What is the difference between "tarmac", "gravel", and "snow" settings for AWC? If anyone has in-depth info on how it changes the algorithm please provide your insight! Thanks

 

i believe it manipulates the differential lock
like letting it slip more in snow and gravel and tarmac is full lock

 

we use gravel in the rain right???

 

Yea it says to use gravel for wet or unmade surfaces
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/media/...no_contact.pdf

 

oops.. ive been using snow in the rain haha

 

me too! Works fine thou! gotta try gravel now!

 

I still use Tarmac in rain lol

 

+1

now I know to use gravel.

 

Me too lol.

 

So in actual vehicle behavior terms, what happens when you use tarmac for rain conditions or snow for asphalt? I mean does it induce oversteer, understeer or what exactly?

 

Honestly I didn't feel much difference in the past 2 days of heavy raining in LA... but psychologically it makes me feel safer

But im sure it does something

 

I was under the impression that is puts either more power to the front wheels (snow setting) or the rear wheels (tarmac setting) and then equal power in both (gravel setting)

Thats just what i was told

 

the different setting alter the clamping time and duration of the center diff.

DD in either mode under whatever condition is irrelevant unless you are really driving at the limit. if it is wet out and you drive to work in tarmac. it won't make a difference. unless you drive like a complete maniac. now in the snow it's much easier to be at the limit and that's where you get to see the sawc settings at work.

 

Actually, was driving through slushy stuff this morning at 65-70 mph (third lane is not plowed or shoveled on the interstate) to get around a truck that was going slow and then sped up when I tried to pass him in the right lane (bastard). The rear wanted to come around a little when accelerating in tarmac mode and it went away in gravel...first time I have really noticed a difference.

 

Sorry to bring it back from the dead but thought for anyone else searching like I was that this would be helpful to read.

The Lancer Evolution offers three operating modes:
Tarmac – Provides a rear bias for improved performance under optimal conditions.
Gravel – Splits torque equally to ensure balanced handling characteristics under lower traction conditions.
Snow – Provides a front bias for more forgiving handling characteristics under slippery conditions.
Competitive Note: The Subaru WRX and WRX STI don’t have the torque vectoring capabilities of the Lancer Evolution.