Candy said:
Is it that much of an improvement over the 4 speed semi auto they offer now ?
The big drawback of the current auto is the diff they used. Sure it saves gas but it really hurts performance.
Does an extra gear really offer that much given the power output of the XT ?
Candy-
I'm confused by your comments...first you refer to a 4 speed semi-automatic. By that, do you mean an automatic that allows you to select gear choice, insofar as you are within the rpm range?
Then you comment that the drawback is the differential that comes with the current auto (4EAT). The differential ratio in US Foresters with 4EAT is a rather low 4.44...are you recommending an even lower gear ratio?
Finally you ask if an extra gear would offer that much? The 4EAT does lose out to the 5MT in the first 200 feet, but holds up well thereafter. I imagine if a 5EAT were to put lower and closer ratios in the first two gears, some of that first 200 foot time would improve, making it more competitive with the 5MT.
My choice would be to go for a 5th overdrive (economy) gear, to improve mileage...I'm satisfied with the current power available with the 4EAT.
By the way, I agree with the posters above who prefer the automatic for offroading duties...slow-as-she-goes kind of crawling is best done by automatics, in the absence of a transfer case/reduction gears setup. Even then, I prefer automatics.
Re Kevin's comment about 4EAT's downhill slowing ability, I agree (even with a transfer case). I don't know how rugged our Subaru's ATs are, but a technique I've employed on occasion where more control is needed on a perilously steep downhill section, is to begin it in REVERSE...and applying GRADUALLY more throttle until a controlled rate of speed is attained...this technique should probably not be employed for lengthy sections (AT heating issues), but has been very effective, over the years, in a variety of 4WDs I've offroaded in.
WHich when followed to (to me) the logical extreme, begs the question, "Does the 4EAT's AWD feature send optimum traction decisions in downhill deceleration scenarios?"
I say it does, in the context of winter driving on ice...it's been my limited experience that it's as effective in slowing as our ABS. Any comments?
-Quick (enough!)