I recently drove an automatic Subaru Outback AWD station wagon. 
Although I don't know for certain, I could swear that the AWD was
"engaging" on curves, bringing the back of the wagon around in a very
tight line with the front.  Really just great handling.

Can/does the 4WD system in Syncros offer any of this kind of handling
improvement?  I'm impressed how well my van takes curves for being
such a narrow tracked, top heavy thing -- so it's my impression that
the 4WD might be a factor.   (I also have the Michelin Agilis w/strong
sidewalls which help a lot in tight curves too.)

Thanks.