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I am using
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/CompareNewCars/default.aspx
which accommodates up to four vehicles to compare feature-for-feature.
So far I have the Suzuki SX4, Subaru Impreza, and Jeep Patriot 4x4. It makes for an interesting comparison price/HP/features.
Sub $18.6k/$17.8k - 22/29 MPG - 173 hp
Suz $15.6k/$15k - 25/30 - 143
Jeep $16.7k/$15.8k - 25/29 - 172
SX4 (odd, the EAGLE was named SX/4, too)
Impreza
Patriot
So, what OTHER AWD or 4x4 should I compare to those three that are under $18k or so?
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I'll add those to my comparo. Are they sister cars?
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$19.9 is the cheapest Kia with 4x4. I still don't know if it's true or not, but the Subie dealer told me that any car claiming to have AWD (other than Subie), has a system that sends varying percentages of power to all wheels up to 30mph, then switches completely to a two-wheel drive system (rather it's front or rear depends on the car).
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I don't believe that's true for Jeeps, but I wouldn't be surprised if most AWD systems worked that way.
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Right, it's not true for Jeeps because they're 4x4, not AWD.
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I would throw in a 2006 or earlier Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe.
31 mpg for AWD - VVT engine with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Toyota reliability.
Unfortunately not available in AWD starting in 2007.
We just added a 2003 AWD Matrix to our garage yesterday (downsizing from a an 04 Honda Pilot).
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what HP rating for your AWD?
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Oh, the 2.4 'world' engine in the Jeep has V V T and a chain, too.
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:k32...g+chain%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a
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[quote blusubaru]Right, it's not true for Jeeps because they're 4x4, not AWD.
It gets confusing. What is the definition of AWD? Isn't it the same an on-road 4x4? Off-road 4x4 has all four wheels turning at the same rate, so that if the surface you're driving on doesn't give (like concrete) you'll damage your differentials. While on-road 4x4 allows the wheels to turn at different rates, so you can drive on concrete without damaging the system. Isn't this also what AWD does? The mechanism/components may be different, but the result is the same, right?
My Jeep has the NV242 transfer case (aka SelecTrac) which allows both on-road & off-road 4x4. You just select the mode. So in my view, my Jeep has both what other manufacturers call AWD, plus true off-road 4x4.
I know that not all AWD systems are the same; some only engage when they determine it's necessary, while others are full-time, but is there a real difference between "AWD" and on-road 4x4? I guess a better question is: are full-time AWD systems the same as on-road 4x4 systems?
