Are all Subarus AWD considered the best?

[gspec]

I am not an automobile/transmission expert, but I know the current Subaru models have several different AWD types/configurations depending on the engine and transmission.
Also I know from some research that Subaru AWD is considered one of the best, if not the best out there.
My questions is: Is that statement valid pretty much for all Subaru AWDs across the board?
I've seen people drive OB or Forester on the snow, and there are tons of good reviews on them out there. I know the WRX/STi is doing well in Rally (not sure how much Subaru's AWD contributes to this, like I said I am no expert). How about the AWDs on regular, basic Imprezas? And Legacy? Are they any good in snow? How much ground clearance affect the AWD driving in snow?
Thanks.

[Unclviny]

All Subaru AWD systems are ESSENTIALLY the same (there are minor differences), after totalling my 2007 Forester XT I whined at Subie that the AWD did not help me but they got off on a technicality, it seems that for AWD to work effectively the tires need to be in contact with the road (I said that was Lawyerspeak!) and since the Forrie was on the roof all bets were off.

I have driven other AWD's in muddy conditions and the "jump" when the AWD kicks in is a bad surprise at a bad time, that's why I prefer the Subaru system.

Vince

[awd-gg]

all Subaru AWD are great or the Best (for Foul weather condition handling)
Legacy AWD is identical to Outback (H4vs H4, H6 vs H6, Mt vs MT) only different is ground clearance. The same can be said for Imprezas vs Forester.
Depending how much snow on the ground, Ground clearance can be huge (ie..once you're High Center (4 wheels in the air), AWD is not going to help you.)



One exception, the new Subaru BRZ (which is the only subaru in the market today that is NOT an AWD (2wd only).

[1 Lucky Texan]

most folks on a Subaru board are gonna say the AWD is great. There ARE differences among the years and models and some may be better for some conditions than others. Not all have rear LSD, some systems may be more 'robust' than others. As said, the BRZ is rwd, some older legacies are fwd.

why do you ask?

[DrCloud]

Best compared to what?

Subaru AWD is certainly better than what Honda uses (to pick a particularly easy target to ridicule) and many others as well. But it would be hard to argue that the Subaru system is better than the Audi system(s). HPH

[vr4Legacy]

The primary reason Subaru AWD is better than most is because it is a true Active AWD system. This means all 4 wheels are always receiving power from the transmission. Most of Subaru's systems use braking and clutches to transfer power to different wheels as needed.

Many other "AWD" systems are more accurately an automatic 4WD system. They run in 2WD most of the time and when they detect significant wheel spin the other 2 wheels kick into action. Which, as metnioned, can be very unnerving and unpredictable.

Another thing Subaru touts is that they have "Symetrical" AWD. This means the entire system is built from the ground up as an AWD system and is therefore balanced very well. Alot of other manufacturers use a 2WD drivetrain and add a transfercase to it. Most dealerships I've been to have a model showing various systems compared to Subarus.

There are a few manufacturers that take true pride in their AWD systems and are arguably as good as Subarus, but they are mostly high end cars. Audi and BMW come to mind.

edit: Here is a good article that was printed in Drive Magazine (subaru's quarterly magazine) that sums it up. Granted this will be biased, but is still informative.

http://drive2.subaru.com/Win09/Win09_ItsWhatMakes.htm

[awd-gg]

Originally Posted by DrCloud

Best compared to what?

Using a little common sense (or Judgement),... I would assume the OP meant compared other similarly priced cars. and since he is in OUTBACK forum (not WRX, NASIOC...etc) he is not looking for high speed handling (not comparing WRX vs EVO vs GTR...etc) I think GTR AWD is hard to beat, btw.

By the way, I'm still looking for proof that today's Audi has better AWD (than Subaru) for foul weather handling? Anyone found anything showing Audi's AWD is Better.... FORget abt. BMW those cars get flooded/stucked in 4" of standing water on suburban paved road.

[gspec]

Originally Posted by 1 Lucky Texan

why do you ask?

The main reason I am asking is actually because I am interested in the basic Impreza with CVT in the future. I know thousands of people have testified that Forester and OB have the best AWD, and I am sure thousands of people can be wrong. I just haven't heard how AWD adds values to Impreza. I just want to make sure I will get some value for the extra money I will spend compared to cheaper FWDs like Corolla or Civic.

Originally Posted by DrCloud

Best compared to what?

awd-gg is correct, best compared to similar vehicles in its class. I heard some ppl actually think Subaru's AWD is comparable if not better than Acura SH-AWD.

Thanks for the input all.

[rasterman]

gspec: If you have a FWD car now and you haven't been:

•staying home on days you wish you could go out, but the roads were too bad

•paying too much for tow trucks to haul you out when you get stuck

•having "scary moments" losing traction

then, you probably don't need an AWD car. But if any of the above are happening to you with any regularity, then an AWD car is a great answer.

I think traction and ground clearance are equally important where snow is concerned. I used to do pretty well in snow in a rear-wheel drive van, mostly because it was high enough that the wheels would dig in and the frame never dragged in the powder.

[1 Lucky Texan]

I admit I don't know what system is coupled to the CVT; viscous locking center diff? VDC?


you can find videos at youtube (some not well done, others obviously biased) comparing different cars against various Subaru models.