[s-cars] Re: Out Audi-ing Audi and 4-wheel Dyno (was NAC, but more turbo content)

[William Noland]

Received my Car and Driveway and Autoweak mags today with writeups on
the latest Volvo "R" models. Let's see -- 300hp turbocharged, awd,
in-line 5's, with 6-speed manual boxes? Hmmm, looks like Volvo is
starting to out-Audi the folks at Ingolstadt.

Speaking of car mags, Audi Driver has an issue dedicated to the
UrQuattro (and Sport Q), with an interesting article on 4-wheel dyno
testing. Article claims that the apparent higher driveline losses of awd
cars is due in great part to the fact that all four wheels are spinning
on the dyno. Claims that "driveline" loss is due in great part to
aerodynamic drag on the wheels and tires. Therefore, a two-wheel drive
car has this same level of "driveline" loss in the real world of the
open road. Food for thought and fodder for another extended discussion
of four wheel dyno testing -- OH NO!

Bill

Frank Amoroso wrote:

>I had a WRX wagon w/ 5 spd (factory short-shift) for about a week. For
>$25k you get a lotta performance in a really fun little car. A4 1.8tqm
>Avant may be more refined, have more amenities, and a better build
>quality. However the WRX still lunches it at the stop-light grand prix.
>Tough to feel superior about your ride when the ~$5,000 cheaper car is
>pulling away from you and all you have is a great view of its tail
>lights from your comfy, plush, entry level luxury interior.
>
>On top of that the WRX took a 1.0 Bar APR chipped '01 A4 tqm from a stop
>light as well.
>
>Subaru and Mitsu got game. Others need to catch up. VW / Audi doesn't
>provide  a boost gauge, and STI & Lancer have IC spraybars! A bit of a
>gap, wouldn't you say?
>