4matic vs quattro

[Tom Nas]

No locking mechanism on the smaller cars, the only control is the ABS. The
text didn't say anything about torque distribution front/rear, so you might
be right on the open diff.

If my dialup connection would stay up for a coupla minutes, I'd be able to
check the M-B site for any relevant info.

Tom

At 21:19 10-1-03 +0000, auditodd at attbi.com wrote:
>Why couldn't the center diff be just a "normal" open differential?
>
>Wouldn't really have to be a VC or Torsen. By using the EDL to control all
>four
>corners, you could use just an open diff in the center. An open diff would be
>able to compensate for differences in speed between front and rear, and yet if
>both rear brakes are minutely engaged, it would send more power to the
>front axle.
>
>I bring up the point because the MB Glendenwagen uses open diffs (with
>some sort
>of locking mechanism) in all three positions, then you can "lock up" whichever
>one or more you need to get unstuck.