[V8] Quattro vs Haldex

[NIck Miller]

I've got to admit though wonderful for adverse weather conditions and day to
day driving, and nice, secure feeling for the driver, the Audi system is in
no way great for handling, at least how it sits in the V8.  There is far too
much weight in front of the front axle to be conducive to good handling
traits.  There is always the ability to tune out issues like this in the
suspension, in our case with heavily increased spring rates in the front.

However, out of all the cars I've owned, the rwd Miata is the most sure
footed and capable car by a mile.  I've never taken any other car onto the
track, but I can assure you that the Volvo wouldn't stand a chance through
corners of keeping up with the Miata, even if the V70 were stripped bare to
actually put it on-par with the weight side.

Understeer/torque steer is a real killer for driver control, and though it
also can be "tuned out" with proper work, I much prefer having full control
of the front wheels without physics taking some of that away.

But, at the end of the day, AWD and FWD have their place in any venue other
than all out dry pavement conditions such as on a racetrack.  As well, the
overall weight, chassis design, and suspension setup have enormous effects
on handling characteristics as well, not to mention the type of
differentials used.