Nak
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Mike
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2020
- Threads
- 10
- Messages
- 441
- Reaction score
- 524
- Location
- Camas, Washington
- Vehicles
- Tesla Model Y Performance, Tesla Model 3, 1992 K1500 Blazer
I like it! I'd make two slight changes:3rd party chime-in time!
Universal constant:
Tires > Drive type
In low traction situations:
AWD>FWD>RWD (front-engined cars)
In calm, dry pavement situations:
RWD>FWD>AWD (for complexity, wear, and gas mileage)
For cost savings:
FWD>RWD>AWD (cheaper car, cheaper parts)
In drag racing:
AWD>RWD>FWD (except when cost, weight, and drivetrain strength make RWD>AWD)
When looking for predictable handling mechanics, like tendency to oversteer:
RWD>AWD>FWD (like drifting or racing)
When trying to stop in low traction:
FWD=RWD=AWD
...what's this thread about, again?
First:
In low traction situations:
AWD with Tru Trac>AWD>AWD with open center differential>FWD>RWD (front-engined cars)
AWD>RWD>FWD (Engine either over drive wheels or mid - engine, also near 50%-50% weight distribution)
Second:
When trying to stop in low traction:
Stopping distance:
FWD=RWD=AWD
Stability:
AWD=RWD>FWD
Good point about tires. I can't count the number of 4x4s I've pulled out of a ditch when driving off-road. All with street tires. Or AWDs in the ditch, on-road in snowy conditions with either summer tires or under-whelming all-seasons. I love driving in severe snow storms in my Blazer with chains on all four tires. It's amazing what a Detroit Tru Trac in the rear end will do to a 4x4. Audi Quatros used to have the same type of differential in both front and rear. Those cars were and are the best snow cars ever made. The only thing that stopped them was when they ran out of ground clearance. Too bad they dropped the Torsen differential (different name for the same thing as a tru trac, a helical gear differential) in favor of electronic traction control. Interestingly, you can buy a tru trac type differential for the 3 and the Y. If it weren't for the cost I'd do that and keep my Y. $2500 per axle, plus installation. Drive train warranty also voided.
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