[V8] Quattro vs Haldex

[NIck Miller]

I would ceed that a good electronic system would give a pretty big advantage
to the AWD setup, especially when coupled with a brake control system as
well.  The ability to put power to the right wheels at exactly the right
time, just like braking the correct wheel right when you need it at the
correct time coming into and more importantly coming out of a turn is
another big advantage.

And Most deffinately the Miata lacks power to make it competitive with some
of the vehicles we are pitting it against.  I personally run a turboed
Miata, and most of my observations are of turbocharged miata's as well.  The
kind that can outrun c5 z06's in the straights, or out handle an Elise in
the turns.  Of course, then the comparison is pretty off, because I am
talking about a few thousand in modifications, in which you would have to
have a volvo/audi/etc equally prepped for a good comparison.

I will also agree that AWD is much easier to drive fast.  There is a bit
more room for driver error, and especially depending on the suspension
design as well.  A good awd system, even like a BMW 325xi, will pull you
through the turns as compared to RWD where you really have to know how to
set yourself up for a turn, and once your commited if you apply too much
throttle you loose it very quickly.

All that being said, I really do believe pound for pound a RWD sportscar is
the superior platform for 90% of venues, save some of the very large Factory
backed racing serious, all the way up to LeMans, say. And I believe F1 has
banned Awd, correct?  I can't remember now.  Either way, RWD allows for an
overall lighter platform, fairly precise driver control, and no Drivetrain
interference with the front wheels.

I too have considered doing up my V8 in sort of a half-hearted track setup.
I can't commit to fully stripping it down, caging it, and putting in a
harness and good buckets, but I was interested in going with good rubber,
good suspension, and taking out about 500lbs. In the end, I decided the
result wouldn't be near on par to a 300whp Miata, So I chose that as my
project instead.