Detailed discussion of Toyotas awd system, specifically for the st205 Options

[enderswift]

hey everyone,

here's what I 'think' I know. The awd system fitted into the st205 is pretty ancient compared to today's cars, but was decent when it first came out and was organized out like this:

1. There was an open differential in the transversely mounted transmission that had a transfer case coming out of the rear.
2. No center differential but a center bearing instead. So it always had a 50/50 front/rear torque split
3. rear differential came with a torsen limited slip

lets compare this to other awd systems. Past and present. Subaru is really big on the fact that they have a symmetrical awd system. Do you guys think the fact that an st205s unequal front axles hurts the car?

and, could it be possible to fit the limited slip from an mr2 and have torsens front and rear? I think that would be interesting since apparently one of the biggest handling problems with the st205 is that the the inside front wheels spin on really sharp turns.

heres an interesting video comparing modern awd system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw

[3WayStunna]

True, when compared to AWD/4WD systems of today, there really isnt any comparison. Most companies like subaru have an added 15+ years of "getting it right" compared to the GT4, Toyota exiv, and caldina...

For example the GC8 of the same year suffered greatly from poorly designed transmissions, and the EVO's of that same time dealt with "some" tourqe steer. Now not saying the 205 was the best thing since buttered bread, but when comapred to vehichles of the same year, ( and after driving both evo's GC8's as well) i would give it up to the 205...after 99 though, i would speak differntly...