[V8] Type 44 suspension

[Tony and Lillie]

All this suspension talk has me thinking:

Why is it that the Type 44 doesn't handle as well as a 4000Q at high speed on a bumpy dirt road? 

I'll give you a quick lead-up to where this comes from. I live on the end of a somewhat bumpy dirt road in rural Oklahoma. I don't know exactly how long it is, but I can hit 67mph in the V8Q before drilling the brakes to make the turn. If I miss, BTW, there is a nice fenceline that would remind me I'm still mortal :) Now, this is a game my Father started, as he can hit about 55 in his Ranger 4X4 before getting on the brakes. My 4000 Q would just break 60, and the diesel Jetta hits 52 :(

I've driven two different type 44's down this road, and they get all squirly at the end of the road. Now, they both are in excess of the 4000 by at least 5mph, but that shouldn't make that much difference, at least not in "my little world". So, why is the 4000 (and Dad's Ranger, for that matter) so stable, while the V8 gets downright scarry, requiring a LOT of steering? I'm guessing it has to do with the rear suspension designs, but was just wondering. I'm also thinking this is why the majority on rally Audi's I see are the smaller ones?

Anyhow, opinions appreciated,

Tony Hoffman