What are advantages to SVX L FWD models?
 

Are there advantages and/or disadvantages to buying a 1994-1995 L model front wheel drive SVX?

1) Will the tranny last longer because it's less heat without AWD?

2) Is the driving better or worse with FWD?

3) Did L models come with ABS?

4) Will the car brake well without ABS?

5) Is not having ABS better because it's one less thing to service?

6) How long do radiators normally last? Would a FWD benefit a lot by installing a new PWR radiator?

7) What are the better brand of tires for a FWD car?

8) Do the FWD cars have more or less rear wheel bering problems? Is it bad if bearings had to be replaced a few times?

1) Will the tranny last longer because it's less heat without AWD?
Yes, the transmission will probably last longer as there are fewer moving parts.

2) Is the driving better or worse with FWD?
Worse, in general. The AWD cars give you a better feeling of control.

3) Did L models come with ABS?
The L models came with ABS if they had the "Active safety package" This package also included AWD, and was only available in 1995.

4) Will the car brake well without ABS?
Yes, better in many cases.

5) Is not having ABS better because it's one less thing to service?
That's one reason it's better. Many people around here disable their ABS in the winter because on loose surfaces such as snow or ice, it can greatly increase stopping distance.

6) How long do radiators normally last? Would a FWD benefit a lot by installing a new PWR radiator?
The average life of an SVX radiator is about 150,000 miles. The FWD would see the exact same benefits from this radiator as an AWD model.

7) What are the better brand of tires for a FWD car?
Everybody has an opinion on this one.

8) Do the FWD cars have more or less rear wheel bering problems? Is it bad if bearings had to be replaced a few times?
They seem to have the same failure rate for rear bearings. If the bearings have been replaced a few times it's probably because the bearing housing is deformed. It would be best to replace this part too.

Mike

Thank you for the excellent reply!

Follow up:
Are Nitto tires good? Are there more than 1 model?

Are there any issues with the automatic sliding seat belts?

What's involved with changing the bearing housing?

Are Nitto tires good? Are there more than 1 model?
I used to have Nitto NT450's on my cavalier. I'm not even sure of they make these anymore, but they were decent tires.

Are there any issues with the automatic sliding seat belts?
Sometimes they fail or stick in some positions. The manual belts are a better bet.

What's involved with changing the bearing housing?
There is quite a lot involved. Do a search for a how-to.

Mike

I dont know if it was just may car or FWD's in general, but mine had quite better throttle response than AWD models.

A huge plus for the FWD version is the fact that you can replace two tires at a time . . . ;)

Dan

I look at it this way....I would take a FWD one any day for the following reasons:

1. not as hard on the auto trannys
2. I'm not going to be driving it in the snow anyhow
3. cheaper to buy
4. 2 tires at a time if you are in a pinch
5. I wouldn't plan on ripping around in it anyhow (I have other cars to do that in) think: boulevard cruiser
6. everyone else has AWD...be different (flame suit on :p )
7. if you want a manual tranny I'm sure you can still do it (legacy 2wd 5 speed)
8. make other svx owners jealous with your FWD smoke shows (the only smoke show I've ever seen in an AWD svx was when the tranny was going poof)
9. fuel mileage is better?????


flame away folks....I got the flame suit buttoned up and ready :p :D

I asked a similar question...though it was more proformance oriented...Still didnt get half my questions answered..but oh well, Im sure the info will help alot
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...hlight=AWD+FWD

FWD has 3.70 Diff.

I'd have to disagree with both of those statements. This is only true for people with training or above average driving skills and while not under panic inducing conditions. For most everyone else, lack of ABS will more likely result in skidding and loss of directional control of the vehicle.

While it is true that some ABS systems, namely on older large domestic vehicles, was so slow to react and wasn't any faster than the pumping action that most people could produce, resulting sometimes in longer stops. That does not automatically extend to all ABS systems, and certainly not the one on the SVX.

The only times I've encountered real stopping problems, is on ice, and disabling the ABS won't do any good at all. The ABS still allowed the wheels to lock at low speeds, same as if it were disabled, so how can it increase stopping distance? In snow, it has always worked well at speeds. You have to be aware that there is a lower limit of speed at which the ABS module is no longer able to discern when the vehicle is stopped or just sliding on a very slick surface. What do you do in that situation? You let off the brakes and allow the tires to regain some traction and steer away from any dangers, same as if you didn't have ABS.

And as for the maintenance costs on the ABS system, the only service I've ever had to do to my 92 SVX purchased new from the dealer, was to replace the relay which would occasionally keep the ABS motor running and drain the battery. Aside from that, it has never failed to work or caused any additional service costs.

KuoH

After my ABS failed breaking performance decreased drastically.

On snow and ice you notice it with the clunking noise and pedal feedback, but on the dry it's much different and you wouldn't notice.
Under hard braking on pavement the ABS will bring you to a controlled, neck breaking stop.
Without it, add a few feet of skid to the stopping distance, which is cleary audible.