Re: Audi Quattro vs BMW 325 IX vs Mercedes 4-trac

[SDSU <jknittle@sundown.sdsu.edu>]

Actually, from what I have gathered from the BMWCCA www page about the IX,
(http://www.trader.com/bmwcca/misc/iXfaq.html), the car was produced from
1988 to 1991.  I am still curious how its AWD compared to Audi's quattro
system in it's various incarnations.  According to the info page, the
viscous couplings on the 325iX are filled with silicone and are not computer
controlled. This kind of sounds like what I have heard about the AWD system
in the VW vanagon.  The one behind the transmission splits torque front to
rear (nominally 37/63%). Also, I believe the iX was avalible with an
automatic transmission for those inclined, how about quattros?  How much of
an increase in engine HP/torque can a quattro system take,  How about
towing, and how long do the CV joints last?  Are they special to Audi or are
the half shaft parts generic to other european cars.  

One other thing, the iX page also mentioned that Audi made a claim that the
quattro system also improved fuel economy because according to Audi, the
quattro system decreased overall fuel consumption because a driven wheel
imparts less
drag than a rolling wheel over about 20mph, any truth to this?

Thanks for all your replies to my initial post, and I look foreward to
hearing more from Quattro

Jim 

At 01:38 PM 10/11/96 -0400, you wrote:
>The Bimmer 325 IX was in productiuon for only one year.  Tell ya something?
>
>At 06:52 AM 10/11/96 -0700, you wrote:
>>Hi everyone,
>>
>>I would like to know how these all wheel drive systems compare, and how the
>>cars compare in general.  I understand neither BMW nor Mercedes makes an all
>>wheel drive model anymore, at least not that I know of, instead these makers
>>have swiched to traction control.  But how were their attempts to break into
>>the quattro market?  Anyone own one or at least take one out for a test
>>drive?  Again, I am sorry if I am dredging up an old debate, but I am new
>>subscriber, and have not yet seen a post about this.
>>
>>Jim
>>
>>
>>
>>
>___
>   Bob
>****************************************************
>*  Robert L. Myers         rmyers@wvit.wvnet.edu>  *
>*  Rt. 1, Box 57            304-574-2372           *
>*  Fayetteville, WV 25840                          *
>*  Obligatory quattro and sleddog-L references:    *
>*  My 3 huskies enjoy riding in my '89 200TQ       *
>****************************************************
>
>
>