Re: quattro vs. Syncro??

[J4KQ4me@aol.com]

I own an 4KQ, and a good friend owns a 1986 VW Quantum synchro.  Having been
under both cars, and studying different aspects of their design, I can attest
that the main difference is in the rear suspension system. The Syncro uses a
much more space-friendly semi trailing arm setup than the Q's struts and A
arms. This was important as the syncros were sold as Wagons here, and the
necessary strut towers would ahve ate much cargo space. Having driven both
cars back to back, the Audi seems to have a much better attitude toward being
driven hard. Curiously though, the Syncro is equipped with a rear sway bar set
up, whereas the 4000 sedan is not. As for the rest of the car, they are
mechanically identical from the transmission back. The Syncros use the older
style push-pull type differential lock setup, vs the newer rotary knob in the
Q. The engine is the same 115 hp unit in both cars.
   Then there is the Syncro vanagon, with it's old-school Porsche 914 style
getrag down and to the left first gear transmission. But Vanagon people are in
their own world anyway. (Just kidding!)  The Vanagon Syncro is a true delight
in the foul weather. What isn't delightful is 3500 pounds of VW being pushed
by a wheezing headgasket blowing pushrod flat four that makes 90 horsepower.
Better keep a spare long block.
 -jon.