[V8] "Which Generation Version of Quattro?"

[Etdmail at cs.com]

 Hi Kent and all ..

 Yes, seems there are some differences to consider
 in the later cars AWD Systems .. Like many things
 in the 'progress' of auto developments, some are
 steps forward, some back.

 Here is a great place to start (and for technophiles alike)
 to see explanations, of the different AWD designs and
 philosophies between AWD and 4WD, etc. 

<A HREF="http://www.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive.htm">  
http://www.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive.htm</A>

 Select, 'ultimate AWD system' which incorporates, both
 Torsen and EDL technologies on a Unimog/Hummer type
 of off-road vehicle. 

 Torsen, had been originally developed for military and
 heavy equipment vehicles. And is a heavy, durable but 
 an expensive unit.

 I expect, it's omission in the later big Quattro systems
 is due to cost (content) cutting in the later cars, for both
 cost savings reasons and Cafe rating concerns.

 One might also look and see this same phenomena on 
 some of the later A8's rear axles. And find some lighter 
 and cheaper non-vented brake rotors.

 Guess, tweaking speed-limiters, in chips, can reap 
 many cost saving opportunities for the manufacturer's.

 Happily the (expensive) high-strength aluminum alloy
 unit body and more power capacity were written into
 the script for later big Audis. :-)

 Choosing either way here (v8 or A8) one gets a nice safe, 
 good handling, roomy, comfortable and capable sedan .. 

 And one that is hopefully extremely dependable! And always 
 getting you home! .. No one, would want to be stranded, on a 
 remote, snowy mountain road on a cold mid-winters eve!
 (Especially with only a weak, digital cell service, in hand! )

 Safe motoring ..

 Best, 
 Ed
  

> -----
> In a message dated 2/2/05 8:47:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
>  kentmclean at mindspring.com writes:
>
>  Which begs the question, "Which version of Quattro?"
>  
>  Generation III, as found on the '90-94 V8?
>  This is the open front differential, planetary gear
>  center with electronically-controlled multi-plate
>  locking clutch (Torsen center differential with
>  manual-transmission), and Torsen rear differential [1]
>  
>  Or Gen. IV, as found on the '97-current A8?
>  This gets you an open front differential with EDL [2],
>  Torsen center differential, and an open rear differential
>  with EDL
>  
>  I ask the question since I'm considering a V8 as my next
>  car. The A8s, being newer, hold the promise of fewer
>  issues with old electrics, rubber, and wear and tear in
>  general. Plus the 5-speed Tiptronic beats the 3-speed
>  automatic (at least in # gears; is it as problematic as
>  the 3-speed?).  A $10,000 A8 might sway me.
>  
>  [1] Thanks to Ti Kan for his web pages [3] spelling out
>        the differences in the Quattro generations
>  [2] Electronic Differential Lock: uses ABS to selectively
>       brake a slipping wheel
>  [3] http://www.amb.org/ti/
>  
>  ---
>
> In a message dated 2/2/05 8:47:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
> kentmclean at mindspring.com writes:
>
> "Jeremy Ward" <jward at mti-interactive.com> 
>  wrote on behalf of Dan Hussey:
>
>  > My boss is selling his very nice 1993 V8 Quattro automatic.
>  > He's looking to sell it, and said he'd like to get KBB price 
>  > on it for private party sale ... which is like $7,950.  
>  
>  There is my dilemma -- a '93 V8 for $8K, or a '97 A8 for $9.4K [1]?
>  I know the Tors*ns on the V8 are in theory "better" than the EDL
>  solution on the A8, but the A8 offers a lot: 5-speed Tiptronic auto,
>  new safety features (air bags, body shell), better audio, better
>  headlights.  I'd have a hard time justifying *not* spending just
>  $1500 more on the 5 year younger car.
>  
>  [1] <http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=161087685>
>
>  ---
>
> In a message dated 02 Feb 2005 07:44:50 -0600 Eastern Standard Time, 
> kentmclean at mindspring.com writes:
>
>  Are the V8's a 3 or 4 speed auto?
>  
>  Kent McLean
>  '94 100 S Avant
>  '89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" is no more
>
>  ---