Audi and Subaru are known for offering models that come standard with AWD. Here's the AWD conundrum: An AWD sedan on all-season tires has significantly less traction for turning or braking on snowy roads than a front- or rear-wheel-drive sedan does on a set of four winter snow tires.
We proved as much in a Car and Driver winter-tire test that we conducted several years ago, where we showed that winter tires are superior in those two key driving situations. What about in a head-to-head acceleration test? Would the AWD car pull ahead? We have not tested how well an all-wheel-drive sedan on all-season tires can accelerate on snow versus a two-wheel-drive car fitted with winter tires, so we consulted the experts at Tire Rack, who conduct extensive snow testing.
In a drag race on snow, says Woody Rogers, Tire Rack's director of testing information, "I can make the outcome go either way depending on which all-season tires I fit to the AWD car. But in terms of cornering and braking traction, Tire Rack agrees with the results of our own testing: AWD offers no improvement. Then there's the matter of cost: fitting a two-wheel-drive sedan with a set of winter tires and extra wheels is in many cases less expensive than the extra cost of an AWD system.
And running a set of winter tires also extends the life of your summer tires. Here at Car and Driver , we fit a set of winter tires to all our long-term test cars for winter driving, even if they're AWD models. As we have seen firsthand, an AWD sedan with a set of winter tires is a killer winter ride. Because an AWD system adds weight and creates parasitic driveline losses, in most cases it will diminish its fuel economy—though the fuel-economy penalty may be so small it doesn't even show on the EPA combined figures.
For example, according to EPA estimates, the Chrysler 3. For some vehicles, the difference can be as little as 1 mpg or less, according to the EPA. Still, if fuel efficiency is of the utmost importance to you, then you might want to avoid AWD. Not all AWD systems work in the same way.
There are three main types of AWD to consider:. With full-time AWD, torque is always sent to all four wheels. This occurs whether the road is slippery or dry. Most full-time AWD systems split the torque evenly between the front and rear axles with the use of a center differential, though there are full-time systems that vary the amount of power sent to the front or rear wheels depending on available traction.
Other full-time AWD systems offer a fixed torque split, usually with a rear bias to better mimic the behavior of a rear-drive car. Subaru uses this system in its vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, including the Impreza sedan. But manufacturers are moving away from this system to a more sophisticated type of full-time AWD that incorporates automatic engagement capability.
This is on-demand AWD. Under normal circumstances, torque is delivered to just one axle and its pair of wheels. The system automatically detects tire slippage and, in that instance, sends torque to the second axle on wet or wintry roads. Think of these AWD systems, which are by far the most common on the market, as providing an "assist" axle supplying extra traction when you need it and not when you don't.
On slippery roadways, when the wheels propelling the car start to spin, clutches automatically engage to direct torque to the formerly dormant pair of wheels to boost traction. Since it's not driving all four wheels in all driving situations, on-demand AWD tends to offer slightly better fuel economy than a full-time AWD system.
This is a classically handsome, well-proportioned luxury car with a high-tech interior. The biggest difference is behind the wheel. Choose among a range of fuel-efficient and extra-zesty powertrains, and if you get lucky, you might even find the spacious station wagon version. The A4 has the advanced infotainment and posher cabin materials, though.
See Available Cars. Tesla offers what it calls dual-motor all-wheel-drive. That means the Model 3 has one electric motor to power the front wheels and a second for the rear wheels. One is optimized for power and one is optimized for range, but working together they also deliver improved traction. For more zip, the Performance model drops to a supercar-like 3. Every Model 3 delivers zippy handling and an aggressively high-tech interior, featuring a beautiful touchscreen that replaces nearly all physical controls.
One thing to watch for: Tesla has brought prices of new Model 3 vehicles down while adding standard equipment, so make extra sure your used vehicle is a good discount from a brand-new vehicle.
See Available Model 3 Cars. Not every luxury sedan with all-wheel-drive needs to focus on performance. Instead, the full-size Genesis G80 delivers gorgeous design, a relaxing driving experience, and plenty of space for everyone. It handles with composure, especially for its size. Low- and high-range settings allow the driver to dial in the right amount of power and torque delivery to gain the best traction for the situation. Both systems provide better traction to get going and to stay on the road, but neither helps a vehicle stop.
A common mistake that drivers make in snowy or slippery situations is believing that their SUV or truck makes them invincible. Extra traction does not equal extra stopping power. This misconception often can lead to overconfidence.
Vehicles equipped with AWD or 4WD generally suffer a fuel economy penalty due to the extra weight and mechanical resistance of the equipment needed to turn all four wheels.
In some cases, the reduction in gas mileage is small but can add up over time. Many vehicles equipped with 4WD are large trucks and SUVs that already suffer from inferior fuel economy due to their sheer weight and size. Complicated drivetrains also can be more expensive. In some cases, the upgrade can drive up the price of a new vehicle by several thousand dollars.
Luxury brands such as Audi make several vehicles with standard all-wheel drive. Subaru has built an entire brand around offering only AWD cars and crossovers. Tires also should be a consideration. In fact, a front-wheel drive vehicle with decent snow tires can better tolerate many scenarios compared with an AWD vehicle outfitted with all-season tires.
A handful of crossovers and SUVs with all-wheel drive come standard with all-season tires that will not be as effective in extreme wintery conditions. New Cars For Sale. Used Cars For Sale. Sports Cars. Used Cars. Vehicle Care. Ford Edge vs Ford Escape.
Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner. Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade.
0コメント