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Comments
So it still does the job. VTD just does it even better.
In dry situations that isn't the case though, as the 45/55 provides more balance and driver "feel", as does the 50/50 of the viscous coupling with the manual transmissions. The best balanced vehicle I have ever driven with regard to traction was my first manual trans Forester with the 50/50. I believe that this is the main reason for why they do the 45/55.
Same here. My 1998 model was a real soldier in the snow, great for drifting around corners in a controlled manner, wagging the tail, etc.
I put snow tires on it towards the end and actually missed being able to break traction. It was TOO good.
In a way I prefer the mechanical diffs over the electronic diffs (VDC) precisely because they allow some degree of slip.
By the way, I found the local ice track last weekend with the kids. I was in the Forester and drove around part of it, but thought better of playing on it after watching an old Legacy wagon slam into a snow bank. I thought, "what would my wife do to me if I damaged her car while playing out here?" :surprise:
So, I got off the track and instead climbed the side of the adjacent dike a couple of times. The kids thought that was hilarious and asked me to do it again, and again, and....
Has anyone had any luck with this?
The good part is that now both axles are "managed". Before it was only the rear axle.
Let us know which vehicle you get and how you like it.
Is the supplier NAVTEQ like for Garmin?
The point you miss about 45/55 fixed vs 90/10 variable is when the damned electronics decides to switch on you when in a corner, steady speed on unplowed roads and the big one, going down hill in snow / ice conditions.
I like to be in control - its a more predictable and for me a safer drive.
If there was a 50/50 split hold button that would do the trick.
A previous infinity FX45 had such a button, but the wise electronics turned it off above 25 mph allowing it to go back to fat tire RWD - not good.
Have had several AWD and 4WD cars and much prefer the fixed ratios and full time 4 wheel.
My wife summed it up during the test drive, this drives like your BMW 330Xi
The 45/55 is NOT fixed, it also is variable, just a different starting point. VTD is Variable Torque Distribution.
As of yesterday i realized i would be happy with either the silver or blue exteriors. My biggest concern is now with the fabric in the Limited. It is cheap, shiny polyester. I don't know why Subaru can't use a soft (fuzzy) fabric like Toyota uses :confuse: .
I DO like the fabric on the Limited (leather trimmed), but don't want to pay the extra $1000 to have it installed after market (would be willing to pay half that amount). Am not really interested in the other options that come with the Limited to pay the extra $$$.
elena
THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED TO MY PREVIOUS MESSAGE. All your comments are much appreciated!.
I have checked local inventories in the upstate NY area and find a very low number of Legacies at each dealership within say 75 miles of the Syracuse, NY area. The dealer went as far as Vermont and Massachusetts and can't find me a 2.5 limited in Ruby Red Pearl. Most seem to be premium or GT's and in gray or blue. Gray is out because the impala we will be losing is that color and we wanted a different color,and blue because of the light colored interior and while we would love it our grandkids would ...well you get the idea. Can't figure out why the limited is in such short supply. The dealer I ordered from stated that 6-8 weeks was the usual wait time 15 weeks seems odd. I hope I don't have to wait that long. My other car is a Toyota Solara Convertible and the three grandkids will have a tough time in the back seat. (I may have to leave the wife home!!)
We wanted the light interior - since we have found black is not that easy to keep clean either - add the sunroof to 3.6R and limited and the 6-8 weeks becomes 15 for orders placed in November. They said even longer if you wanted Navigation.
The communication system between SOA and SNE doesn't help either, they still use semaphore.
But when I'm going down hill on the badly cleared snow / ice with multiple bends, the starting point of 45/55 when the transmission is effectively driving the engine is very much more predictable. My 2 cents.
Most cars can get up the hill, I could with my old Delta 88 FWD, but the number of modern AWD cars that wreck wheels on the corners would amaze you.
Of course a lot of that can be blamed on the drivers after all it is NJ ....
Still waiting ....
I'm sure that was very much intentional. They wanted to give it a sporting, almost RWD feel.
It's a high complement that she's comparing it to a car that is $10 grand or more higher in price, too.
ingvar: congrats!
PS Anyone know the version of the maps on the Navi?
After carefully considering the lack of folding mirrors and extra width along with unsatisfactory Outback color choices I replaced my 2005 Outback 3.0R VDC with a Sage Green 2010 Forester XT Limited. It actually saves very little cost compared to the 3.6R Outback with the same equipment, but is easier to drive in the city. I am considering adding BlueConnect which my dealer is offering me at his cost, but may use a visor mounted BlueAnt unit instead.
Has anyone tried BlueConnect yet?
The fact that the new engine makes a lot more HP than last year's, all while using regular unleaded and available at a much lower price point than the 2009's, conspired to catch Subaru planners off-guard.
If you like power and smoothness, trust me it's worth the wait.
The 2010 Outback/Legacy nav version remains at V2.2. Check here for more information: http://store.kenwoodusa.com/subaru/
I do not know who supplies the map source data, but the OEM is Kenwood, so if you look at some of their other products you can probably figure it out.
Continuous All-Wheel Drive - Models equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions utilize a viscous-type locking center differential with torque distribution normally configured at a 50/50-split front-to-rear. If wheel speed differs between front and rear axles, the system helps distribute power to the wheels with the most traction.
Active All-Wheel Drive - Models equipped with Lineartronic™ CVT utilize an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch to distribute power to where traction is needed. Sensors monitor parameters such as wheel slippage, throttle position and braking, to help determine torque distribution and direct it to the wheels with optimum traction.
Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive - Models equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission utilize an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch in conjunction with a planetary-type center differential and a viscous-type limited-slip rear differential. Torque distribution is normally configured at a performance-oriented rear-wheel-biased 45/55-split front-to-rear. Sensors monitor parameters such as wheel slippage, throttle position and braking to help determine torque distribution and direct it to the wheels with optimum traction.
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20843
Thanks!
Something for Subaru to worry about?
Bob
That's me. I turned 65 three weeks ago, and have an '09 WRX.
POWER TO THE GEEZERS!
Bob
However if it doesn't hurt it doesn't work!
Luckily we can drive sitting down!
I'd expect the Outback to have older buyers than the Legacy simply because it has a longer travel suspension that is likely more compliant.
Forester buyers would be younger than that, and Impreza owners the youngest.
I'd wager a guess at the age of Tribeca buyers, expect they aren't many! Probably more family types with kids.
Nowadays the throttle systems are by-wire, i.e. no mechanical connection between the pedal and the engine.
One more point: This is a Canadian article. From what I've heard, because Subarus are much more expensive up there, Outback buyers have traditionally been somewhat older than here in the States.
Bob
http://www.subaru-sia.com/
It mentions that Toyota Camrys are built at the Indiana plant. I'm wondering if that might be the reason that Subaru's aren't found in greater numbers in dealers inventories in the New England states including NY. It may be that they are dealing with the Camry problem!!