[s-cars] Re: WRX (was NAC, but more turbo content)

[TM]

Actually Keith-
I'm pretty sure that the automatic WRX comes with a standard 50/50
torque
split until slippage occurs. The torque available to each axle is
significantly
greater with the computer-controlled diff, hence the difference in SCCA
SoloII
classification (at least initially) for the WRX manual and auto and also
the
reason why some Subaru tuners offer a conversion to the
computer-controlled
diff for the cars that didn't come with it from the factory.

I'm trying to convince a co-worker that the WRX wagon is the way to go,
over
a Toyota Matrix and a Toyota Highlander.

Were I in the market for a new car right now, I'd be looking at the WRX
STi
and the Lancer Evo 8 very seriously.

Taka


-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-admin at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-admin at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Keith Maddock
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 5:32 PM
To: skippertgore at hotmail.com
Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: [s-cars] Re: WRX (was NAC, but more turbo content)


I sat in a WRX at the Detroit Auto Show in 2001 when I was trying to
decide between UrS4, S4tt, and WRX as a replacement car for my 91
200q20v.

The S4tt felt cramped for me, and even the S6 2.7T felt less than
perfect.  The WRX was an extremely tight fit.  After spending 8 years in
a Legacy, I'll never buy a car again that I feel cramped in.  (I have
longer-than-average legs even for my  6'4" height)

RE AWD:

Manual Subies (excluding STi varieties) have a Viscous limited slip
center differential .  This is similar to Quattro as it offers a 50/50
torque distribution in normal condions.  The viscous limited slip device
adds progressive lock based on differences in axle speeds, where the
Torsen adds progressive lock based on differences in axle torque (at the
tire/road interface).  The viscous coupling takes longer to respond to
conditions than a Torsen would.  (Have to have wheel spin to change bias
ratio, where as Torsen ends up being more proactive)  I also noticed the
oversteer in my 93 Legacy AWD, its probably due to the delay in the
viscous LSD center.

Auto Subies use a electronic controlled hydraulic dual-plate clutch
coupling style AWD system which allows the rear axle to be progressively
coupled to the front axle based on what the computer wants.  I think
they advertise the "normal condition" torque split to be 90/10.  No
experience with these.