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| The Subaru Difference |
Wednesday, 22nd May 2013 |
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| Body control is the second way to achieve nimble, athletic performance in cornering - especially where changes of direction follow each other in quick succession (as illustrated below). Under these circumstances, Subaru's low centre of gravity complies much better with the laws of physics, instead of the driver trying to compensate for their effects. Again, the Horizontally-Opposed Engine plays a major part in resolving the equation. The higher the centre of gravity, the easier it is to lose balance and control, because the front of the car is heavy, so it tends to roll more through bends. With Subaru, it's a case of the lower the better - which is why there's such a dramatic difference between the two examples below. The body language in a Subaru is always composed and stable, making driving more comfortable, less tiring and ultimately, more enjoyable - Exactly why Subaru makes cars the way it does. |
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| Whenever a car turns a corner, centrifugal force acts on the body to move it outwards. This motion is amplified when the centre of gravity is high, so the car takes longer to recover its equilibrium afterwards. This ‘pendulum’ effect is well understood, which is another reason for relying on Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The amount of force generated is called yaw moment or inertia. When you move the weight of the ‘pendulum’ closer to the centre of gravity (as we do), the yaw moment is much smaller, the car is easier to turn, rolls less, and handling is considerably more poised and stable. |
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