How does the all wheel drive system function differently on

How does the all wheel drive system function differently on manual and auto Subaru vehicles?

The auto trans uses a clutch pack and piston and it's controlled by the computer electronically.There is a small solenoid and valve body in the rear housing of the trans and the computer can differ the amount of engagement of the AWD.

The standard trans uses a viscous coupling in the center differential which is in the rear of trans.The viscous coupling is a sealed liquid clutch pack.As soon as there's any wheel speed diffference or slip between the front and rear wheels the fluif heats up instantly and engages the AWD.It has no computer controls which is the biggest difference in the manual and auto.

Neither has proven to work really better than the other,both are dependable and work well.Have had to fix both types and the manual is simpler to fix and less recurrent problems.An important thing to remember on the Subaru AWD is to keep all four tires the same type,size and outer diameter.A half inch in total diameter difference can damage awd system.

19 years certified subbie tech

basically it still functions the same way,,the only difference is the auto is what it's auto,,and the standard shift,is what it's,,the traction system still works exactly the same way as far as driving and handling goes,,you still have the same effect on it,as far as traction goes it still grips the same way as well,,this question has came up in my fix shop before,,i hope this help,s.

The mechanic surely knows what he's talking about. The subaru web site has some great information on their AWD technology also as the Boxer engine.

The WRX STI has the choice to change the distribution of the AWD.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this, but I believe there's one slight difference.

On the automatics, the AWD can differ traction on all four wheels, whereas on the manual model the traction only differs front to rear.

ITS just THE SAME ONLY THE auto DOESNT USE A CENTER DIFFERENTIAL, AND THE MANUAL DOES .
THE POWER DIFFERENCE WITH A auto THE POWER IS usually SPLIT 90&#92,10 FRONT TO REAR EXCEPT WHEN U TAKE OFF IT SENDS MAORE POWER TO THE REAR FOR BETTER TRACTIOIN.. NOW THE MANUAL HAS A CONSTANT 50&#92,50 SPLIT FRONT TO REAR.. SOME MODELS HAVE restricted SLIP AND SOME HAVE AN ADVANCED VDC SYSTEM WHICH USE THE ABS SYSTEM TO GET BETTER TRACTION in some SITUATIONS.. BUT FRO MORE info VISIT SUBARU.COM

The subiedude and ozy are correct.. I'm a certified mechanic for the AF, also a proud owner of a Subie.

whooooooooooopdeeeedoooo for your Subaru.