[200q20v] V8 vs old S4 - tramming

[Glen Powell]

The follow-the-grooves problem (also know as 'tramming' I think) is mostly a
function of tire and wheel width and tire profile. As width goes up and
aspect-ratio goes down tramming becomes more and more of a problem. Two
otherwise identical cars but with substantially different tire/wheel widths
and tire aspect ratios will behave very differently. This is a trade-off
manufactures have to make based on the target cusomer and his expectations.

Suspension design greatly effects the magnitude of observed tramming. Older
cars not designed for wide, low tires and wheels tend to exhibit this
problem in a far more extreme manner Vs modern designs intended to work with
wiiiiide rubber.

The ur-q with stock 215-50-15s on 8" wheels is far more sensitive, for
example, Vs the 200q20v with factory tires and wheels, but the ur-q driver
is expected to accept this as part of the handling/ease-of-use tradeoff made
by Audi. Porsche 911s with monster tires exhibit major-league tramming as
well, BTDT.

-glen

OOOO