VW/Audi vs. Subaru sales

[Todd S Taylor]

I don't care what kind of a AWD systems both cars have..  I'd buy the Audi over the Subaru
because Subaru's rust out
after 7 years in the northeast with all the salt.  I've seen some pretty nice 10 year old
Audi 's up here that look almost new.
Don't get me wrong I use to own a Subaru and loved it but after 10 years it run like a top
but I got wet in the rain from holes rusted
through on the floors.....Machaincally the Subaru's just run , nothing fancy.  But I think
your right the price is more in line with
what americans can spend.  Most people don't care and wouldn't notice the difference between
awd systems.  I'm an engineer and
I don't think I care either...  you pay more for the Audi so it should have a better awd
system don't you think???



rplines at pacifier.com wrote:

> 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