hedgeborn

Hey people.

New potential Subaru owner here--- actually not entirely new. My first car was a Subaru XT GL-10

I'm seriously considering a new Forester. I'm leaning towards the XSPL (XS, Premium w/ Leather)

I understand that this means I'll have the automatic transmission--- I'm OK with that, in some ways I'd kind of like an auto, but I am concerned about the efficacy of the AWD system on the auto's. I hear the manual has a 50/50 torque split with a viscous center diff and the auto is 90/10 with some electronic system-- which to me sounds like it might have inferior performance. Now I find out that I can't install an aftermarket LSD on an auto transmission Subaru

So what is the consensus around here on that issue.

Is the automatic AWD system < than the manual?

Share your thoughts/experiences.

THANKS

xraddoc

I have an 99 outback with manual. When I test drove both, I felt there was more torque steer in the automatic prob due to 90/10 split. I think the 50/50 split gives the car good handling dynamics.

hedgeborn

How about the poor weather traction? That is more what I am concerned with, i.e. you have an auto tranny Forester and a manual and both are blasting up a snowy hill.

Is there going to be a noticeable difference in grip etc?

I understand the 90/10 split can vary, the system can send more torque to the rear if slip is detected.

I guess what I am wondering is how effective and reliable that electronic system is at getting the torque to where it's needed in low traction situations.

The ideal person to chime in on this would probably be someone who's owned both types and driven them in bad weather.


???

hedgeborn

WTF? No one has any input on this?

X1_SRT

one point to be about the auto is that the AWD solenoids tend to go bad. generally not for at least 3-4 years depending on how much you drive in slippery conditions. this is the part that actually engages the awd/drive shaft. just one thing you don't have to worry about on a 5sp.


-PJ

hedgeborn

Damn it.... why can't they offer leather with a manual transmission.

I'd be into a manual, but I'd really rather have the loaded Forester XSPL.... I love manual tranmissions but I sort of sold myself on the automatic since it's less stressful in traffic and because I knew I'd have to settle for it in order to get an XSPL.

Hmmm.............

hedgeborn

Aftermarker racing seats? Hmmm... nah. Too expensive and I'm not giving up side airbags.

The only way to get leather in the current Forester is to opt for the XSPL top of the line model which comes in automatic only.

You can get an XSP w/o leather with a manual tranny.

I don't know if the previous generation Forester was even offered with leather at all.

Rotorflyr

I've seen this mentioned before (the solenoid problem)....Can some one list what the symptoms of this are, and how easily would one recoginze the problem? (or would one not know, without it being checked by a mech?)