How Does the Evo's AWD Compare to DSC?
 

Some AWD cars have DSC and some don't. The Evo doesn't, as far as I can tell. Having had it several months now, I have yet to get my Evo IX loose in the rain or dry; the sucker grips like grim death. But as the rains start, I start to wonder:

My RWD RX-8 had DSC (not to mention Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ABS, Traction Control and an LSD). The DSC was pretty amazing at arresting incipient spins.

So ... is the US Evo IX's AWD system designed to actively fight spins, like DSC and EBD, or just to optimize traction in turns? In other words, does it, in part, serve the function of DSC?

I think systems like DSC that acively fight skidding slows the car down, and that you would turn them off if you were competing with such a car. The Evo has no such systems because its AWD is designed to grip as best it can up until its limit. Its up to the drivier to know his or her, and just as importantly their machine's limit.

To me, DSC and/or traction control are different from having ABS and/or EBD. The latter don't apply the brakes for you, just that they help apply the brakes in a more uniform fashion to keep the car going in its intended direction.

It's not really necessary in the Evo. In a lightweight RWD car it is very easy to spin the car, but spinning in a STOCK evo is fairly difficult. The Evo does have EBD, ABS, and an LSD, but traction control and stability management are not necessary to keep the car safe.

-Paul

I think you've gotta note the AWD system changes from the VIII to the IX! I'll let others chime in on the specifics...

At similar power levels, I could induce my VIII to get sideways in 2nd around turns in the dry; and in 3rd if wet. My IX is very difficult to get sideways at all if it's dry - other than a little oversteer after installing my rear swaybar - and that's only possible in 1st gear on the stock tires! If it's rainy, I can do it in 2nd...

Different tires and aftermarket suspension setups factor in, but overall my IX feels much much more secure in going in a straight line if floored.

Thanks, all. That's about what I figured. So the Evo IX (and VIII?) has EBD, huh? I'm surprised I never picked that up.

As I understand it, EBD is a tool that DSC systems use, braking the wheels individually and selectively to avert spins and keep the car going in a particular direction. In other words, I have always considered it to be a species of DSC. Agree, disagree?

I consider it to be more of an advanced ABS system, although it is a bit of a DSC system as well. One thing I was never certain of was the full capabilities of the EBD system in the Evo as the system in the JDM Evos is much different than the USDM Evos. I know it definitely does a F/R bias to minimize braking distances, but I also read that it uses yaw sensors and steering angle input in addition to wheel speed sensors to adjust braking force. I was never able to verify if this information applied to all Evos or only those with S-AYC (Super Active Yaw Control).

-Paul