PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Performance? Control? Efficiency? Weight? Cost/Value?
Who has the best AWD system?

VW/Audi seems to be pushing it a lot in recent commercials; not to mention how such systems trickle to the top of the family tree with Lambo and Bugatti. The complete Subaru line-up has always flaunted their superiority on all of their models. Honda dubbed "SH-AWD" for their top of the line models.


So, which automaker has the right to be called "The Best"?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQgXE...layer_embedded

rominl

iTrader: (4)

haha, neat commercial

rdgdawg

I think it's always gonna come down to conditions, TIRES, and driver... but Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, Acura/Honda SH-AWD or Audi Quattro are all top 3, the rest are a tier down

Koma

iTrader: (3)

Depends on what you're looking for out of your AWD system. Some are better for terrain traction some are built for the pavement.

Not all AWD systems from a given manufacturer are built the same.
Subaru's AWD in the base Impreza is not the same as the AWD in the STI.

mmarshall

I'd say Subaru's, and I say that to be honest, not just bias because I'm a Subaru owner. Subaru's Symmetrical AWD systems are not only fairly simple in operation (there are some 5 different systems, depending on engine/transmision combo), but reliable as well. The Subaru boxer-engine designs, with their low-stance and rear output-shafts pointing straight back, make it very easy to mount the AWD hardware in symmetrical manner (balanced left-to-right). The DCCD (Driver-Controlled Center-Differential) system used in the STi is a little more complex...but it is a special AWD version designed primarily for rallying, not normal street use. Subaru did one thing, though, on some (not all) of their newer models that I don't particularly like.....for weight and cost-savings, they dumped the mechanical LSD's (Limited-Slip-Differentials), for Electronic Torque-Distribution instead. That doesn't always work as well as an LSD.

Audi's Quattro AWD systems are also excellent in actual operation (and have been around virtually as long as Subaru's), but, of course, cost more, and are not as reliable in service.

Acura's SH-AWD is reliable, works superbly to apportion torque left/right for great cornering, but, because of Acura's (mostly) transversely-mounted engine/transmission layouts up front, has to deal with sideways-pointing output shafts, bevel/cornering gears, and greater mechanical complexity.

Blackraven

Any AWD system is neat for me........though if we are talking about cream-of-the-crop, I'd say so far:

-Subaru Symmetrical AWD
-Honda/Acura SH-AWD
-Audi Quattro

Btw, anyone wanna comment on Haldex AWD system?

Koma

iTrader: (3)

Depends on which generation. Frequently I hear people hate them because of their fragility but the newer generation Haldex systems are more stout.

agarciagmu

How does the Lexus AWD system stack up?

mmarshall

I'm not an engineer and can't verify this, but from what I've read about the Haldex units in Volvo SUVs, they allow too much slip, can't really lock the front and rear axles together even in 4WD Lock, and so can't always get you out of a tough situation where you're stuck.

The aforementioned Subaru, Audi, and Acura AWD systems, of course, are not designed for hard-core off-roading. Technically, Volvo SUVs with the Haldex units aren't either, although the XC-90 has a somewhat more rugged image than most Audi or Subaru products, even the AWD Audi Q3/Q5/Q7 and All-Road.

venom21

To be honest, its up to the tires for me.

RX469

iTrader: (1)

I enjoyed the video and wasn't expecting such a fun ending.

But I opened this thread to hopefully get the answer to this question that's been in the back of my mind for quite some time now......how has the best AWD system?

That dog had too much torque for it's own paws!

KA8

iTrader: (1)

Honstly don't know, I think they're all similar lol. Our 4matic has been good.

SLegacy99

4matic has come a long way. Early on it was almost completely worthless.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Its a split between GTR and Chuck Norris.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

As much as we hate on them, I think Acura has this one. SHAWD FTW