All AWD systems are not equal

Only Subies with VDC can move forward with only 1-wheel traction. Better still, are Subies with VDC and VTD. That's their best AWD combo for slick conditions.
 
As to who really cares? Well maybe more would if they knew the differences between the various systems out there. The assumption is they all work equally well, which is just not true. If more people knew that, they would likely seek out the "best" AWD out there.
 
Yes, tires do make a difference. Actually it's the "wide" tires that are worse in the snow. You should check some images of rally race cars in the snow. Their tires are really skinny compared to the ones they use on gravel and tarmac. See image below.
 
http://www.admin.weblite.com.au/template/files/1764/1evo%20lancer%20snow2.JPG

I don't much worry about 'which' AWD system a car has. After 12 years in Anchorage with a Jeep and a GTI, I never got stuck or skidded in the GTI because of the tires (studded snows). Like bepperd's friend said, people would do well getting good tires, and not worrying about their AWD system.

To a point I agree. However most places don't allow for studded snow tires.

Yeah, studs are illegal here in MD, I believe.
 
Tire choice is very important and no doubt plays a major role.
 
As for snow duties, the Outback would be a better choice than a Legacy GT because it has a lot more ground clearance. Better yet, the new Forester or a Tribeca.
 
This video is impressive, though I wonder if it's too technical for a broader audience.
 
Note they use a 2008 Forester X automatic for that test. Also note they do not test side-to-side transfer, because that model did not have traction control. Front-to-rear transfer works great, though.
 
The 2009 model does have traction control so it should match the Legacy's impressive performance on that ramp, i.e. both front-to-rear and side-to-side transfer of torque would work.

The new Forester doesn't have VDT like the Legacy GT or higher-end Outbacks and Tribecas. I've been told that Subarus with both VDC & VTD offer the best traction in slippery conditions.

I still think it would match the Legacy's performance.
 
Think about it - VTD and Auto-AWD are only managing power front to rear anyway. The side to side power split is managed by the traction control system (VDC).
 
The Forester's AWD system effectively split power no matter which axle had traction. So it would be left only up to VDC to see if it could transfer power side to side.
 
I'm confident the Forester would perform as well as the Legacy did, given it has VDC.

It'll be close, but it won't match it.
 
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21536481&postcount=15

A pity this test was not updated to show the '09 Forester, which does have VDC as well as Symmetrical AWD.
 
I suspect the '08 Forester would not have handled the 1 front wheel traction situation, but possibly might (due to its rear limited slip diff) do the rear 1 wheel traction.
 
And having this year watched myself and a __whole bunch__ of cars get stuck on a hilly, icy road, I can see the value of such an AWD system.

Studded tires aren't often allowed, but good snow/ice studless tires are, and can do wonders.

I'm wondering why on all those vehicles the slipping wheels were spinning that fast. Those cars didn't have Traction Control Systems? Or maybe the TCSs were purposely disabled (with TCS Off button) to make sure the Subaru wins? Normally TCS should take care of slipping wheels by braking the hell out of them thus routing the available torque to wheels with traction. But strangely it was not happening...

subaru does have a superior AWD system as portrayed there, but still they left out worthy competitors like Mitsubishi's AWD and Audi's QUATTRO AWD. (the real QUATTRO, not the VW 4 MOTION/ Haldex called "QUATTRO" in the TT and A3)
 
This info is real, though. AWD is not always AWD. These cars equipped with real AWD are better equipped for snow duty than most trucks and SUV's are. Just throw on some snow tires and you're golden. These part time AWD cars are of little value to you, though. They just add weight and higher cost to the car.

Subaru's is certainly superior.
But most people get by for years with no problem driving unlimited-diff FWD cars, rain, snow, or shine.
The Subaru system is great for harsher roads, but I don't live in one of those places.
 
Let's discuss other selling points of a car: Subarus are small, expensive, bad on gas, and not the most aesthetically pleasing. The Legacy feels more cramped than a Honda Civic. Try to love the new Impreza's face.
But if you need the traction, have faith and go for it.

Mechanically Subaru's AWD is better, no question. But modern electronic systems may perform just as good in real life situations. TCS is an intrinsic part of AWD, it effectively acts as a replacement to limited slip differential. It brakes the spinning wheel(s) so the torque is routed to the ones with traction, even via open differential. For situations when you need to get moving the effect should be practically the same. So I'm still wondering why the tested cars were spinning the slipping wheels so eagerly. Unless, of course, the TCS was prudently turned off.

huyracing - to clarify your statement, not all 4-Motion systems use the Haldex clutch. For example, 4-Motion in the previous gen Passat, Phaeton and current Touareg use a Torsen center differential. In fact, any Audi/VW vehicle that has a transverse engine setup uses the Haldex system (as you noted with the TT, A3, etc.)
 
I'm not sure why you think the Haldex system is so inferior, though. It's extremely quick reaction time plus it's infinite active adjustability make it a favorable comparison to mechanical setups like Torsen. I've owned vehicles with both setups and haven't noticed a bit of difference in everyday driving. Hey, if it's good enough for the Bugatti Veyron, it's good enough for me...=)

The Honda CRV apparently uses a hydraulically activated clutch system. CU has commented it can be slow to react.

Great video, however I'd like to point out a couple things.
 
1. The FWD-biased CR-V and Highlander would perform well on the second test (with one of the front wheels gaining traction). Being naturally FWD biased means enough power is distributed to the front wheels to handle most situations, even at an incline.
 
2. The incline itself offers a strong challenge. On level ground, I imagine any of these systems would be capable of powering themselves past "ice spots".
 
Despite that, I find this test very informative and an accurate portrayal of Subaru's technical superiority in the 4WD market.

huyracing
 
Good points. My guess is that Mitsubishi was left out was because only the very specialized EVO offers AWD. The vehicles in this test are all more mainstream models, that appeal to a much larger audience. The person shopping an EVO won't be looking at these cars.
 
As to the Audi? Again, not many Audi buyers cross-shop Subarus.
 
This test was really set up to compare vehicles that most Subie customers might cross-shop, and not specifically to find the absolute best AWD system out there.

That was a great movie!

The biggest problem with this video is that you can not see the back half of the vehicles for the first test. Since it is propaganda (I am a big Subaru fan and own a 2002 Forester) there is the question that they could be messing with the other vehicles in a way that we can not see. Thats too bad because this otherwise is a great video.

Maybe it looks like a propagandapicture by Subaru.
 
This test between a Volvo and a Subaru Outback is not made by Subaru:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/video-volvo-vs-subaru-awd.html
 
And in these both German tests the Subarus come out on top:
http://subaru.de/aktuell/news/vergleichstest_allradsysteme_suv_-_off_road_nr.2.2008.pdf
 
Even with less electronical devices then their counterparts they just win:
http://www.subaru.de/vergleichstest_allradsysteme_-_autobildallrad_01.2007.pdf

AWESOME links, but somebody needs to translate them!
 
Danke sehr!