Car Awd Systems, Best In The Biz?

[meme405]

So this seems to be a recurring topic amongst me and my friends when we talk about cars, and my truck in specific and why i bought an Audi.

We were trying to determine the best AWD available in cars today. Now obviously im not talking about like Land Rover (unless they make a car i dont know about, LOL).

My list goes along the lines of:

1. Quattro (I'm biased, GET OVER IT) - This is also 4Motion
2. X-Drive
3. Subaru
4. Mistubishi's system - look at the Eclipse GSX, and Lancer. Both extremely capable
5. SH-AWD - heard its good, yet fail to see the hype...
6. 4-matic - really honestly hate the merc AWD. Better than nothing but seriously merc could do much better.

[mr.hotrod]

i drive a quattro on occasion and love it its responsive #1#1#1#1

[4G63punk]

nice! i dig the audi r8, although i love my evo. lol

[texan_idiot25]

SAAB's new setup is being well praised. But, Audi invented the AWD system we know today, and brought it into racing.

Quattro hoe all day long.

[meme405]

I missed Volvo AWD, in my list...

I have never driven a Saab, but i know some people who swear by them and would never own anything but...

[Numbchux]

that's a pretty vague list. and doesn't cover different uses....

I agree, quattro is awesome. but the complexity of it is just unnecessary weight (much of it rotating!) for street/track use. although the superior traction is badass for low-traction situations.

subaru 4EAT, 4EAT VDC, 5EAT, 5MT FT4WD, 5MT VLSD AWD, 5MT DCCD, 6MT DCCD are all fairly different setups. some much better than others.



interesting video on many different systems. only subaru one represented is the 4EAT VDC setup.

YouTube Video

[meme405]

Well i really meant in general. The traction of X-drive and Quattro is remarkable.

But even in Quattro the systems in the TT and such vs. the system in the A6 and such is very different. Many people fail to realize that a company doesnt just slap on the same AWD system onto all their cars...

Its like lambo, the AWD system in the murcialago is a joke compared to the gallardo.

Edit: in that video that you posted according to their reason of why the 4motion wont climb with one wheel on traction, my Q7 should pass that test.

The reason is although both cars are running the same gen 4 quattro system, my truck different axles. according to them mine would be "SYMMETRICAL"..

[TheB1GDude]

Personally I would have to go with the Evo system when they revamped it for the Evo VIII it was insane... I've not seen anything take the same sorts of corners as they ran that baby through....

[REDisFASTER]

Pretty much every AWD in the market today is good with the exception of Honda's.

Honda's AWD systems typically refer to: front wheel drive WITH rear wheel drive ASSIST...

The rear wheel drive with front wheel drive assist thing has been going on for how long? Then Honda decided that it would be 'innovative' to flip it around... In my opinion, it doesn't even offer any advantages other than if the driver's a complete tool and gunning it while he's stuck in the snow hoping that eventually he/she gets out...

[Numbchux]

Originally Posted by REDisFASTER

Pretty much every AWD in the market today is good with the exception of Honda's.

Honda's AWD systems typically refer to: front wheel drive WITH rear wheel drive ASSIST...

The rear wheel drive with front wheel drive assist thing has been going on for how long? Then Honda decided that it would be 'innovative' to flip it around... In my opinion, it doesn't even offer any advantages other than if the driver's a complete tool and gunning it while he's stuck in the snow hoping that eventually he/she gets out...

older subaru AWD systems with an Auto are like that (like my XT6). although electronically controlled, so not terrible, but still a definite delay.


IIRC the hondas are essentially a true 4WD system (no differential front-rear), with a viscous coupler in the driveshaft.