Now instead of a cable actuating the throttle valve, a throttle position sensor tells the engine control unit the position of the gas pedal, which moves the motor-controlled throttle valve unless another car system requires a different input. Cruise control acts directly on the throttle in these cars, and traction control acronyms can cut the throttle directly when they intervene.
It is possible to set up a drive-by-wire system well, but I think the Subaru approach needs some fine-tuning.
Manufacturers do this to add traction control gizmos that require throttle intervention. I say some are good, some are great, all depending on the programming. The one on my sister's Subaru was unrefined, giving a less-direct feel for the car. You get a quick hit of power that tries to race the engine as you engage the clutch. This means you either race the engine like you don't know how to drive a stick, or you stall because the engine has no low end torque. A Chrysler van is even worse.
i think its better, becuase the engine computer can predict how much fuel it needs to add before your foot even hits the floor. but it does seem so minimal that i dont think its really workth having...the cable is more then fine with me.
One good thing that ETC gives you is a little extra protection. If you've modified your car and the ECU detects something is not quite right, it will retard throttle, so even if you mash your foot to the floor, you aren't going to wreck your motor. This is particularly useful for all the silly people who up their boost in their WRX's with no boost control in summer and then in winter, results in engines pinging like mad followed by silly warranty claims to Subaru.
yeah i am also confused as to how this is better. Subarus used to be cheap, carry alot of stuff, and 4wd, thats why people liked them. Nowadays they are no better than any other car, and loyalty to subaru is a mistake.
Go back to the mechanical system.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
The6000Sabre 2 years ago
Now instead of a cable actuating the throttle valve, a throttle position sensor tells the engine control unit the position of the gas pedal, which moves the motor-controlled throttle valve unless another car system requires a different input. Cruise control acts directly on the throttle in these cars, and traction control acronyms can cut the throttle directly when they intervene.
It is possible to set up a drive-by-wire system well, but I think the Subaru approach needs some fine-tuning.
AMTK207 2 years ago
Manufacturers do this to add traction control gizmos that require throttle intervention. I say some are good, some are great, all depending on the programming. The one on my sister's Subaru was unrefined, giving a less-direct feel for the car. You get a quick hit of power that tries to race the engine as you engage the clutch. This means you either race the engine like you don't know how to drive a stick, or you stall because the engine has no low end torque. A Chrysler van is even worse.
AMTK207 2 years ago
i think its better, becuase the engine computer can predict how much fuel it needs to add before your foot even hits the floor. but it does seem so minimal that i dont think its really workth having...the cable is more then fine with me.
SaGalv 2 years ago
One good thing that ETC gives you is a little extra protection. If you've modified your car and the ECU detects something is not quite right, it will retard throttle, so even if you mash your foot to the floor, you aren't going to wreck your motor. This is particularly useful for all the silly people who up their boost in their WRX's with no boost control in summer and then in winter, results in engines pinging like mad followed by silly warranty claims to Subaru.
hyraxaus 2 years ago
yeah i am also confused as to how this is better. Subarus used to be cheap, carry alot of stuff, and 4wd, thats why people liked them. Nowadays they are no better than any other car, and loyalty to subaru is a mistake.
DontFlag 3 years ago