VW/Audi vs. Subaru sales

[rplines at pacifier.com]

FWIW, the 1999 U.S. sales are as follows:
Audi- 65,959 (53,761 quattros)
VW- 312,168 (no AWD models in '99 but 68,151 had electronic Traction Control)
Subaru- 106,623 (all AWD)

Subaru has certainly had the most commercial success in the U.S. with AWD.  This
is most likely due to the lower cost of the viscous system they use in most of the
cars.  As an engineer, there is no doubt in my mind that the Audi systems are better
in terms of absolute performance (dare I say too good for most people?).  It comes
down to a question of value.  Performance per dollar spent.  For most people, the
viscous system, with it's minor drawbacks is good enough, certainly better than no
AWD.  That said, I love my Audi quattro!
It will be interesting to see what the future holds as Subaru continues to move up-market
with more luxury and higher prices, will they lose the bread and butter customer?

-Peter Lines