Subaru has been a brand that has always given something new to the world of automobiles. One such innovation is the all-wheel-drive system they offer in their products. If you've ever driven a Subaru or even been at the passenger seat, there’s no way you haven’t heard of Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is one of the best in the business and is rated among some of the most renowned AWD configurations across the globe.
What makes the Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system so “legendary”?
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system has been the driving force behind Subaru vehicles for many years and also differentiates them among other offerings of their respective class. So what makes the Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive such a standout feature of its vehicles? Well, the answer to this lies in technicalities.
The Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, unlike many other setups, is not adapted from 2-wheel Drive. This system rather starts out and remains true to the format, aiming to provide power continuously to all wheels in all conditions. Apart from that, as the name suggests, the system is symmetrical, i.e. the hardware is balanced in a unique way, which gives Subaru vehicles greater on- and off-road stability due to the setup's even weight distribution.
What are the advantages of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive?
The main advantages that this system projects are enhanced balance, traction, and steering control. This feat makes the Subaru vehicles a preferred choice in cold-weather conditions and regions. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system also lends Subaru vehicles enhanced capabilities to tackle roads covered in gravel, rain, mud, or snow.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system makes sure that the power surge is persistent to both front and rear wheels and also makes sure that the thrust is perfectly balanced keeping the safety point of view in mind. This means, negligible torque steer when you flat foot the pedal.
All this is achieved without compromising on fuel efficiency. In fact, Subaru cars are believed to be one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their respective classes.
What are the other renowned All-Wheel Drive systems in the industry?
The Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is nothing less than a prodigy. This AWD configuration seems to come without any flaws. However, there are several other virtuosos in the market which exhibit the tendencies to give this Japanese innovation a tough fight. Here is a list of some of the most enticing All-Wheel Drive systems of the world and what makes them so special:
Audi’s Quattro: Quattro can be referred to as the most successful and noteworthy AWD setups in the league of upscale carmakers. The focal interest of the Quattro AWD system lies in making up for an overall sportier driving experience. This highly advanced AWD system from Audi detects variances in individual wheel speed and instantly sends more power to the wheels that register the maximum traction level, thus resulting in showcasing better cornering and honed acceleration skills.
It is also the first of a kind all-wheel-drive system that showcased the fact that even sedans can drive all four wheels, and that they are much more fun than the AWD SUVs. The major USP of the fact lies in its lightweight construction. Crafted out of Aviation Grade Aluminum, this whole setup is pretty compact and is easy to tuck beneath the most compact cars as well.
Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive: Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is another Japanese product that makes it to this extravagant list. As the name implies, the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system focuses on increasing the car’s handling quotient. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is best known for its torque-vectoring formula, which amplifies the car’s cornering abilities. This arrangement channels around 70 percent of power to either the front or rear axle and also to the individual rear wheels, thus cutting down on the chances of losing traction amidst a corner.
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system gives an acceleration bias to the outside rear wheel over the front wheels. This action caricatures 4-wheel steering and contributes immensely towards keeping the car pointed in the right direction
Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system from Ford is a real gem in snowy or wet weather conditions. This highly-advanced system analyzes road conditions spontaneously and amends to the changes in the road surface instantly. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system can send up to 100 percent of power to either the front or rear wheels, which results in spot-on traction control at all times.
Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system lends the car supreme all-weather capabilities and makes up for better handling and performance. This system assures a more sure-footed drive-by compensating for oversteer or understeer, thus making the vehicle feel more planted and predictable amidst cornering movements.
What the Subaru lineup like for 2020?
Speaking of the year 2020, Subaru has a number of vehicles on pedestals, aimed at satisfying your wide-ranging needs and wants. All of the Subaru vehicles equip this legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive configuration as standard, except for the Subaru BRZ/BRZ tS which deploys a Rear-Wheel Drive arrangement as its standard drivetrain.
The Subaru lineup for 2020 consists of tarmac blazers such as the WRX and the WRX STI which hold the potential to send shivers down your spine with their exponential and explosive performance.
Vehicles like the Legacy and the Impreza which amplify your day to day commute with their enhanced luxury quotient and compelling power figures.
However, its the brand’s SUV lineup that makes it climb the ladders of practicality and potency. With names such as the Outback, Forester, Ascent, and Crosstrek on the forefront, this Japanese auto-marque ticks all the boxes of a well-rounded lineup.
