ChrisR32 Posted March 1, 2005 Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 There seems to be a bit of an idea that the Quattro system actually hinders the handling of a car due to the extra weight it gains. Now while i don't dispute the weight gain and can understand the basic thinking behind this, i thought that the majority, if not the whole of the weight gain was to the rear of the vehicle. Now, in the majority of front engined vehicles, the weight is very much front biased so, if this is the case, would the Quattro system not serve to help the balance and handling of the car as this moves towards a 50:50 weight split? I know that it would be better to acheive this weight balance by loosing some from the front rather than gaining at the back but as the extra weight doesn't directly (i understand the physics behind the forces acting upon the vehicle) effect the front end weight, it shouldn't really effect the turn-in too much either. If this does appear to make sense, then does this also stand true for other 4wd/AWD vehicles? Does this make any sense? - it was just something i'd been thinking about for a while when on a drunken thinking session (you must know how your mind wanders off on tangents!) but forgotten about during the day!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chav Posted March 1, 2005 Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 yes a typical quattro audi has a higher percentage of its weight at the rear than a FWD audi, but the difference is only 80Kg or something. which is about 5% vehicle weight. the weight increase is comparable to having an additional passenger in the FWD car. weight is audis biggest problem IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR32 Posted March 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 Weight is a big problem i agree, but some of the lighter weight alternatives just don't seem to feel solid enough for my liking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiddy Posted March 1, 2005 Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 what about the weight with all this extra crap then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32North Posted March 1, 2005 Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 So, as to hindering the handling of the car would you like to drive in the slippery, icy, snomy conditions of last / this week in a) Saxo b) Focus RS b) Audi Quattro (torsen) c) Audi Quattro (haldex) Having owned both c) and d) and seen / heard about b) and woudn't consider a), I know which I would want to be in c) all the way!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 Well, I think you'd find driving in... [ QUOTE ] b) Focus RS b) Audi Quattro (torsen) [/ QUOTE ] ...to be difficult Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BURTON Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 I belive that Torsen is alot better than Haldex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cupramax Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 [ QUOTE ] I belive that Torsen is alot better than Haldex. [/ QUOTE ] Please explain "alot better". Haldex has the ability to also use only 2wd when traction is good and therefore be more efficient. Torsen has the advantages of running full time 4wd but dont see that that makes it alot better as you put it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chav Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 the torsen v haldex issue has been discussed many times, and theres some detailed threads on it already. but torsen is superior if you look at the physics... shifting torque back and forth isnt the best way to handle a car, as the torque is shifting because of a grip problem. with the permanent 4wd, the original grip problem is less likely to occur. thus less transfers of torque and so better stability/speed so haldex has an efficiency advantage, but the handling advantage is with the torsen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattR32 Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 What's a Scooby and Evo got then? Dad had three original Quattros which I assume ha Torsen. He's convince my R handles better and grips more and he's thrashed the hell out of all of them (I stayed at home so as not to scare myself). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BURTON Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 For always 4wd and Proper 4wd it is alot better. With be power cars mainly! My mate has fitted the system on his Mk2 Golf! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 Scooby and Evo are permanent AWD. Haldex is 'permanently available AWD' i.e. it's often not. Torsen is AWD. Having moved from Haldex to Torsen 11 months ago and having done Eurotours, trackdays etc in both I would definately vote for Torsen. It simply inspired more confidence and seems more stable. I guess it's down to the power not moving around as much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BURTON Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 Down to you knowing more of whats going on compare to Haldex which is always thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32North Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 I loved the 'torsen' on my old 80 Quattro. Good old dif lock was fun to play with and came in handy a few times as well. Would love to get a 'good' one fo those 80 Sport Quattro's again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattR32 Posted March 3, 2005 Report Share Posted March 3, 2005 Scotty - I take it your "almost 400bhp" S4 is rather rapid then?!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BURTON Posted March 3, 2005 Report Share Posted March 3, 2005 It sounds damn NICE also!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted March 3, 2005 Report Share Posted March 3, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Scotty - I take it your "almost 400bhp" S4 is rather rapid then?!!! [/ QUOTE ] Anyone who claims to have a fast car is just setting themselves up for a fall. There's always plenty faster cars out there but there's even more slower ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPLiiX Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Top Gear or driven should have a race between a FWD and a quattro and see what heppens round a track. And do it in the wet too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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