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jerry_nj

4 Wheel Disk Brakes, better? Why - and AWD?

jerry_nj
14 years ago

I'm looking at new cars and was surprised to find many 2009 models (and 2010) now come standard with 4 wheel disk (disc) brakes, no more rear drum/shoe breaks. What makes this better?

While on the subject of newer stuff, I see more, and like the idea, AWD. However, this seems to give lower gas mileage, is that just because of the extra weight? Here I note that the Suzuki SX4 AWD offers a three operating modes: FWD only, claims better mileage (so much for the weight theory? Is it less friction?) and automatic AWD, plus, here's the real kicker, Locked or 4WD, for those times the extra traction is needed. We have a Subaru Forester and like the AWD for those times it is needed, but it is full time, always on AWD and the gas mileage is good, but not great... 2.5l 4 opposed cylinder engine in this case. As I recall, Subaru sells the full time AWD as giving more control even on dry pavement, i.e., in corners the power to whichever wheel matters.

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