Hey Everyone, Im considering buying a 2005 Subaru Forester. A while back, I remember a reviewer on a car show saying something about the Subaru AWD system on auto transmissions being superior to that of the 5 speed. I wont be doing any 'real' offroading. I will be driving in snow, gravel, mud, and maybe ice and sand. Is the standard tramsission AWD system inferior to the auto AWD system? Also, how important is the limited slip rear dif. for what I will be driving in? Thanks very much for all of your help/opinnions.

For the type of driving you plan either will be fine. It boils down to your personal prefference (shifting). Manual offers better acceleration and better city MPG. Auto has potential for better MPG on Hwy. Limited slip diff is good for offroading or if you spend a lot of time on slippery surface. YMMV.

Strictly speaking the manual with the transfer of a 50/50 split front to back at all times will be better for least traction situations like ice, mud, loose dirt, etc.

Some drivers think the auto with a 90/10 split until slippage is better on dry and wet pavements as far as drivability day to day.

The automatics "lock" the center differential at 50/50 in 1st and reverse gears for better traction.

I agree with friendly_jacek...limited-slip differentials (LSD) in the rear make a BIG difference compared to the open diffs.

Both our Subies are AT versions, and have been driven in some pretty slippery conditions, including black ice and lots of snow. First, tires are it. If you expect real winter, get winter tires. AWD is only as good as the tires you put on.

 

Next, I agree on the LSD. Our Forester is the "S" trim and has the LSD, and it's worth it. If I were buying new, I would make sure I got at least the trim level that offers LSD. It makes a difference in all low traction conditions. I think all the OB's come with it, but I might be wrong. Our 01 OBW has it, and again, very desirable.

 

Manual or AT, get whichever you like. Either is fine for 99% of people, and it sounds like your driving patterns suit either. If you're reselling, the AT version might go a bit easier...

I have a 5 speed Legacy with the open-diff. Just about as basic as it gets. I have never gotten stuck in snow (here in PA I expect atleast 3-4 inches of snow a night). I prefer the control of a manual when driving in snow. They have a description of the AWD systems on the subaru.com website. The only thing is regret is visiting my parents in DC and sitting in 2 hrs of traffic clutching it...