWD VS 4WD, all wheels can receive power, its just how they distribute (when and how) power.
AWD= a computer dictates who gets what, and which axles are automatically free wheelin or full driven in various percentages (50:50 100:0 30: 70). Most conditions are covered by control logic for the average consumer which is why these things are popular. However certain unique situations where detection logic isnt quick enough, you have basically a car which is AWD doing nothing to drive wheels with traction.
4WD= driver and computer can decide who gets what, either due to a switch, or computer can electronically control system. Most of the time, all wheels receive power if vehicle is in 4hi. The penalty here is excess weight, and thereby reduced fuel economy. Also tbh, how many mid size sedans need center lock diff, or expect to clear snow banks higher then their headlights? Even more so, is would the average consumer of a vehicle really care....a typical RX will traverse maybe a bit of snow while maybe exiting the driveway after a snow plow comes on by.
Last edited by coolsaber; 01-13-18 at 10:17 AM.
01-13-18, 10:12 AM
#276
Lexus Fanatic
I don’t think he sees the difference. A GX can lock into 4WD 50/50 split for ever. And AWD can or cannot. A GX can allso go into a 4LO as well.
01-13-18, 10:16 AM
#277
Lexus Fanatic
Semantics slightly, however heres how I look at it:
AWD VS 4WD, all wheels can receive power, its just how they distribute (when and how) power.
AWD= a computer dictates who gets what, and which axles are automatically free wheelin or full driven in various percentages (50:50 100:0 30: 70)
4WD= driver and computer can decide who gets what, either due to a switch, or computer can electronically control system. Most of the time, all wheels receive power if vehicle is in 4hi
AWD VS 4WD, all wheels can receive power, its just how they distribute (when and how) power.
AWD= a computer dictates who gets what, and which axles are automatically free wheelin or full driven in various percentages (50:50 100:0 30: 70)
4WD= driver and computer can decide who gets what, either due to a switch, or computer can electronically control system. Most of the time, all wheels receive power if vehicle is in 4hi
You still have not seen the difference betweeen full time 4WD and 4WD and AWD.
01-13-18, 10:20 AM
#278
Lead Lap
I prefer no four wheel drive on dry pavement as well. However, the Lexus AWD is always on and always is working. That is the nice thing. Same thing as my 4Runner. I will mention I can feeling especially on turning. It is a bit fatiguing IMO. My parents 4Runner seems to be be less. Our LX does not have the same diff like your old LS and my 4Runner where it changes the power transfer, so you don’t feel it as much. If I had to drive my 4Runner as a daily, I probably would rather have part time 4WD, but I only drive it poor weather or for hauling stuff and chores.
Originally Posted by Lexus Press Room
Active Torque Control AWD uses an electronically controlled coupling ahead of the rear differential to vary torque distribution anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50 front to rear, depending on driving dynamics and road conditions. When accelerating, or starting off on a low-grip surface, torque is quickly provided to all four wheels. At steady speeds, torque is sent only to the front wheels, enhancing fuel efficiency.
01-13-18, 10:26 AM
#279
Lead Lap
Also they maybe right in saying that detection strategy is in nanosecs, but control output is in miliseconds
"quattro with ultra technology combines driving dynamics with efficiency and helps to cut consumption by up to 0.3 l/100 km. By switching between four-wheel drive and the more efficient front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive is used whenever the driving situation calls for it. The predictive operating strategy activates quattro within a matter of milliseconds."
01-13-18, 10:26 AM
#280
Lexus Fanatic
01-13-18, 10:29 AM
#281
Lexus Fanatic
Correct, the Lexus sedan AWD system defaults to 70% rear 30% front.
01-13-18, 01:01 PM
#282
Lexus Fanatic
01-13-18, 02:19 PM
#283
mmarshall, it does not depend, they are not the same. Do not spread false information. A full time 4WD and part time 4WD have a transfer case that can lock in addition to a LO gear. These Subaru's do not. And for the record, full time 4WD is determined because it has a LO range gear and a center lock diff. None of these AWD set ups have it. The Escalade once had AWD with no LO gear, it was always referred to as AWD, typically GM cost cutting. No center lock either.
01-13-18, 02:28 PM
#284
Semantics slightly, however heres how I look at it:
AWD VS 4WD, all wheels can receive power, its just how they distribute (when and how) power.
AWD= a computer dictates who gets what, and which axles are automatically free wheelin or full driven in various percentages (50:50 100:0 30: 70). Most conditions are covered by control logic for the average consumer which is why these things are popular. However certain unique situations where detection logic isnt quick enough, you have basically a car which is AWD doing nothing to drive wheels with traction.
4WD= driver and computer can decide who gets what, either due to a switch, or computer can electronically control system. Most of the time, all wheels receive power if vehicle is in 4hi. The penalty here is excess weight, and thereby reduced fuel economy. Also tbh, how many mid size sedans need center lock diff, or expect to clear snow banks higher then their headlights? Even more so, is would the average consumer of a vehicle really care....a typical RX will traverse maybe a bit of snow while maybe exiting the driveway after a snow plow comes on by.
AWD VS 4WD, all wheels can receive power, its just how they distribute (when and how) power.
AWD= a computer dictates who gets what, and which axles are automatically free wheelin or full driven in various percentages (50:50 100:0 30: 70). Most conditions are covered by control logic for the average consumer which is why these things are popular. However certain unique situations where detection logic isnt quick enough, you have basically a car which is AWD doing nothing to drive wheels with traction.
4WD= driver and computer can decide who gets what, either due to a switch, or computer can electronically control system. Most of the time, all wheels receive power if vehicle is in 4hi. The penalty here is excess weight, and thereby reduced fuel economy. Also tbh, how many mid size sedans need center lock diff, or expect to clear snow banks higher then their headlights? Even more so, is would the average consumer of a vehicle really care....a typical RX will traverse maybe a bit of snow while maybe exiting the driveway after a snow plow comes on by.
01-13-18, 02:30 PM
#285
Lexus Fanatic
Actually. No. I am not You appear to have no experience with 4WD vehicles. A full time 4WD is not the same as AWD. A full time 4WD can lock the center diff and go into a LO range gear. An AWD does not offer these two options. What you and others are not understanding is that a proper or true 4WD comes with a transfer case that is 2 speeds. One for HI and one for LO, A 4Runner offers both full time 4WD and part time 4WD. A Sequoia offers multi mode 4WD. A Tundra and Tacoma offers part time 4WD. None are the same as AWD, and they should not confused as AWD. The Lexus cars however offer AWD. Lexus BOF SUVs come with a vastly superior full time 4WD set up compared to the AWD RX.