Re: Center Differentials

["Barton P. Chambers" <bchambers@atlantic.nos.noaa.gov>]

> After a 6 hour 
> interstate drive, it leaves me fresh.  A VW would leave me tired.

I couldn't agree with that, both my '80 Scirocco S and my '87 Cabriolet 
Wolfsburg were great all-day runners.  So is my '87 Quantum Syncro.  FYI,
I live in MD, 600 miles from my Mother in SC, 500 of which are interstate.
I usually make the trip in under 10 hrs, at least once a year, and that 
includes the time to eat lunch in a non-fast food restraunt as stopping for 
smoke/ stretch breaks for the frau, every hour or two.

> Some models, like the Quantum and the 4000 were virtually the same 
> mechanically.  
[snip]
> Maybe someone can clear this up -- I've heard from folks who should know 
> that Synchro and Quattro are different systems.  Synchro uses a patented,  
> high tech torque "sensing" fluid while Quattro is a less exotic system. Is 
> this true?

Well, yes *and* no.  VAG, in their infinite wisdom, produced two AWD models
called "Syncro."  The AWD Vanagon uses the system you describe, while the
Quantum uses the Audi 4000 Quattro drive train.  FWIW, the new Porsche 993
Carrera 4 (AWD) now uses a similar system to the (Fluid-based) torque splitter
of the Vanagon Syncor rather than the entirely mechanical system used in the
Quantum Syncro.  


Cheers,

Bart Chambers
'77 Feline Varmint Felix, Gray Tabby
'86 Carrera Cabriolet, Guards Red
'87 Syncro (Stealth Quattro)