Why such small turning radius???
The STi has an electronically-controlled center diff that disengages the rear axle when the handbrake is pulled. Basically so you can handbrake your turns.
I think I'd like to have ACD if only for that reason...
I think I'd like to have ACD if only for that reason...
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 111
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From: The Golden Rim Motor Inn
The ML 320 has a much smaller turning radius!?!?
So does my quattro!
A couple of times I have had to back up and re-direct my evo into a parking spot!
They brag about 2.1 turns lock to lock but that is because it does not turn as much as other cars.
They could make it 1.1 turn lock to lock but what is the point really if the car turns less?
So does my quattro!
A couple of times I have had to back up and re-direct my evo into a parking spot!
They brag about 2.1 turns lock to lock but that is because it does not turn as much as other cars.
They could make it 1.1 turn lock to lock but what is the point really if the car turns less?
They could make it 1.1 turn lock to lock but what is the point really if the car turns less?
) you're not gonna max out your steering.
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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The large turning circle of the Evo has nothing to do with AWD. The Evo has a 13:1 steering ratio. This is what makes it respond quicker to steering inputs and give it that go-cart feel. The STI has around a 15:1 ratio which is one of the main reasons when people test drive both cars, they tend to mention that the STI did not feel as resposive as the EVO. The lower that first number in the steering ratio, the larger the turning circle.
Uh, people are throwing around numbers but their interpretation is a bit suspect to me.
First there's how much the wheels/tires will turn for each given amount the steering wheel is turned. That largely determines how "responsive" the car is to steering wheel input--the more the wheels turn for, say, a degree of steering wheel rotation, the more responsive.
Then there's how much the steering wheel will turn before it locks. That determines the maximum amount of turn of the wheels/tires and therefore the minimum (smallest) turn radius the car can manage.
Which number is which? Hell if I know.
First there's how much the wheels/tires will turn for each given amount the steering wheel is turned. That largely determines how "responsive" the car is to steering wheel input--the more the wheels turn for, say, a degree of steering wheel rotation, the more responsive.
Then there's how much the steering wheel will turn before it locks. That determines the maximum amount of turn of the wheels/tires and therefore the minimum (smallest) turn radius the car can manage.
Which number is which? Hell if I know.
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 3
From: Birmingham, AL
Welcome to the world of front wheel drive.
Despite the fact that the EVO is AWD it is setup like a FWD car with its transverse mounted engine. All FWD cars have compromised turning radius compared to a comparably sized RWD car.
The WRX is setup like a RWD car with its longitudinaly mounted engine with the tranny behind the motor, it has more room for steering angles.
Despite the fact that the EVO is AWD it is setup like a FWD car with its transverse mounted engine. All FWD cars have compromised turning radius compared to a comparably sized RWD car.
The WRX is setup like a RWD car with its longitudinaly mounted engine with the tranny behind the motor, it has more room for steering angles.
According to the specs the minimum turn radius is 5.9m = 19.4'.
My old car (2001 Eclipse GT) had a turning radius of 40'.
Sliding handbrake turns, yee-haw! 
So I don't think the Evo's turn radius is too bad.
My old car (2001 Eclipse GT) had a turning radius of 40'.
Sliding handbrake turns, yee-haw! So I don't think the Evo's turn radius is too bad.
Last edited by vtluu; Nov 20, 2003 at 09:57 AM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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Look, I'm not just throwing out numbers. I 'm stating facts. I never post things that I have "heard". I hate that ****. Tell you what, go talk to a mechanic, pick up a guide to auto repair manual. Better call you dealer's service dept and ask them what your steering ratio is. Now if you don't believe that the ratio has anything to do with your turning circle, I can't help that.
I'm not disputing your numbers. 
I'm just not sure exactly what to make of them.
Anyway the Evo's minimum turning radius is what it is; nothing any of us can do can change it so I say let's leave it at that.
I'm just not sure exactly what to make of them.
Anyway the Evo's minimum turning radius is what it is; nothing any of us can do can change it so I say let's leave it at that.
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Haven't really look closely under the fenders... anyone thinkwe could put 9" wheels and 245 or 255 tires all around on our
evo??
(sorry.. quick OT)
Originally posted by Fireball
I think SilverEvo8owner hit it on the head. The tires are really, really wide for the car, and there's not a whole lot of room to turn them inside the wheel wells.
I think SilverEvo8owner hit it on the head. The tires are really, really wide for the car, and there's not a whole lot of room to turn them inside the wheel wells.
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I think the last statement is wrong....
Dont think steering ratio has anything to do with turning radius..
steering ratio + lock-to-lock maybe...
The last statement should say...
"The lower that first number in the steering ratio, the larger the turning angle per given steering input."
Dont think steering ratio has anything to do with turning radius..
steering ratio + lock-to-lock maybe...
The last statement should say...
"The lower that first number in the steering ratio, the larger the turning angle per given steering input."
Originally posted by RonV
The large turning circle of the Evo has nothing to do with AWD. The Evo has a 13:1 steering ratio. This is what makes it respond quicker to steering inputs and give it that go-cart feel. The STI has around a 15:1 ratio which is one of the main reasons when people test drive both cars, they tend to mention that the STI did not feel as resposive as the EVO. The lower that first number in the steering ratio, the larger the turning circle.
The large turning circle of the Evo has nothing to do with AWD. The Evo has a 13:1 steering ratio. This is what makes it respond quicker to steering inputs and give it that go-cart feel. The STI has around a 15:1 ratio which is one of the main reasons when people test drive both cars, they tend to mention that the STI did not feel as resposive as the EVO. The lower that first number in the steering ratio, the larger the turning circle.
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 133
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From: Fort Nelson, BC, Canada
Your steering ratio doesnt mean anything about turning radius... it's where mitsu put the locks at each end of the rack that determine how sharp your wheels turn...
and like it was said on the first page by SilverEvo8owner they put them there so you wont rub your tires when you turn sharper...
seems simple enough...
Cam
and like it was said on the first page by SilverEvo8owner they put them there so you wont rub your tires when you turn sharper...
seems simple enough...
Cam
WRX has a longitudinally mounted engine, which leaves more room for the wheels to turn. Also, the wheelbase for the Evo is really, really long, about 4 inches more than a WRX which affects turning radius.
