Quattro Distribution Ratio
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Quattro Distribution Ratio
depends on what model quattro you have (Torsen, Haldex, etc)
The Early A4 (up to 1998.5) has a true Torsen system which has power going equally 50/50 to the wheels all the time in no-slip conditions. This is generally considered the best by most Audi enthusiasts who understand what quattro does for the driver. This system is "HEAVY" and contributes to most of the A4 quattro's excessive weight.
The 1999 A4 and up have a newer design of Torsen with built in electronic stabilization (ESP). This can be helpful in raining conditions, but otherwise it makes it hard for a driver to get to know his car, since the car "thinks" for him. It becomes hard to anticipate how the car is going to react to any given situation. Everyone I know with it turns it off as soon as they sit in the car.
The TT has a newer Haldex system which uses limited slip coupling and its ratios are fully programmable - it can change torque ratios to the wheels according to surface conditions, wheel slip, etc. Its is a more compact system than Torsen and is lighter.
All in all, Torsen is slowly falling out of favor because Haldex can be used in more applications. The one thing Torsen has going for it is that it is instantaneous when it engages, whereas the Haldex and ESP have some "road recognition" time - it has to have traction loss before it engages.<edited><editID>brrman</editID><editDate>37950.5006828704</editDate></edited>
The Early A4 (up to 1998.5) has a true Torsen system which has power going equally 50/50 to the wheels all the time in no-slip conditions. This is generally considered the best by most Audi enthusiasts who understand what quattro does for the driver. This system is "HEAVY" and contributes to most of the A4 quattro's excessive weight.
The 1999 A4 and up have a newer design of Torsen with built in electronic stabilization (ESP). This can be helpful in raining conditions, but otherwise it makes it hard for a driver to get to know his car, since the car "thinks" for him. It becomes hard to anticipate how the car is going to react to any given situation. Everyone I know with it turns it off as soon as they sit in the car.
The TT has a newer Haldex system which uses limited slip coupling and its ratios are fully programmable - it can change torque ratios to the wheels according to surface conditions, wheel slip, etc. Its is a more compact system than Torsen and is lighter.
All in all, Torsen is slowly falling out of favor because Haldex can be used in more applications. The one thing Torsen has going for it is that it is instantaneous when it engages, whereas the Haldex and ESP have some "road recognition" time - it has to have traction loss before it engages.<edited><editID>brrman</editID><editDate>37950.5006828704</editDate></edited>
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 413
From: United States
Quattro Distribution Ratio
Originally Posted by brrman
depends on what model quattro you have (Torsen, Haldex, etc)
The Early A4 (up to 1998.5) has a true Torsen system which has power going equally 50/50 to the wheels all the time in no-slip conditions. This is generally considered the best by most Audi enthusiasts who understand what quattro does for the driver. This system is "HEAVY" and contributes to most of the A4 quattro's excessive weight.
The 1999 A4 and up have a newer design of Torsen with built in electronic stabilization (ESP). This can be helpful in raining conditions, but otherwise it makes it hard for a driver to get to know his car, since the car "thinks" for him. It becomes hard to anticipate how the car is going to react to any given situation. Everyone I know with it turns it off as soon as they sit in the car.
The TT has a newer Haldex system which uses limited slip coupling and its ratios are fully programmable - it can change torque ratios to the wheels according to surface conditions, wheel slip, etc. Its is a more compact system than Torsen and is lighter.
All in all, Torsen is slowly falling out of favor because Haldex can be used in more applications. The one thing Torsen has going for it is that it is instantaneous when it engages, whereas the Haldex and ESP have some "road recognition" time - it has to have traction loss before it engages.
The Early A4 (up to 1998.5) has a true Torsen system which has power going equally 50/50 to the wheels all the time in no-slip conditions. This is generally considered the best by most Audi enthusiasts who understand what quattro does for the driver. This system is "HEAVY" and contributes to most of the A4 quattro's excessive weight.
The 1999 A4 and up have a newer design of Torsen with built in electronic stabilization (ESP). This can be helpful in raining conditions, but otherwise it makes it hard for a driver to get to know his car, since the car "thinks" for him. It becomes hard to anticipate how the car is going to react to any given situation. Everyone I know with it turns it off as soon as they sit in the car.
The TT has a newer Haldex system which uses limited slip coupling and its ratios are fully programmable - it can change torque ratios to the wheels according to surface conditions, wheel slip, etc. Its is a more compact system than Torsen and is lighter.
All in all, Torsen is slowly falling out of favor because Haldex can be used in more applications. The one thing Torsen has going for it is that it is instantaneous when it engages, whereas the Haldex and ESP have some "road recognition" time - it has to have traction loss before it engages.
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