AWD and L.A. streets: overkill?
 

Lately, I've liked the WRX STi. Its shape, its sound, its speed. I think it's a cool car. But damn if I can guess what the car's purpose would be in Los Angeles. All I can figure is the occasional rainstorm and resulting mudslide might find a use for the car's AWD attributes, not to mention the occasional canyon carve/track day (rarities in my life these days).

But in a real world scenario, what's the point? Other than the fact that maybe than Subie's AWD offers better road adherence in lieu of what have become some really crappy roads and freeways in L.A.

Anyway, is AWD, in any car, overkill in an urban setting?

You could argue that a car that will take a corner at near insane speeds and run 140 is overkill. There goes the 944 and just about every Porsche...


If its what you wanna drive... Go buy it and have a good time...

The AWD Subie would be great for dodging all of the "oh so practical" 4WD Lincoln Navigators, Explorers, Land Rovers, etc. that populate your paved streets and freeways. ;)

I think not.

AWD is a different experience be it on flat dry pavement or under other conditions.

I personally prefer a RWD car that you can throttle steer. My 1st gen RX7 was an absolute blast all the time.

But I also enjoy the different experience of driving a FWD car as long as it's the right car. Again my Mazda3 comes to mind.

Had a Quadratrac Jeep, lifted, 304 with headers running into glass packs that hung right under the doors. Was a completely useless indulgence. You could get into a lot of trouble with that thing in many ways.

Anyway, for me it's the experience/challenge of driving and enjoying a particular vehicles traits.

So I say get it and enjoy it.

From a handling perspective, awd does not always mean more cornering grip. It provides the ability to put down more power and a safety net at the limit.

No street in LA is slippery enough to need AWD regardless of whether. I like it because I go camping in the winter and having an AWD vehicle with CA's insanely cautious tire chain policy keeps me from driving 30mph everywhere.

My advice is to buy the car if you like how it drives and not worry if it has AWD or not. You pointed out its purpose already - its shape, sound, and speed.

When I lived in NYC I had a Ford Bronco II with a 3" lift kit. I used that thing to jump curbs and parallel park from the sidewalk approach. I also used to hop the curbs when delivery trucks would double park blocking me in. I used to avoid traffic after concerts at Jones beach by driving through the weeds and hopping the log "traffic barriers".

Very functional.

stomach...you have opportunities to throttle steer in an everyday situation? on the street?

AWD is not needed. cant imagine it. hell, i own a subaru, and i am not perfectly clear how it works. i dont think it is truly AWD unless some computer senses the drive wheels are slipping..right?

you pay a premium for AWD...initial cost, fuel cost, maintenence to a certian degree. we go up into the snow, and it is all good.

The Subie rocks in LA. And yesterday I was in the dirt up in the desert. Lacks ground clearance but otherwise competent. Handling and power is pretty sick. And it kicks arse at the track...

Yea, AWD is good. It only "works" when the normal drive wheels slip. Otherwise it is a 2WD car.

However, as has been noted, a RWD car it is not. Think of it as a FWD car on dry pavement.

Have not owned that car for 20 years now but yeah, you could always find an opportunity where I lived at the time.

N. Shore LI, hilly, twisty backroads, not a lot of traffic.

At the risk of appearing obtuse to even ask this - you're a good driver - compare the Subie to your old 911 and other rear drive cars -- say, if you can -- a Mustang GT or Corvette.

The Subie is more predictable under typical conditions. Comparing the WRX to the 911 is interesting. At the end of my development with the 911 handling was better than the stock WRX. But that was fully tweaked suspension as well as R-compound tires. As for power delivery the WRX smacked the 911 upside the head. The turbo is potent and pretty predictable. Brakes were the only other issue - the stock pads on the WRX aren't really track rated.

When you push the WRX to the limit it hunkers down pretty well. The traction control works but is intrusive at the track (didn't try it without the TC on). It is a sticky car that doesn't understeer as bad as the Evo (in part due to the extra weight of the wagon imho). Easy to see why people crash them as they are well behaved and fast up until they aren't.

I've never driven a Mustang or Corvette at the limit but most American cars (rentals) aren't even in the same ballpark.

Good to know, good to know. Do you have the WRX STi? And will it carry a bicycle in the interior?

Yes, there is an STI. It is about $7-8K more though. I think the WRX is the sweet spot for cost/performance. Can get them for $23K plus or minus. The STI is north of $30K. It is nicer though - better suspension and brakes along with a 6 speed. Easy to fit a bike in the back hatchback.

Hmmm....;)

it is 2wd if you consider one front and one rear at all times...they are AWD all the time now. even my lowly TS has this. you cant get a 2wd anymore. never FWD or RWD at one time anymore.

the new subies are 50/50 out of the transfer box...the ones with the electronic sensors allow quicker power changes in the differentials, than the ones that are viscously controlled... but there is always at least one half-shaft out of each differential running at all times.

but even on dry days here in seattle they are a blast to drive...you will suffer decreased MPG over a simular equiped car that isnt AWD...all the moving parts all the time decrease in economy....but who cares anything other than deep snow or river crossings will be taken with renewed joy

Find a corner and punch the gas. THAT is fun. My Legacy just grips and goes, the traction is very impressive.

Who really cares if it is AWD? If you like it, buy it.

Isn't the WRX wagon a bit longer wheelbase than an Evo? Todd, come on, change the brake pads, at least the fronts.

I don't know if i would like the AWD enough to give up the economy I see with 2WD, but have to confess, I never lived where it snowed much. My integra and my brother's Mazda 3 are both FWD and are pretty sweet handling cars. When I know I am going to the snow, I trade vehicles with somebody has something 4WD.

My son loves his Outback wagon.

You can throttle steer a FWD or AWD car.

Have you heard about the National Forest? You can drive in it. On dirt and gravel roads. I would assume that's a lot of fun and a 4wd rally car would be even more fun. There is a lot of National Forest very close to L.A. even if you don't count the one that burnt down. ;)

I probably shouldn't have mentioned it. Now we have 2000001 people going to the NF every weekend. ;)

George