Only when tyres are turning,
and those palm-sized patches of rubber are gripping the road, can
a car's torque make it go where the driver wants. Obviously, Subaru's
Symmetrical AWD is superior here, certainly over 2-wheel drive.
But, with the amount of torque transmitted to each wheel being constantly
adjusted in real time, it even outperforms other AWD systems. Better
traction, grip and surer turning are yet another tribute to Subaru's
superior torque distribution technologies. By comparison, 2-wheel
drive merely does what it says. Whether it's through front or rear
wheels, there are always two tyres not getting any torque - so they
have no part in governing the way power is used to control the car.
On the other hand, Subaru's advanced Symmetrical AWD brings together
the best attributes of both systems, without any of their compromises,
and is even better than ordinary 4-wheel drives. Capitalizing on
these strengths, sophisticated, rally-derived long travel suspension
also helps maintain optimum tyre-to-road contact at all times.
Outclassing ordinary 4WDs,
this system delivers crisp turning, easy control and maximum
stability, all in perfect balance. It's the ideal combination
of the virtues of front and rear wheel drive in one, without
any of their potential drawbacks.
Here, front wheels control
power and steering, leaving the rears just supporting the
body. Turning is more stable, so control is easier, but less
sharp. And, if too much power is applied, front wheels lose
grip and the car understeers sharp.
Conversely, with rear wheel
drive and front wheel steering, turning is sharper, but somewhat
less stable. Apply too much throttle in this case, and the
car will tend towards oversteering in corners.
