I've been looking at cars with AWD and without the transverse engine layout but can't find any decent ones. Either the interior is too small or not enough power.

I'd like to find a used but solid car or wagon with a great AWD system like a Subaru (I don't like the H engines either) so no subies, any recommendations?

I've considered the IS 250 AWD but it's kinda under power. The Audi s4's too, but there's really no room to work on in the engine bay. Something practical for the long run.

 

VW Passat with AWD

 

what does it matter?

 

whats you price range?


i know you said no Subies but i would go for an STI or LGT in a heartbeat.

 

X2. Just curious.

 

It seems like he wants something easy to work on?

 

Bmw?

 

So why the hate on Subie engines?

Unless you've owned one, or worked extensively on them, what gives?

 

bizarre...

 

Every consider a EvoX? The EvoX's S-AWC AWD system might be transverse, but it is just as good or not better than STI's DCCD awd system.

So what do you have against transverse layouts? and a more important question, what do you have against boxer engines!!! :P

 

Nothing gives, I just personally think that if the engine will power the rear wheels, it should face the rear (stronger gearing, I think) and again personally I thing a transverse will potentially wear much faster/ have more problems down the road.

Ever see a heavy duty truck have a transverse engine layout? There's a reason for that. I just can't find the link off the top of my head now.

As far as the Subies, nothing wrong with them, I just would prefer my cylinders not be so close to the oil pan (Flat H design vs. V), rather on top so potential oil does not seep through the cylinders down the road. Just a personally preference.

Price? The lower the better but I think I can go up to 30g.

 

I've worked on FWD and AWD vehicles, I've never seen anything from layout that would cause one to wear more than the other. I would agree transverse are in general more difficult to work on.

Serious 4WD systems in frame type vehicles I agree prefer a longitudinal layout approach. But I've seen many CRV, MDX's and Pilots (with less capable AWD system) with over 200K miles with no problems in the drivetrain.

Also Sub's with their flat motors are very reliable, they have ALOT of experience in this motor type (going back to the 70's). So I would even worry about the oil system and cylinder orientation.

 

really shouldnt other than transverse is generally based on a FWD platworm... therefor the AWD would be FWD based... like Audi's

 

It's a good thing the IS 350 is coming out with AWD now. Something to consider now. Everything checks off my list... except pricing!

 

Current audi's have longitudinally mounted engines.

 

I think your list of concerns with transverse AWD layouts are pretty negligible, but there's no point in getting a car you're not satisfied with, I guess.

BMW 3 series, Infiniti G, I'm sure they make AWD versions of their other models as well. Does Lexus have a GS AWD?

Are you looking at new?

 

the IS has one of the smallest interiors out there. you complained about that earlier.

 

True. Arrgg!

Used, possibly new if I love it!

 

I'm still not sure I understand your reasoning, but how about a G35/37X?

 

A3 is transverse

 

Little hard to explain, but in a transverse layout there has to be more gears to transfer the power to the rear, which equals more friction --> more heat --> more "stuff" that can go wrong/break/wear out. And it just does not seem "beefy" enough for me.

 

I know the E46 xi's are.

 

Honestly, if you think there are issues with flat 6 and flat 4 motors, the Porsche must have made a big mistake a long time ago.

Go drive a Subie or an Evo then give us an opinion.

 

Subarus can last 250K+ miles...true story. The CG is not compromised either because they have the boxer engine


Audi A4, A5, A6, A8
Cadillac CTS
MB C300, E350, S550
Lexus IS, GS, LS600
Infiniti G, M
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger, Magnum

 

^ Like I said in my earlier post there isn't anything wrong with them, I'd just prefer my cylinders not to be so close to the oil pan. Period. Evo's are inline 4...

 

Exactly, the CG is better, because it sits lower, so the motor does not work as hard fighting the "V" and no balance shafts in an inline configuration. Very smooth power delivery (my 3.0 gives me 80% plus of available torque from about 1000 rpm's).

And the engines, as long as they are maintained as per the service schedule, last a long time. So why the adversity of being near the oil pan? A bad experience?

 

^ Your Subie looks great by the way. It's just a preference of mine mrmako.

 

Still confused.

 

Virtually every modern piston-engined light aircraft in use today uses a boxer engine configuration.

No problem going with personal preferences, it is entirely the OP's right to do so. Just to clarify though in the name of science, boxer configuration engines are as reliable as a sundial if properly constructed.

 

Dodge Grand Caravan AWD?

Mercedes Benz S430 4Matic?

Hummer H1?

 

LOL for no Acura TL SH-AWD

 

^ Read the thread title.

 

OP. Although I loath Audi drivers, the S-4 quattro is pretty fucking hot. Is it worth $55K? That is up to the pocketbook.

 

A resounding no IMHO.

I had a broker proposing me an S4 for almost the same price as my TH SH-AWD and I turned it down.

 

May i ask what your reasons were for not wanting the S4 over the TL? If its interior space then i can understand..

 

Trucks are completely different and so are their 4wd systems.

I still dont think your reasoning to not want the specific layout is a valid point as if any are going to have issues it has more to do with manufacturer design than the way its mounted.

 

Audi RS6.

you can easily find one for under 30K used.

 

I'll sell you a longitudinally mounted FWD vehicle, you have two to choose from

 

That's cool. And thanks. Go look in the Subaru Love thread for more pics.

 

FWIW any concerns about the oil pan being too close to the cylinders probably have been addressed by the engineers who designed the car. Just sounds like a quicker warm-up time to me

If you're worried about internal friction/gears or whatever, why are you considering AWD cars?