RE: 325ix vs. Quattro

[Mark Nelson <mnelson@brls.com>]

Mike-

If the BMW AWD idea was a better design than the Audi, then why didn't
they keep making it??

As far as I'm concerned, I still think that Porsche has the best AWD
designs, most notably in the 959.  What other manufacturer has taken a
COMPLETELY stock AWD car (i.e. the Porsche Turbo/Carrera 4) and gone out
and been competitive in SCCA Pro Rally, won Pikes Peak, won the
Paris-Dakar Rally, the Pharonen Rally, etc.?

Personally, from looking at several 325ix's and seeing the problems of
those cars, I strongly disagree that the design is better than the
Quattro system.  The fact is on the Quattro rally cars, the entire
drivetrain was custom made, and as you mentioned had a manual bias setup
for transferring power from one end of the car to the other, not unlike
that of the 959.  I have seen less failures on Quattros, relating to the
drivetrain, than I have seen on 325ix's, and the area where I live has
more Quattros and 325ix's per capita, than any other place in the
country!

Another thing to remember on the Subarus that McRae and Erikkson run as
well as the Mitsubishi that Tommi Makinen runs, is that those cars have
a completely custom drivetrain as well.  I will guarantee that you will
not see the same drivetrain sitting in say a Subaru Legacy wagon.
Another interesting note pertaining to the Hyundai Tiburon that Paul
Choinere runs(built by John Buffum), is that the car is running a
complete Mitsubishi drivetrain, the same drivetrain as in the factory
Mistubishi cars that run the WRC.

My .02.

Best Regards,

Mark Nelson
================================================================
mnelson@brls.com
Borealis Technology Corp.
SQA Engineer
   http://www.brls.com

1990 Audi "S2" Quattro (Building for SCCA Pro Rally)

Past Audis: 1987 5000CSTQ, 1987 5000CSTQW
================================================================

>
>>Hi Mark.
>>
>>I have personally didagree with inferority of design on BMW transfer 
>>case.
>>It allows to have the engine closer to the firewall and not in front of 
>>front axles. Escort Cosworth has same layout for much better weight 
>>destribution. As for absence of dif locks it is inconvenient only when 
>>you get stuck. For spirited driving visco in the center and LSD front and 
>>rear is better than what Audi has ,which if I am not mistaking is open 
>>everything or one Torsen and two open ones. For rally last Audi setup was 
>>LSD front and rear and fixed split center which can be adjusted from 
>>50/50 to 30/70 but not while you are driving. Of corse BMW setup may not 
>>be as well constructed and I know that it not as durable because I heard 
>>of many Visco falures but they do have a point and they are closer in 
>>theory than modern Subru WRX and MITSU EVO3 & EVO4 both of which are far 
>>superior to any AUDI. However this is another story. I do not believe in 
>>brand loyalty. I do agree that for daily driving Audi is more practical.
>>   Mike
>