When did Subaru First Introduce All-Wheel Drive Vehicles?
Today, the Subaru brand is synonymous with all-wheel drive and off-road capable vehicles, especially in the rally car racing industry. What many enthusiasts don’t realize is that Subaru vehicles were not always standard equipped with all-wheel drive. The Japanese manufacturer first entered the industry in 1954, producing small cars with two-wheel drive. However, in September of 1972, the manufacturer introduced the AWD Subaru Leone Estate Van, its first mass-produced passenger car with the all wheel drive system. Having just celebrated their 50th anniversary of introducing all-wheel drive to their vehicles, the company has since produced around 21 million all-wheel drive vehicles.
What are the Benefits of All Wheel Drive?
There are many benefits to having all wheel drive compared to front or rear-wheel drive. First and foremost, all-wheel drive has better traction and stability in wet, icy, or snowy conditions. This is because the wheels in an all-wheel drive system can all receive power, helping to get control in these conditions. These systems are also computer controlled, meaning that the risk of human-error causing an accident is reduced. Steep inclines, declines, and rough terrain all tend to be better handled by all-wheel drive for these reasons as well.
What’s the Difference Between All Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive?
There are some key differences between an all wheel drive and a 4WD system. Essentially, an all-wheel drive system has the ability to send a changeable level of torque and power to each wheel depending on where the car senses the power needs to be. In a 4WD system, however, the car sends a set level of torque to each axle (with each axle controlling two wheels), and can be toggled on or off depending on the road conditions.
Does Subaru Offer All Wheel Drive on All Models?
Luckily, fans of Subaru’s all wheel drive system will not have to limit their selection of Subaru vehicles. All of Subaru’s vehicles, apart from the Subaru BRZ, offer all-wheel drive standard. The BRZ, which is designed as a sports car, comes with the rear-wheel drive system in order to provide better handling for its functionality. However, every other model of Subaru vehicle does indeed come equipped with standard all wheel drive, and includes Subaru’s patented X-Mode traction control systems, offering drivers even further stability on the road.
Are Subaru’s with All Wheel Drive Good in the Snow?
Traditionally, cars that have all wheel drive tend to function better in the snow than cars with front or rear-wheel drive. This is because the car can direct power to all of the wheels rather than just two, which gives the car better traction and grip in snowy conditions. Additionally, Subaru vehicles come equipped with Subaru’s patented X-Mode traction control system, meaning that the car can sense when individual wheels are losing traction and further control power input.
Test Drive the Handling of an All Wheel Drive Subaru at Rafferty Subaru!
Although Subarus are highly regarded high-quality vehicles, it can be hard to believe Subaru’s dedication to quality without driving one yourself. Instead of taking our word for it, come down to Rafferty Subaru, where our team members would be happy to put you in the driver's seat for a test drive! See us today to find the perfect Subaru for you and your family.
