Originally Posted by Coyote
From what I recall from the brochures and owner's manual, there is an
"electronic" lsd equivalent. My understanding, though limited, is that this
has the ability to apply power to both wheels, through whatever gearing
and electronic acutators are used.
Although you are correct in your understanding of what electronic LSDs are, there is no such system on the Crossfire.
Originally Posted by Coyote
So, what does this mean? Do both wheels truely get power? Can they both be powered simultaneously? If so, what does it matter whether it is a "true" lsd or not. Isn't the result comparable?
Coyote (the ignorant)
The Crossfire's differential is a simple open differential. This means that it obeys two physical rules:
1. Left Wheel Torque = Right Wheel Torque
2. Maximum Torque Applied = min(Left Wheel Torque, Right Wheel Torque)
If you apply a braking force of x ft-lbs to one wheel, then the open differential will allow x/2 ft-lbs torque to the transmitted to the unbraked wheel. What this means is that the
maximum torque applied to each wheel is
50% of the car's total available torque in the best case.
If you did not have a differential but instead welded the rear axles together, then each wheel would theoretically be able to transfer 100% of the car's available torque. As any old school muscle-car head knows, however, a welded rear axle means that going anywhere except in a straight line is difficult.
The strength of a limited slip or electronically locking differential is that they allow near 100% torque delivery to a single wheel while still allowing the car's rear wheels to rotate at different speeds during normal turns.
So, are they comparable? For performance driving, in my opinion, no.