I am AWD Illiterate

[Superu264]

Due to my lack of all-wheel goodness, I know nothing about the Subaru AWD system. School me.

Is it front or rear biased? (I think I already know the answer)
Is it 100% to the front or rear? 60/40? What?

[jjs316]

not 100 percent sure, but i think i read somewhere at one point in time it was 35/65 front/rear ratio. Once again, not 100% sure.

[belladonna]

go here and read https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=3933

that's one of many threads on the subaru awd and diff systems....

basically, if you're auto then you have a 90/10 split unless in 1,2 or R...if you're manual, it is (basically) a 50/50 split all the way...

(correct me if i'm wrong guys! it's been awhile since i've had to spew out that info :lol: )

[Superu264]

Thats a good thread, answers a lot.

I really just assumed it was 100% front biased until the front lost traction then the back would kick in. :oops:

[rougeben83]

go here and read https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=3933

that's one of many threads on the subaru awd and diff systems....

basically, if you're auto then you have a 90/10 split unless in 1,2 or R...if you're manual, it is (basically) a 50/50 split all the way...

(correct me if i'm wrong guys! it's been awhile since i've had to spew out that info :lol: )

That's right I think :D. Auto's are at least partially electronic, manual cars are completely mechanical, save for the STi's with the DCCD (user select power bias front-rear)

[Wiscon_Mark]

I really just assumed it was 100% front biased until the front lost traction then the back would kick in. :oops:

that's what a lot of the shitty AWD systems Mazda and Ford use. Although 90/10 isn't that much different.

It's probably a good thing that the 4EAT automatics are front biased...most people who drive automatics by choice aren't the ones that like oversteer :lol:

However, I have heard that the newer Subaru automatics are 65/35 front/rear...that may be hearsay or confusion as the STi's DCCD is limited to a 35/65 - 65/35 split.

[belladonna]

i'm thinking we should have some sort of stickey about the AWD drivetrain...

[Wiscon_Mark]

haha, going through my photobucket, I thought of this:

Some guy on Nasioc kept referring to it as Asymmetrical AWD...so I made this photo:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/02/AsymmetricalAWD-1.jpg

[shazapple]

The higher end Outbacks have 65/35

My friend was trying to do some drifts in his CRV and it just wouldn't let him. I had no trouble of course :cool: Whats the point of having AWD if the car basically shuts down when you get too sideways or if your using too much gas

[Wiscon_Mark]

Bah, if it saved any gas, the automatics would get heaps better mileage than the 5MT...the restriction of the AWD drivetrain is still there no matter the split.

Hell, the FWD subarus really aren't rated any better than the AWD subarus for mileage. It's just the boxer engine...not super efficient or built for mileage.

[scottzg]

Hell, the FWD subarus really aren't rated any better than the AWD subarus for mileage. It's just the boxer engine...not super efficient or built for mileage.

yeah they are.

2 fewer differentials + taller gears+ 150lbs lighter makes quite a big difference

[Wiscon_Mark]

It's 3mpg. I would expect a lot more than that out of it, honestly. MPFI just isn't the best way to get good mileage (direct injection works better) and Subarus are known to have a very conservative tune.

Of course, they didn't cheat like toyota for mpg ratings and made the cars sludge by running lean...

[shazapple]

I think the 90/10 split is there to save gas and make up for the mileage losses in any Auto tranny