Quattro

W

Wifeb4Life

Guest

• Aug 22, 2016

• #1

Quite a simple one, is Quattro (probably specifically in the A7) in the UK, 4WD or AWD? and what exactly is the difference?

It's the first time I've looked into Quattro and i've read conflicting information.


Thanks
Michael

 

RAF_S7

Well-Known Member

Gold Supporter

Joined

Mar 12, 2010

Messages

2,359

Reaction score

1,296

Points

113

Location

Hampshire UK

• Aug 23, 2016

• #2

At its most simple, 4WD is switchable between 2&4WD, either using clever electronics or a mechanical selector mechanism.
AWD does as its name suggests, all 4 corners receive power continuously. Clever electronics (mechanically in early vehicles) then measure a number of different factors, and can vairy that power in different measures to each corner, so if one wheel is slipping, it can switch the power to which ever wheel(s) have the most traction.

Audi Quattro = AWD.

At least that's my interpretation

 

W

Wifeb4Life

Guest

• Aug 23, 2016

• #3

RAF_S7 said:

At its most simple, 4WD is switchable between 2&4WD, either using clever electronics or a mechanical selector mechanism.
AWD does as its name suggests, all 4 corners receive power continuously. Clever electronics (mechanically in early vehicles) then measure a number of different factors, and can vairy that power in different measures to each corner, so if one wheel is slipping, it can switch the power to which ever wheel(s) have the most traction.

Audi Quattro = AWD.

At least that's my interpretation

Click to expand...

Thanks that really helps, what I thought was strange was when I put my foot down in the test A7 bitdi Quattro I tested, it felt like a RWD push rather than a FWD pull is that normal for Quattro acceleration with it sending power evenly?

Thanks

 

RAF_S7

Well-Known Member

Gold Supporter

Joined

Mar 12, 2010

Messages

2,359

Reaction score

1,296

Points

113

Location

Hampshire UK

• Aug 23, 2016

• #4

Ah, so thats a slightly different question...

While all wheels are driven in a Quattro, they are not all equally driven (i.e. 25% of available power to every wheel)

There is a front to rear split on the power. I believe (dont quote me, l think it varies between models and quattro setup) its 60:40 in favour of the rear under normal driving conditions, but completely variable if any slippage is detected.

If you put you foot down and the system detects less traction on the front, then that ratio will vary according to conditions.

Hope that makes sense!

Im sure there are more quattro experts out there who can explIn it better than l can

 

W

Wifeb4Life

Guest

• Aug 24, 2016

• #5

Well thanks, your the only one to help so far and answered alot, lets see if anyone else comes along.

 

RAF_S7

Well-Known Member

Gold Supporter

Joined

Mar 12, 2010

Messages

2,359

Reaction score

1,296

Points

113

Location

Hampshire UK

• Aug 24, 2016

• #6

Unfortunately the A7/S7/RS7 section is very quiet, mainly as the cars are few and far between.

Keep an eye on the A6/S6/RS6 C7 section. Thats usually busier, and the mechanical are pretty much identical to the A7

 

shamus_mcd

A7 Quattro

Joined

Jan 23, 2011

Messages

29

Reaction score

3

Points

3

Location

Lanarkshire

• Oct 16, 2016

• #7

Yep Quattro is AWD with 40% front 60% rear which can make the car kick out but get pulled back into line with the front pulling.
Not sure if power changes front to rear except in RS models or if it just cut power to the wheel which is spinning?

 

Statler

Old enough to know better

Joined

Mar 31, 2014

Messages

514

Reaction score

392

Points

63

Location

Northern Ireland

• Oct 26, 2016

• #8

I do notice a difference from the A5 Quattro to the A7 FWD.
It A5 just hunkered down and got on with it, no drama, no squealing. I liked Quattro.

I've done a couple of acceleration tests and our A7 struggles to put the power down, despite it only being 210hp. A fair bit of complaining from the front tyres until the nanny kicks in, then it's back on track. Haven't pushed it in the corners due to not wanting to find out what is on the other side of the hedge

 

P_G

Registered User

Joined

Oct 22, 2012

Messages

389

Reaction score

97

Points

28

Location

NULL

• Oct 30, 2016

• #9

Audi use two main types or 4WD which they badge as Quattro, Haldex and Torsen. Haldex is electronically controlled and puts most of it power FWD unless their is slippage and then shifts power to the rear. Torsen is permanent 4WD or otherwise known as AWD. Can't say I've had any traction problems as yet with the RS7, it just goes! Going to try out with ESC off in the next few weeks and some launches just to see how rapid it is.

 

desertstorm

Moderator

Staff member

Moderator

VCDS Map User

Joined

Nov 21, 2013

Messages

7,839

Reaction score

4,010

Points

113

Location

Heath Hayes

• Oct 30, 2016

• #10

Any car with a longitudinal engine install is Quattro with a torsen diff setup. So pretty much all the larger cars A4 ,A5,A6,A7 ,A8 are all quattro full time 4WD. Cars that have transverse engine installs use the Haldex system.
Torque split with the Torsen used to be 50:50 upto the B7 RS4 which changed to 60:40 to give a better driving experience with a slightly rearward torque bias. The B8 A4 A5 quattro cars took this 60:40 split on as I believe have all the newer models.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quattro_(four-wheel-drive_system)#The_Torsen_type_.22C.22_.28T3.29

Word of warning if attempting to try launch control in an RS7. Tip the head rest forward a bit or rest your head back. I felt like I had whiplash as a passenger in an S8 when it did a launch control start.