Awd, X, 4matic, 4motion....

[Alx]

Im not sure if this was discussed prior, but i was always curious who makes the better AWD system? I always felt Audi did, but i started believing it was BMW after driving a X 3'er.

This is all in regards too cars not SUV's.

What distinguishes a better system? Who has the better system, if there is one? Lambo, VW, BMW, MB, Audi, Subaru, Nissan, Porsche... etc....

There are so many versions and each i think does the same....

Anyone have any ideas on which performs and does the job best.

I do understand some systems are for road/track handling as others are for snow and rain. Sentiments guys?

[BMW_Dude]

Audi are, I don't know if anyone has the video, but there was one posted on GCF ages ago, and it was of different cars driving up a ski slope, and the Audi didn't get stuck, while the BMWs and MBs, didn't get far at all!

[Alx]

would be nice to see, perhaps Yanni's might have that, but other than that what makes their systems better and is it overall a better handling system as well?

[Maserati]

I have always wondered .. does Audi build their own 4WD system or it is another companies technology and they enhance it ... coz i dunno where i've read this .. the new Q7 uses BorgWarner 4WD system (maybe a thread by Yannis in GCA.com) .. what does that mean ? anybody ?

is BorgWarner another specialized company or it is just a technique in 4WD systems .. can some1 clarify this ?

[Just_me]

I dont know which is best but my guess is Audi and Subaru. They've been making AWD for a long time. Nothing wrong with X-drive, probably works great too but I think Audi's system has a edge.


BTW. I posted that movie once but dont remember where I found it

[Snake Vargas]

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.

[BMW_Dude]

Am I right in saying the Haldex system, is used on the golfs with 4 motion?

[Snake Vargas]

Yeah, somehow coincidentally I am reading a review of the Golf GTI that mentions that the R32 uses a Haldex system. I suppose the 4Motion Golfs use the same.

[Just_me]

Porsche are going to use it and Volvo already use Haldex as well

More cars:
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

[Alx]

So is VAG and Haldex the most popualr or best of the AWD systems? Lambo bieng Audi, i wonder if they use VAG?