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Snake Vargas · 09-30-2005, 12:36 PM

BorgWarner make all sorts of automotive (and probably other stuff) things, like Bosch and Delphi and others. BorgWarner also make transmissions and turbos, as far as I know, and likely more stuff.

The best people for this thread would probably have been Martinbo and Yannis - the people with most knowledge about Subaru and also VAG/Audi. Oh well.

Anyhow, not all 4WD systems are created equal. There's many different sorts of differentials and where they put them, as well as whether they're permanent 4WD systems or torque on demand (ie. wait for slippage to occur before reacting).

Some Audi/VAG systems are Torsen (they're an OEM 4WD system supplier, I believe). I'm not quite sure off the top of my head what's so good, but er, last I remember it's a good sort. Permanent 4WD with torque able to be sent forwards or backwards.

However, some are Haldex systems, I think.. which are usually primarily front drive, but upon slippage, can send torque to the rear wheels. I think they tend to be slower acting, reasonable for everyday driving, but not the best for performance applications, IIRC.

Otherwise.. there's other systems such as in SUVs (I know you said car based Alex) where there's only one open diff in the middle (ie. active at all times) and individual wheels use ABS type sensors to monitor slippage and brake at will, reducing that wheel's spin and torque to zero, hence 'sending' it elsewhere somewhat.. I think BMW's X-drive is one system, as well as MB's passenger car 4Matic (E-class) system. Ok for everyday driving in slippery conditions such as ice, but not ideal for performance applications.

Well, I'm sure I've made more than a few mistakes. I know a mishmash of things, but don't know where it all fits together.

09-30-2005, 12:36 PM	#6
Snake Vargas Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 1,201 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Awd, X, 4matic, 4motion.... BorgWarner make all sorts of automotive (and probably other stuff) things, like Bosch and Delphi and others. BorgWarner also make transmissions and turbos, as far as I know, and likely more stuff. The best people for this thread would probably have been Martinbo and Yannis - the people with most knowledge about Subaru and also VAG/Audi. Oh well. Anyhow, not all 4WD systems are created equal. There's many different sorts of differentials and where they put them, as well as whether they're permanent 4WD systems or torque on demand (ie. wait for slippage to occur before reacting). Some Audi/VAG systems are Torsen (they're an OEM 4WD system supplier, I believe). I'm not quite sure off the top of my head what's so good, but er, last I remember it's a good sort. Permanent 4WD with torque able to be sent forwards or backwards. However, some are Haldex systems, I think.. which are usually primarily front drive, but upon slippage, can send torque to the rear wheels. I think they tend to be slower acting, reasonable for everyday driving, but not the best for performance applications, IIRC. Otherwise.. there's other systems such as in SUVs (I know you said car based Alex) where there's only one open diff in the middle (ie. active at all times) and individual wheels use ABS type sensors to monitor slippage and brake at will, reducing that wheel's spin and torque to zero, hence 'sending' it elsewhere somewhat.. I think BMW's X-drive is one system, as well as MB's passenger car 4Matic (E-class) system. Ok for everyday driving in slippery conditions such as ice, but not ideal for performance applications. Well, I'm sure I've made more than a few mistakes. I know a mishmash of things, but don't know where it all fits together.