Awd, luxury, fast, DD.
10-06-2013, 07:45 AM
#81
Got to ask you - does the performance of the AWD system matter much to you? After researching the Lexus IS it's a pretty basic system, where as for example the Acura system is class leading.
10-07-2013, 04:14 AM
#82
Thread Starter
It does, obviously don't want to spend the money on an AWD car with a system that barely works better than FWD. I'm anxious to see how our RDX with full snows does this winter, it is our first winter with it! I may buy another RDX for myself in the spring, or wait it out and take my wife hand me down RDX and buy her an MDX.
10-07-2013, 08:04 AM
#83
SH-AWD is class leading? I would say Audi's system or Subaru's systems better it in tests.
10-07-2013, 08:39 AM
#84
10-07-2013, 10:57 AM
#85
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Palo Alto
Posts: 5,387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by rob-2' timestamp='1381074303' post='22813564
Got to ask you - does the performance of the AWD system matter much to you? After researching the Lexus IS it's a pretty basic system, where as for example the Acura system is class leading.
10-07-2013, 11:24 AM
#86
I`ve argued for SH-AWD a number of times as being the most technically advanced system, mainly due to the ability to overdrive wheels (rather than brake opposite wheels) to develop yaw movement. It allows for more effective power management AND it`s easier on your drivetrain as well (less wear and tear on brakes and gears, since you`re not reverse loading gears or constantly using your brakes).
That said, in real world STREET driving, I don`t think Acura`s system is any more (or less) effective in most real-world situations (heavy snow, ice, etc, etc). Audi`s latest improvements, especially in the S4 with optional sport diff, are excellent. Subaru`s top system is also fantastic (STi), as is the Mitsu system on the Evo.
We`ve all seen videos where SH-AWD will climb a slope with one side having ice and the other on pavement, but that`s an extreme case that isn`t generally encountered. Most of us are driving on roads (paved or unpaved) with moderate slopes. In those situations, I`d argue they`re all pretty much equal.
That said, in real world STREET driving, I don`t think Acura`s system is any more (or less) effective in most real-world situations (heavy snow, ice, etc, etc). Audi`s latest improvements, especially in the S4 with optional sport diff, are excellent. Subaru`s top system is also fantastic (STi), as is the Mitsu system on the Evo.
We`ve all seen videos where SH-AWD will climb a slope with one side having ice and the other on pavement, but that`s an extreme case that isn`t generally encountered. Most of us are driving on roads (paved or unpaved) with moderate slopes. In those situations, I`d argue they`re all pretty much equal.
10-07-2013, 11:32 AM
#87
Thread Starter
I`ve argued for SH-AWD a number of times as being the most technically advanced system, mainly due to the ability to overdrive wheels (rather than brake opposite wheels) to develop yaw movement. It allows for more effective power management AND it`s easier on your drivetrain as well (less wear and tear on brakes and gears, since you`re not reverse loading gears or constantly using your brakes).
That said, in real world STREET driving, I don`t think Acura`s system is any more (or less) effective in most real-world situations (heavy snow, ice, etc, etc). Audi`s latest improvements, especially in the S4 with optional sport diff, are excellent. Subaru`s top system is also fantastic (STi), as is the Mitsu system on the Evo.
We`ve all seen videos where SH-AWD will climb a slope with one side having ice and the other on pavement, but that`s an extreme case that isn`t generally encountered. Most of us are driving on roads (paved or unpaved) with moderate slopes. In those situations, I`d argue they`re all pretty much equal.
That said, in real world STREET driving, I don`t think Acura`s system is any more (or less) effective in most real-world situations (heavy snow, ice, etc, etc). Audi`s latest improvements, especially in the S4 with optional sport diff, are excellent. Subaru`s top system is also fantastic (STi), as is the Mitsu system on the Evo.
We`ve all seen videos where SH-AWD will climb a slope with one side having ice and the other on pavement, but that`s an extreme case that isn`t generally encountered. Most of us are driving on roads (paved or unpaved) with moderate slopes. In those situations, I`d argue they`re all pretty much equal.
For the record, I have extensive history with various solid axle SUV's as well as Subaru's. Acura's impresses me the most for day to day driving in the winter, in the northeast. For rallying or offroading and such, that changes. Just putting that out there before somebody jumps all over my opinion.
10-07-2013, 12:13 PM
#88
Originally Posted by rob-2' timestamp='1381074303' post='22813564
Got to ask you - does the performance of the AWD system matter much to you? After researching the Lexus IS it's a pretty basic system, where as for example the Acura system is class leading.
10-07-2013, 12:17 PM
#89
Originally Posted by JonBoy' timestamp='1381173864' post='22815574
I`ve argued for SH-AWD a number of times as being the most technically advanced system, mainly due to the ability to overdrive wheels (rather than brake opposite wheels) to develop yaw movement. It allows for more effective power management AND it`s easier on your drivetrain as well (less wear and tear on brakes and gears, since you`re not reverse loading gears or constantly using your brakes).
That said, in real world STREET driving, I don`t think Acura`s system is any more (or less) effective in most real-world situations (heavy snow, ice, etc, etc). Audi`s latest improvements, especially in the S4 with optional sport diff, are excellent. Subaru`s top system is also fantastic (STi), as is the Mitsu system on the Evo.
We`ve all seen videos where SH-AWD will climb a slope with one side having ice and the other on pavement, but that`s an extreme case that isn`t generally encountered. Most of us are driving on roads (paved or unpaved) with moderate slopes. In those situations, I`d argue they`re all pretty much equal.
That said, in real world STREET driving, I don`t think Acura`s system is any more (or less) effective in most real-world situations (heavy snow, ice, etc, etc). Audi`s latest improvements, especially in the S4 with optional sport diff, are excellent. Subaru`s top system is also fantastic (STi), as is the Mitsu system on the Evo.
We`ve all seen videos where SH-AWD will climb a slope with one side having ice and the other on pavement, but that`s an extreme case that isn`t generally encountered. Most of us are driving on roads (paved or unpaved) with moderate slopes. In those situations, I`d argue they`re all pretty much equal.
For the record, I have extensive history with various solid axle SUV's as well as Subaru's. Acura's impresses me the most for day to day driving in the winter, in the northeast. For rallying or offroading and such, that changes. Just putting that out there before somebody jumps all over my opinion.
Systems like found in the Subi platforms are rather basic by comparison. Audi and BMW are playing catch up.
They are by no means all the same. In my current subi if the front wheel looses traction it has a tough time powering any of the other 3 wheels. At best I have one front and one rear powering. If I line one side on ice and the other on traction, the ice side spins leaving you stuck. Put an SH-AWD on there and it powers the traction side. Real world huge differences.
I think the OP has a choice if they want to buy a real AWD car for bad conditions are just a decent system for putting big power down.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pierceman
California - Southern California S2000 Owners
23
08-14-2003 05:44 PM