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FOR OVER 30 YEARS, the Subaru name has been synonymous with All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
It is our heritage, our passion, and an integral, essential part of the Subaru experience. So it should come
as no surprise that every vehicle we build comes equipped with our advanced Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Uniquely innovative, it features drivetrain components positioned along a longitudinal axis
and between the vehicle axles for optimum balance and control. In turn, power is constantly
delivered to all four wheels and automatically distributed where traction is needed most.
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Our 5-speed manual transmission
has been redesigned for improved shift
feel and is standard equipment on all
Legacy models. In addition, Legacy 2.5 GT
models feature a reinforced 5-speed
manual transmission with a dual-mass
flywheel clutch for even smoother, more
direct shifts.
Optional for the Legacy 2.5 GT and
2.5 GT Limited, our new and remarkably
smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic
transmission with SPORTSHIFT manual
control features an adaptive capability
that chooses the optimum gear based
on driving situations.
Most Legacy All-Wheel Drive sys-
tems use either a viscous-type or
planetary-type center differential
which manages torque distribution
based on where traction is needed most.
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Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
This is quite unlike some of the less sophisticated front-wheel-drive-based systems of other
manufacturers. What’s more, because every vehicle and driving style has its own specific All-Wheel
Drive requirements, Subaru engineers have thoughtfully developed three unique systems, each with their own
distinct advantages and capabilities. When integrated with our Subaru Boxer engine and
complemented by our 4-wheel fully independent suspension, these advanced All-Wheel Drive
systems deliver a level of performance, agility and handling that could only come from Subaru.
SUBARU, 1997
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Subaru becomes the only manufacturer in the world
to feature standard All-Wheel Drive in its entire vehicle line.
AWD System
Continuous
Active
VTD
Legacy Models
2.5i and 2.5 GT
models with
5-speed
manual
2.5i models
with 4-speed
automatic
2.5 GT models
with 5-speed
automatic
How It Works
Utilizing a viscous-type center locking differ-
ential, under normal conditions power is split
50/50 between the front and rear wheels. If
wheel slippage occurs, the center differential
helps transfer power to the wheels with the
best traction.
Featuring an electronically managed contin-
uously variable multi-plate transfer clutch,
this AWD system monitors parameters such
as wheel slippage and vehicle speed, trans-
ferring power to the front or rear wheels with
the best traction.
Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) uses an
electronically controlled hydraulic transfer
clutch in conjunction with a planetary gear-
type center differential to control power
distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Under normal driving conditions, the VTD
system splits power 45% front and 55% rear, to
deliver more of a performance driving feel.
A sophisticated, reengineered multi-link rear suspension features
newly revised geometry. It’s designed to offer greater resistance to roll
when cornering, and helps resist squatting during hard acceleration.
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