Quattro vs Volvo V70 AWD

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <3.0.3.32.19970918090152.00be32e0@pop-lex> Mark.Granoff@Software.com (Mark Granoff) writes:

> I was intrigued to see that Volvo has introduced an AWD system for their
> V70 wagon. Its a viscious fluid-based system, distributing 95% of the power
> to the front wheel under normal situations (much like Suburu). Check out
> www.volvocars.com for more info.

I gave a V70 driver a ride in the MB last week.  It was wet, so I couldn't 
really get the lateral 'G' up as high as I like to, on these occasions.  

Nevertheless - he found the experience, um, devastating?

> One thing mentioned specifically on their web pages (almost as an "oh by
> the way" type of thing) was that their AWD also worked in reverse. I never
> gave it much thought, but does Quattro work when in reverse? (Apologies if
> this is a silly question).

Yes - I'm afraid it's a _very_ silly question.

It does amaze me that people are prepared to make _HUGE_ financial commitments 
(the second largest most people ever make) on the basis of incomplete 
knowledge, a situation that can be corrected by a few days' study.
 
There are almost as many implementations of transferring (at least some) power 
to all four wheels as there are car manufacturers.  They're all different - 
some are part-time, some only in low ratios, some only when the windshield 
wipers are switched on, etc.  And yes, there are some system that only work in 
forward gears, hard though it is to believe.

If you're spending _this_ much money (1/3rd the price of a house - 100 times 
the price of a still camera and maybe 20 times the price of a video camera) you 
really should know _EXACTLY_ what you're buying.

What is this hang-up?  Is it 'nerdy' to get into the details?

-- 
 Phil Payne
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club