Quattro vs Volvo V70 AWD

[Fringe Ryder <fringe@ai.net>]

Subaru has two systems currently, neither of which is just like the Volvo. 

Their automatics come with a computer-controlled planetary-gear center
differential.  Very nice, very smooth, has the same effect as the Torsen
differential of sending power more to where it's needed and otherwise being
50-50.  It's only on their automatics because it's computer controlled.
Torsen is, of course, mechanical and therefore in theory smoother, but I
don't notice any difference although I prefer the more lively feeling of
the Audi responsiveness.  (We have both, but the Audi has a stick and a
bigger engine, so a direct comparison is hard.)

The Subaru sticks are currently 50-50 until slippage, at which point the
viscous locks to exactly 50-50.

Mark Granoff wrote:
>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.
>