AWD feels like cheating 

"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish) 11/12/2016 at 23:09 • Filed to: Subaru Saturday?

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The Subaru is the first car I’ve had with AWD, and almost no matter what I do, I don’t lose grip. That said, I haven’t tried finding its limits or anything, but so far it’s only ever lost grip during a rainstorm where I briefly hydroplaned on the highway. I would expect some slippage in wet conditions on old all-seasons, but that was the only time. I’ve never had a car that feels as planted and stable at all times as the Legacy. When I eventually get new tires, I imagine it’ll feel even better.

I can understand why people who are uncomfortable with bad weather and driving in general flock to AWD, it gives more of a sense of a security than I ever would’ve guessed. I like to think I’m a fairly capable driver, that doesn’t need that extra security, and having something that’s this overkill grip-wise for my normal driving feels like cheating.

Even though the extra drive components add weight, decrease fuel economy, and rob some power from the already not super powerful motor, I definitely prefer it to FWD. If given the choice between RWD and AWD however, I’d probably choose RWD. Not in this car, but in, say, a 3 Series or something like that.

This car is also making me want an old manual Impreza or something lighter to play with. There’s a guy who lives on my block that drives a JDM 2.5RS, I think, which sounds amazing and looks like a lot of fun....

j250ex > gmctavish needs more space 11/12/2016 at 23:13

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Full time 4wd is a great thing to have also. Very safe during bad weather.

Urambo Tauro > gmctavish needs more space 11/12/2016 at 23:16

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I feel bad for anyone that grew up with AWD, and had to adjust to 2WD. AWD should be something that one “graduates” to, after learning how to drive on “lesser” drivetrains.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > gmctavish needs more space 11/12/2016 at 23:18

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I really miss my 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5TS....fun car, and insanely practical!

As for the grip, don’t make the mistake a lot of lesser Subie owners do and think you are invincible....there are limits to the grip, so still take care in bad weather! :)

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > gmctavish needs more space 11/12/2016 at 23:23

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The first time I experienced one, I thought I would hate it, because Subaru drivers suck and you are sort of joining a cult if you drive one. I tried to get something else, but this was a rental place in downtown Seattle in 2008, so they literally didn’t have anything that wasn’t a Subaru.

It was slow and chewed through fuel, but it was also endearing. I found out why you always see them in ditches, too - nothing stops them from going that I experienced and the extra weight/setup makes them push bad on braking on slippery surfaces. Put those together in the hands of a mediocre drivers and you get Subarus with the shiny sides down littering the sides of roads...

gmctavish needs more space > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 11/12/2016 at 23:27

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Oh I know, I’m used to driving old BMWs and my Blazer in a temperate rainforest, so I’m well accustomed to being careful in bad weather. I’m just finding that I can dial back how careful I am with this car, but I’m making sure I don’t let too much guard down

gmctavish needs more space > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 11/12/2016 at 23:30

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I’m definitely not quick, and not great on fuel in the city, but between 6 and 8L/100km on the highway is really quite nice. Mine has impressed me in the braking department so far, my main weakness is the tires though. It’s worth noting that I’m comparing it to a Taurus, a Blazer, and 80s BMWs, so this one definitely should be the best at braking

gmctavish needs more space > Urambo Tauro 11/12/2016 at 23:31

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I totally agree

Dusty Ventures > gmctavish needs more space 11/13/2016 at 09:57

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6-8L per 100k? Seriously? That translates to 29-39 mpg, which is new Ford Focus/Fiesta territory. I could see 8L, but 6 is much better than what the EPA rated it’s highway economy at (30 mpg highway)

Monkey B > gmctavish needs more space 11/13/2016 at 12:25

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2.5 RS is an amazing car. I wish I kept mine...though I have many of those shoulda kept moments. Even more shoulda boughts.

Monkey B > gmctavish needs more space 11/13/2016 at 12:27

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my 02 Outback feels like it’d fall over like a tipped cow before I found it’s limit.

gmctavish needs more space > Dusty Ventures 11/13/2016 at 14:18

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I guess I should’ve said 7-8L/100km, it’ll usually hit an average something like 7.4 or 7.6. I have seen it do as good as 6.4, but that was on flat straight highway and probably doesn’t count