Those are both true but the simple reason is that the center diff unlocks (but doesn't disengage) when you steer. It's because a purely mechanical diff can only respond to physical forces on the diffs. There's no mechanical way for a diff to tell the difference between slipping and steering, that's why you need computer control.

Also, the reason why radius is large is because there isn't enough room for the wide wheels to physically turn. It has nothing to do with the ratio itself. I agree that for a given steering rack, as long as the centerline of the wheel is the same, tire width is not a factor, but it is when combined with the fact that the transverse engine doesn't give you enough room for your wheels to turn. And FYI- the NSX has a transverse engine, but again it is totally irrelevant to the argument I am making because the rear wheels have nothing to do with steering the car, and it's a mid engined car.

It unlocks it, it doesn't disengage it. An open diff is fine for handbrake turns, essentially the rear brakes act as sort of a diff lock, sending power to the front.

 

was just checking about hte ebrake thing.

and i'm saying that the nsx also has a crappy radius and yes... the engine nad the wheel size don't play into the equation... but it has similarly wonderful steering response. that was my only point. which is why i'm thinking it's all to do with the steering rack... and less to do with the engine and wheels.

 

IMO the crappy turning radius has less to do with wide tires/fast steering. It has much more to do with putting less stress on the AWD drive train. Every single AWD car that I have driven has had a poor turning radius, noticeably poorer than it's FWD counterparts. A tight turning radius puts a lot of stress on the various differentials.

l8r)

 

No way, go drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee, those things can turn on a dime! I agree with it being how the engine is mounted, the width of the tires and the long wheel base. Go outside and turn your wheels, its pretty much as far as it could physically go even if the rack didn't stop you.


I thought alot of the British track nuts were ditching thier AYC's in favor of the RS rear diff, which is just like the rear diff we have now.

 

Subaru has the best AWD system. They were the innovators. They had AWD on their cars back inthe 70's or back into the 60's before AWD was even considered on cars.

 

I think Audi had the first AWD. Also, I think that the Evo has the better AWD system (overall, and I could be wrong) compared to the STi. Im thinking like the UK here, where the Evo gets all the goodies.

 

Subaru's AWD system is pretty advanced, as well as strong. Definitely one of the best AWD systems.

 

Not quite. The Jensen FF (1966) had the first mass-produced AWD system in what we consider a modern car. For our purposes, I'm excluding vehicles such as SUVs, tractors, trucks, etc.

On the racing side, in 1932, Bugatti had the Type 53 Racercar, but it was notorious for poor handling.

 

Mitsubishi had AWD on vehicles back in the late 1930's. Recognize game.

 

how about this......in top gear (i dont know what episode) they did a test with a evo vs s4 guess who won....can anyone say evo..lol

 

and in comparison a evo vs sti episode....well dont start me on sti under steer....stupid subaru

 

Are you kidding me? Off course I have seen it, go back 25 years ago with the Audi Quattro short wheelbase version, it tear apart all the competitors back them on rally competition.

Also go back to 1989, they reintroduce the AWD for the grand turismo class, it was soo sucessfull that it completly destroyed the competition and had to be banned because it was superior to the competiotion FWD and RWD class(Renault 21 turbos,Alfa Romeo 75 turbo, M3, etc).

Carlos

 

i think that rally originated from audis...they owned back in the days. now they're more luxurious with a sports kick inside them.

 

+1

Can't beat German Engineering!!!..... Until the electrical problems catch up to ya... I would say Audi is the best hands down!

 

Top gear knows what they are talking about...but i have heard that the R34's is quite amazing...when it first came out....everyone is saying that the Evo X's AWD system is AWESOME to say the least...so if the EVO isnt the best then it will be with the 10