2wd mode not so great! - Page 2

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ORIGINAL: Kwanger

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ORIGINAL: klas

think about it guys, what's the point of putting a knob that allows switching to 2wd mode if it didn't offer any benefits? Those benefits seem to be better gas mileage and faster acceleration, at least I noticed that it did offer faster acceleration, I haven't done any tests as far as gas mileage.

To be perfectly honest, I think the main purpose of it is as a marketing gimmick.  It can then be touted as giving this high level of choice and control to the user.  To the people who are not entusiasts like those of us on this forum, they will simply blindly accept the adage "2WD for economy, 4WD Auto as a balance, and 4WD Lock when off-roadin' or in snow".

They won't cross analyse it, dig up Mitsu documents, test things out, etc - they'll merely accept it.  So for the majority, it serves that marketing purpose.

In a similar vein, I'm inclined to think the paddle shifters are similar.  While it can be fun to use them on occasion, in all honesty, within a few minutes I soon get tired of them and go back to auto.  But I still like them being there - why?  Because people like options, and the car manufacturers know this.

 
  LOL, I agree about the paddles, just about the only thing they are useful for are for looking cool. Thats why I got the LS, cheaper and stil 4WD, thats all I need. If I want to be able to shift gears my self I can still do so, not in such a high fashion but I can, none the less. Now if it was a true GSD/SST transmission and I planed to do some racing/fast cornering then they would be verry practical, but on an SUV....uhmmm ...no. Same thing for the 4WD dial, all these myths about faster acceleration in 2WD and better fuel economy is BS. Yes the 2WD version's do get better economy and slightly better acceleration because they have less drivetrain components to spin, but the AWD outties, even in 2WD have to spin these components all the time no matter what setting, the only advantage you get with the dial is if you want 100% of tq to be sent to the front wheels for some reason, other than that theres no actual benefit to using 2WD ( in my opinion).

I agree that it is most likely Marketing,  giving buyer the perception that they have a mode that allows them to be more fuel efficient is a good selling feature, even if this mode has worst fuel efficiency than another vehicle that is all-time 4WD like the RAV4.

Well, I'll be the first to disagree about the paddle shifters, as I use it most of the time, especially when passing other vehicles. I can't stand revving the engine just to get to a lower gear. Also, waiting for the computer to decide to shift gear is too slow for my taste, I want to be in control when I need the boost. And I'm glad I have it, so I think it's money well spent fo me. It wouldnt hurt if it was an option rather than standard, even then I'll get it anyway. As for 2WD, it works well in cruise mode. It's all about options, having the option to change 2WD to 4WD is a welcome option for me. Because each driver's taste differs, I guess to each his own. What works for others might not work for some. And the Outlander has the options to cater to the way everyone like to drive it. Be it 2WD, 4WD, foot on gas or manually via paddle/stick. Whatever floats your boat. 

I have to disagree about paddle shiffters too, but again everyone has different preferences. I use them every day to downshift when going down hill. I prefer doing that instead of constant breaking.

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LOL, I agree about the paddles, just about the only thing they are useful for are for looking cool. Thats why I got the LS, cheaper and stil 4WD, thats all I need. If I want to be able to shift gears my self I can still do so, not in such a high fashion but I can, none the less. Now if it was a true GSD/SST transmission and I planed to do some racing/fast cornering then they would be verry practical, but on an SUV....uhmmm ...no. Same thing for the 4WD dial, all these myths about faster acceleration in 2WD and better fuel economy is BS. Yes the 2WD version's do get better economy and slightly better acceleration because they have less drivetrain components to spin, but the AWD outties, even in 2WD have to spin these components all the time no matter what setting, the only advantage you get with the dial is if you want 100% of tq to be sent to the front wheels for some reason, other than that theres no actual benefit to using 2WD ( in my opinion).

 
Absolutely, I agree, if it was a proper sequential box I think I'd use it.  Similarly, if the 4WD Lock was actually a real diff-lock, then I'd not be driving around in it all the time; but it'd be a great offroading and poor road conditions feature.
 
But as has been said here, it is nice that there is some choice with the vehicle, can't argue with that.  Just think, if there wasn't, this whole thread and many others would have no cause to exist!! At least it gives us something to talk about!! :)