AWD/RWD/FWD (low Audi content)

[Don Pavlik <pavlik@platinum.com>]

Been following this debate and must comment.  I currently own a GTI VR6 and
am on the path to an A4Q. (decided against the Coupe GT) My GTI has 172 hp
and good low-end torque and I have much trouble getting the power to the
ground... I'm not talking about dumping the clutch during a hard launch but
rather a brisk launch from about 1200 and then hard on the gas.  At around
2500 wheelspin is a problem and will usually continue until I let up or tire
smoke fills the interior (ventilation will suck in smoke from the RH wheel)
and I run out of rpm.  FWD is clearly not the best choice for a
semi-powerfull vehicle.  FWD, IMO does very well for the "average" driver
who would panic in an oversteer situation and stab the brakes making matters
worse while the same "knee-jerk" response would save their butt in an
understeer situation.  Chalk one up for FWD protecting folks from
themselves.  The bias on my GTI is to oversteer (thanks to sway-bars) and I
prefer the setup when I auto-x.  I won't comment on RWD as I've not had one
in my garage in some 15 years.  

I don't have to deal with snow and ice in houston (well, except maybe once
or twice a year for a day or so) but I do deal with wet slimy roads quite
often and getting underway at anything more than a snails pace on the stuff
the pass off as pavement sucks.  Not to mention limiting my ability to get
out of the way of some bozo who has lost control and is heading my direction
(BTDT).  My decision to test drive a Q was simply a matter of solving my FWD
wheelspin probems caused by my heavy right foot, my additction forward
thrust and very few RWD options.   I'm happy to say the Q was much more than
I expected.



________________________________
Don Pavlik -- vwnut@neosoft.com
http://www.neosoft.com/~vwnut (The VW Zone)
'95 Golf GTI-VR6 
On a Quest for a Quattro...