markm3006
Registered User
Can someone explain the difference between the A3 & A4 types of Quattro 4WD systems
Is the Torsen better than Haldex etc etc
Is the Torsen better than Haldex etc etc
Torsen is not "better" than haldex.. At least not the last two generations of it anyway.. They are different systems with drawbacks to both.. If haldex was no good it wouldn't be on cars like the Veyron and Lamborghini aventador.. The new version does not wait for wheels to slip- it is preemptive.Torsen is better but only found on A4/5/6/7/8, Q/5/7, R8 and maybe Q3?
From my knowledge, Haldex is actually a clutch which engages the rear wheels when the front looses grip where as the torsen is permanent 4wd.
Someone with better (and probably right!) knowledge of the systems will be along shortly
Nicely put....both have their good and bad points,and neither is perfect,but if you want more than a maximum 50/50 split,you need something other than the Haldex,whereas the Haldex can in some cases be more user-friendly,and need not be permanently engaged.Torsen is not "better" than haldex.. At least not the last two generations of it anyway.. They are different systems with drawbacks to both.. If haldex was no good it wouldn't be on cars like the Veyron and Lamborghini aventador.. The new version does not wait for wheels to slip- it is preemptive.
id rather have a mechanical system that doesnt/cant wear out.
you dont see any 4wd/4x4 related threads in the a4/6 sections saying its lost drive to the rear or locked up and dragging a back wheel round corners.
torsen just works.
They both work,in different ways.
The stock Haldex though is way too slow,and biassed towards FWD,so what you need is the race controller,which removes all of that,and allows you to use it in stock,sport,and race modes,with the latter remaining engaged under braking as well,and also preloads the diff much quicker.
Totally different feel from the stock mode.
Oh,and mechanical diffs can wear out......all of them require maintenance,and if you try,breaking a diff,electronic or mechanical,it doesn't matter.
The Haldex on mine has dealt very well with 440-500+bhp,so i would say it's as robust as any mechanical diff I've used.
That I don't know.....I've never really been into drag runs for my cars,but I do enjoy the performance when it's moving.Bit of a thread hijack but Alex is your S3 one of the quickest in the uk? Sounds awesome...
The stock Haldex though is way too slow,and biassed towards FWD,so what you need is the race controller,which removes all of that,and allows you to use it in stock,sport,and race modes,with the latter remaining engaged under braking as well,and also preloads the diff much quicker.
Totally different feel from the stock mode.
It does when you use the launch control on the DSGThing I noticed with my 2009 A3 Quattro is, when taking off with normal traffic acceleration from standstill the back of the car does not 'squat down' like FWD only cars.