And even quattro/4Motion branding is confusing. From what I understand, MLB/B-platform based Audi/VWs will use a ZF transmission with an integrated Torsen center diff and a front diff with AWD. MQB/A-platform cars with AWD will use a PTO and a Haldex(now Borg-Warner) or GKN AWD system. Honda, Subaru and maybe Toyota developed their AWD systems in-house, with Honda using Borg-Warner for VTM-4/SH-AWD and Toyota using in-house or BW transfer cases on their trucks. GKN and BW/Haldex are to thank for everyone else.
Overview of AWD Systems
- Thread starter SubLGT
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TiGeo
$50 site donor 2024
Transverse engine are Haldex. Longitudinal are Torsen.
I have one of each! 2003 VW Passat W8 wagon has Torsen. 2018 VW Golf Sportwagen has Haldex.
TiGeo
$50 site donor 2024
Haldex Gen 5 slow-mo snow launch. The "it only works when the front wheel slips" is not accurate. I have logged mine many times while driving (Haldex clutch activity) and it's basically active any time you give it gas. Obviously this will vary on need so front slip will increase this need and cruising will take it down to close to zero. I really like it...my wagon is v. sure-footed with traction for days on the street or track.
TiGeo
$50 site donor 2024
By contrast....Torsen (Quattro) in my W8 Passat wagon...four wheel snow donuts!
TiGeo
$50 site donor 2024
Also...folks always turn awd posts into a discussion about snow, snow tires, drivers, etc. I'll take an awd car (Haldex or otherwise) for dry or wet road performance driving any day.
Mitsubisi Monteros had super select 4x4, which was basically an ordinary transfer case (2h 4h 4l) but it had a viscous coupling of some sort and a awd position on the shifter. no traction control. awd worked pretty good and helped me climb some boulders. i always ran it in 2h, and eventually swapped the lockable awd case for a traditional case that was only part time AWD. the super select case had 2h, 4h, (same as awd) and 4h lock and 4l lock were solid center dif.
jeep grand Cherokee 2006 has an awd center dif that isn't just clutches but it's advertised as true 4x4 and I don't think it locks so it's just a good awd system IMO. old Chevy trucks have 4x4 that is a normal transfer case and then electronic clutches to the front driveshaft so if you get stuck and the clutches slip you only have rwd.
jeep grand Cherokee 2006 has an awd center dif that isn't just clutches but it's advertised as true 4x4 and I don't think it locks so it's just a good awd system IMO. old Chevy trucks have 4x4 that is a normal transfer case and then electronic clutches to the front driveshaft so if you get stuck and the clutches slip you only have rwd.
I would own an AWD performance car if I lived in the desert. So many corners my AWD pushes me through corners, even in a fwd bias car, or it lets me be far more confident at nearing the limit. Rain swept corners having all four corners laying down power allows for more traction over all because a tire can only grip 100% and if a fwd car has to put power down and steer you lack in both.If a rwd. car has to put down 100% power down in a rain swept corner it will allow too easy of an oversteer situation.
Rambling? I had to read that in 2 shifts. LOL
It's primarily fwd but will activate the rear wheels when slip is detected.
The Modern Audi's used Torsen, until they shared platforms with the VW Golf, then Haldex was introduced, something as low as A4 had Torsen for a long time, starting at the B5 generation.
But Torsen died out, and replaced by Audi's own Crown Gear Differential.
And, to chase fuel economy, partnering with Magna, came Ultra Technology which worked like a Haldex on a longitudinal chassis, including the rear axle disconnect for full FWD for fuel efficiency, but can transfer more torque to the rear than Haldex.
Nope:
Subaru seems to be the best though. But they have 4 different systems.
Most AWD drives suck if you need them the most.
Personally I prefer 3 manual locks.
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That's 1st gen Highlander.
The highlanders are explained here until the 2020+
Overview of AWD Systems
Originally Posted By: edwardh1how does the toyota highlander awd work? - says it (2 rear wheel drive) comes on when needed??????? Sounds like a haldex system...which is rather poor indeeed. The older Highlanders had a 3 diff system with a center planetary diff. I'll agree to most of what...
bobistheoilguy.com
As the 2020+ on higher end trims (XSE, Limited and Platinum) had 2 additional clutches on the rear axle for torque vectoring.
Go to about 9:00 and she will trigger the Subaru faithful
I realize I'm replying to post from two years ago but I just want to say Mitsubishi's S-AWC is heavily underrated by A LOT of people as they don't want to take the time to read and understand how it works. It is by far one of the best in the world. S-AWC still lives on in the Outlander but only on the front wheels and not the rear.
I believe many AWD models are the equal of Subaru these days. The CRV is not one of those..lol
I doubt any are better though
I doubt any are better though
Well I would not keep buying them (on my 5th) if I didn't feel they were the best value for the Dollar. Just take safety. They have ALWAYS been up front. The year the small overlap test came out ALL their carlines passed. Very few vehicles let alone ALL carlines of a brand of vehicles passed.. Their Global Platform, that they invested a billion$ on is supposedly an improvement. I can't say that its true.
They’re a great value. I’m sorry, I should’ve said that.
I just don’t think they have the best AWD system.
I should‘ve been more clear, and, frankly, more positive. Subaru makes a very good car. I’ve recommended them to others. I think you’ve made a good choice.
My previous post was unreasonable. I apologize.
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No it was not. We all have our own preferences. And I agree Subaru probably does not have THE BEST AWD. Probably Audi
