our 2010 DTS is first-ever 'front-wheel' drive and not too thrilled due to torque pull especially on curves in road, Also, at 'cold startup' in garage when ignition is turned -over, car seems to give a 'little' forward lurch (still in 'park') . Of course the DTS has great seats and amazing 'space' huge trunk and DH is reluctant to let-go of those features but dislikes the negative of the FWD/torque situation. However with new technology perhaps the 'pull' on a later- model FWD vehicle would not be as pronounced?
We have never owned a 'cross=over' (& did own one Buick Roadmaster station wagon) and frankly would like something 'other' than a sedan to replace the DTS. Still need/want space and thought a later-model SRX would be a good transition ? Seat comfort is important also. Don't want hard-seats - LOL.
Any thoughts from those who transitioned from RWD sedans to an SRX FWD insofar as handling/torque , and of course i realize a sedan can't compare to a cross-over - LOL
Many thanks in advance. Edythe
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Of course one must test-drive and of cousre opinions differ i realize that but besides the seat, i was concerned with SRX being a FWD/torque and i was looking for anyone who transitioned 'from' a RWD to a FWD...as i said, the DTS is pretty severe torque (no tire/alignmnet problem) ...and DTS is older technology and improvements on current FWD's & how they are set=up for FWD now could minimize any torque-pull thanks
I have a 2011 SRX. There isn't a lot of torque pull on it in "normal" driving, but when I put it into Sport mode and really get on it, I can feel the torque pull at WOT. Not bad, but if you haven't experienced it before, it may startle you.
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Also with DTS or 'normal', straight -ahead driving it's fine - just going around highway curves, 's' curves - it insists on doing the steering and it's not 'where' the road goes !!! i have to fight that wheel to keep it in-line with the curvature of the road... what is WOT ? thanks for your help ...
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have never tried AWD ... is that the same as '4-wheel'' drive? could you give me some idea why you think i won't be disappointed ... are you saying AWD lessens torque pull ? thanks for replying
Buy an AWD SRX and you won't have torque steer. It's not just for snow --it handles a lot better on wet and dry pavement too.
The AWD SRX will "load" the back wheels about 10% when you're cruising, just so you've got instant response from the transfer case when you punch it. The harder you push it, the more load will shift to the rear --and the AWD implementation also features "torque vectoring" which helps as well. Having driven several of the FWD SRX and FWD XTS as dealer loaners, I was really surprised how much of a difference in handling the FWD is versus my AWD (greatly in the AWD's favor) in all weather and pavement conditions. Simple stuff like merging from an intersection into oncoming traffic requiring a left or right turn. Passing or hitting a hole in traffic requiring a lane change. Really very noticeable difference and a lot more confidence-making.
I live in Minnesota, so I thought I was buying AWD for the snow performance --and I've been extremely happy with that. But the improvement in all other conditions vs the other Cadillac FWD's I've driven has been a real revelation.
I just upgraded from a RWD GMC Envoy last year to my 2012 Performance SRX FWD. Your question is valid. I wish, so much, I would have looked for an AWD model as the torque steer on the FWD is substantial and can be difficult to control under heavy acceleration, especially while negotiating a sharp turn. Hold onto the steering wheel because it wants to turn itself straight, and right now. Also if you encounter a situation requiring WOT from any speed under 20 mph traction will break loose as the front wheels chirp or spin. Granted my Envoy did not have nearly the power or torque the SRX does but, just the same, I would rather the traction control engage sooner. I have seen the "traction control indicator light" lit while the front wheels are spooling up and spinning while I am barely moving. Happy with most else with the vehicle but an AWD option is hard to find in South Florida. Hope this info helps
I've owned several STS's with the Northstar V8. The SRX V6 produces far less torque steer than any of my STS's did. If your DTS has the Northstar V8 I think you will find a huge improvement with the STS in that area. That said, there is some minor torque steer but certainly nothing to worry about. I have never experienced some of the torque steer issues mentioned above and I live in a hilly area with very curvy roads, but no ice and snow. Given where you live, AWD would probably be the better choice for you as previously mentioned, but drive them both and decide for yourself.
You hear lots of horror stories on these forums about FWD...helpless in the snow, frightening torque steer, unsafe, etc. I have not experienced any of this myself! I was so concerned the first winter with my 2012 FWD SRX that I almost purchased snow tires, then it snowed in October before I had a chance and I realized that for a guy that is old enough to have driven RWD cars most of my life in all sorts of severe weather conditions, I had no problem at all driving this FWD SUV in the snow. Would AWD be better? Of course it would, but you pay more for it and there are more parts to service and that can break.
To me the torque steer has never been a problem, this is one of the finest handling SUVs I have ever owned. Just my two cents....
Well, I had a loaner XTS FWD with the stock tires that couldn't get up my driveway in 2" of snow once I had to stop to get the garage door open, and it's a very gentle grade.
I don't have a lot of experience with FWD, so I really can't compare the XTS and SRX FWD to other makers FWD. . . but the SRX AWD is noticeably a better handling car than the SRX and XTS FWD --that I have experienced personally.
I suspect that as horsepower and torque has gone up (quite remarkably, really, if you think about it) over the last 10 years, that torque steer has gotten more noticeable in FWDs. My SRX family mobile V6 has more hp and almost as much torque as my (RWD) Mustang GT V8 "muscle car" from 10 years ago.
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