2013 Outback vs 2013 Venza on ice test by AMCI.

[OB3.6R Limited]

AMCI did a good job but the actual details and specs of the cars tested were not given. Even though both cars compared the same I would bet if Subura would just change the tires from 17's to 18's (like on the Tribeca) or even 19's it would out perform the Venza. It would also reduce some of the role you feel when making sharp turns plus more tire on the road = stability.

[statueim]

Originally Posted by OB3.6R Limited

AMCI did a good job but the actual details and specs of the cars tested were not given. Even though both cars compared the same I would bet if Subura would just change the tires from 17's to 18's (like on the Tribeca) or even 19's it would out perform the Venza. It would also reduce some of the role you feel when making sharp turns plus more tire on the road = stability.

You're saying it would outperform the Venza on ice by changing the wheel diameter? I've never driven a car on purely glare ice back to back and changed only the tires, but something tells me it wouldn't help in this scenario (might not hurt for this test specifically either though).

I bet if they shipped them with Michelin X-ice Xi3 tires then the Outback would do really well in this test and poorer in other maneuverability areas.

Ice/snow/slush performance and other 3 season performance have different necessities when it comes to tire characteristics.

[Jeffer03]

Unless I am woefully mistaken, or they changed it, the Venza AWD is only engaged up to 20mph, then it shuts off and goes to FWD. That, to me, is one of the primary reasons to buy a Subaru. It's All Wheel Drive All of the Time.

This comes into play when you're doing 50 or so down the highway and hit some slush or snowy pavement. If you think it's crazy to drive those speeds I say it's dangerous not to keep up with traffic flow. Other people will pass you and that can be even more dangerous. I've had FWD vehicles that have had dicey performance on the highway in those conditions. That's why I bought a Subaru because it has one of the best AWD systems available.

To be honest I was quite surprised the Venza did as good as it did, and of course it's no surprise they compare it to the Subie. But as others have said, this test was only a short distance, on level ground, and at slow speeds. They should take the 2 vehicles out on a course and see who ends up in a ditch sooner. It's not that I think the Venza is a bad car, I was seriously considering it. But all things considered the OB had everything I needed including much better cargo space. Toyota misrepresented that spec for a while as being almost equal to the OB but it's really much less.

If you are going off-road I'd much rather be in an Outback.

[luxus18]

Originally Posted by crabjoe

What do you think?

They were driving only straight on ice, they should check the cars in real driving condition I can bet that acceleration wouldn't be the only concern

[wickedpete]

We looked at the Venza before buying our 2010 OB 2.5 limited. Quite honestly the Venza rode rough, cornered poorly and was just awkward. My wife is a died in the wool Toyota driver and she walked away from the Venza saying that if I bought that car she wouldn't drive it.. .

I'm not surprised that Toyota is offering a strong traction story, as mentioned Toyota owning a good % Subaru has given Toyota a lot of value and I think that is good as we are a Toyota and Subaru family.

[5outbacks4jon]

Surprised, good for Toyota. If Subaru has one of the most efficient AWD systems it appears Toyota has certainly matched it with the Venza. Wonder what a Subaru 6-spd manual would have done here.

[outbackpacker3]

AWD doesn't have anything to do with the results to see what im talking about watch the videos about snow tires in this thread.

The cars there do not have AWD but they take off just fine. However when they have to turn and stop then they have problems. Now obivously AWD wont help stopping distance but on a turn then you would see the difference.

IF they made the cars turn in AMCI video then you would see relevant data about the AWD system. In this video though the results are only going to show the same kind of results as 0 to 60 test would.

[cardoc]

Originally Posted by dboz

I love this forum. Everyone talks and no one listens. Must be the age demographic.

What?

Say, is this some kind of fixed test or what? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TMYBnMDIzs

As for traction with the VDC off; I could not make my car slide on the dirt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrBe...M&feature=plcp

[dboz]

No one listens on this forum, they just talk.

Driving in deep snow would be a much better test but we know what the OB can do, where is the Venza vid showing the same??!!

Not sure about the relevance of a 12 year old vehicle in regards to VSC technology either?!

[cardoc]

The VDC was the start for the current dynamics control systems. Point was, still got good traction even with the VDC off. Subaru hasn't been matched in the past and isn't being matched now.