[V8] Quattro vs Haldex

[Paul Jager]

Well a foot of snow here and performance tires on the V70R so grip was a 
problem. All the computers in the world couldn't deal with that, still got 
around though. One annoyance with this S60/V70 series is the turn radius is 
larger so when you're sliding toward say a ditch makes it hard to corral the 
sled.

Jumped in the V8 - have better rubber on it. Because it's mechanically based 
the Audi sure is predictable and works the same forward or reverse too. so 
there's a benefit.

The latest Audi S4 sure turns some impressive lap times, plenty of top gear 
video on it.  2010 looks like more changes to quattro to improve driver 
enjoyment.

The Volvos are not in the same league as the S4 or M3 but with 300 ponies, 
Brembo (porsche) brakes and killer suspension tuning do respectable lap 
times for such practical and comfortable sedan/wagons. On the website 
fastestlaps.com the hottest version of the (miata) MX5 and the Volvo S60R 
are a deadheat, and in Audi TT,  VWGTI territory. also equal to what a 
Porsche 928GTS and Porsche 968 did back in the mid 90's.

The trusty V8 wouldn't be on the same map - spongy suspension and no brakes. 
Doesn't mean it isn't a nice ride though.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NIck Miller" <chance9121 at gmail.com>
To: "Paul Jager" <pjager at telus.net>
Cc: "V8List Fans" <v8 at audifans.com>
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 5:52 PM
Subject: Re: [V8] Quattro vs Haldex


> 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.
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