Haldex vs. Torsen, and A6 vs S4

[Fringe Ryder <fringe@fringeweb.com>]

My leased 2.8L A4Q stick goes back in eight months.  I want another Audi,
and even put $1K deposit on an S4 back in December.  But now I'm having
second thoughts.  My single biggest problem is being in the U.S., where the
cars are relatively affordable but options are slim.  But here's what I'm
thinking....


1: I'm not convinced a Haldex centre diff is a good idea; operationally it
sounds like the effect will be just like a viscous diff in that it is FWD
until it has slipped some (45° for the Haldex) before locking up and
jolting forward. 

2: I definitely prefer 6 pots over 4.  No four-cylinder engine will win my
heart.

3: I also insist on a standard (stick) tranny.

4: And quattro.

5: Oh yeah, and speed.

The TT looks great, but the engine and Haldex have me put off.  It's like
an Audi roadster done by Honda. 

The S4 looks great, but it's not here, and supposedly will be much weaker
by the time it hits.

The A6 is supposed to get some firepower in a pair of V8s soon, but they're
unannounced for the states (aren't they), and the A6 is not currently
available here with a stick.  And I HATE the rear end of that car.  Ugh.  

So what do I do?  Will the A6 get more power and a stick, or will the S4 be
the sportiest stateside Audi?  Is Haldex less evil than it seems?  Can the
TT overcome the functional sacrifices made to be true to form?  

Please, input!!!!