4wd vs AWD

[Jonas K.]

> From: "Rob Andrews" <randrews at austin.rr.com>
> To: "Quattrolist" <quattro at audifans.com>
> Subject:  4wd vs awd
> Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 10:39:06 -0500
> 
> > Not that I care. The Audi is still far better in the snow...but the Range
> > Rover probably has an edge offroad :)
> > 
> Although with Quattro IV, they have been getting stuck in the sow.  Igor
> Kessell was spitting fire when his wife's car got stuck in the snow, 1 wheel
> just spinning and spinning.  No more locking diffs :(

I didn't think I'd get sucked into this thread, but I thought I'd point out
something with regards to Quattro IV (not calling anyone a liar, just raising a
"how's that possible" question)

Eliot Lim said of the Quattro IV

"Current versions of Audi quattros (dubbed quattro IV) use all wheel drive in
conjunction with 4 wheel traction control. Under no slip conditions, power is
delivered 50-50 to the front and rear via a center torsen differential, which
would take care of limiting slip between the axles. The traction control system
would take care of limiting slip between each wheel of a given axle. Thus for
the first time, the quattros have to lose traction on all 4 wheels before they
become immobile. "

read the whole thing at

http://www.eskimo.com/~eliot/awd.html

(please do, it explains everything about awd/4wd)

So, to get stuck in snow, with just one wheel spinning, wouldn't the ABS-based
traction control have to fail, as well as the center torsen diff? Just
wondering. 

Jonas
90 CQ