Re: quattro-digest V3 #1110

[AUDIDUDI@delphi.com]

> It's *NOT* a live axle, it's got *Positraction*, which is essentially a
> TORSEN effect, and it works!! 

If it's a big lump of iron bouncing up-and-down over every bump, then it's a
live axle, posi or not.  The large amount of unsprung weight and geometry of
a live axle make it inferior to IRS in almost every instance ... they can be
made to work well on smooth surfaces and they're cheap to manufacture but if
you're after optimal handling, then IRS is the way to go.

> BTW, if you haven't noticed, the US-spec. S4 has one of the highest ground
> clearances than any of the other Audis....I thought it might be a benefit
> in snow, but it turns out to have more bodyroll and too much suspension
> travel...

Lots of bodyroll does not necessarily imply poor handling ... if you design
everything properly, roll is not a big deal.  Conversely, a lack of roll is
sometimes a bad thing ... check out those lowered Honda Civic cruisers that
patrol your town's main drag every Saturday night if you want proof.  :^)

     _             _             
    / l       l o l  \       l o   Jeffrey Goggin
   /__l l l / l l l  l l l / l l   * * * * * * *
  /   l l_l \_l l l__/ l_l \_l l   AudiDudi@delphi.com