Passat 4Motion - Any good?
Discussion
BillyWhiz said:
I've heard that on some cars where it is used you can start sliding before the 4WD system kicks in, which doesn't sound too good.
Ish. The original Haldex systems relied more on wheel slip, whereas the newer systems use more other factors to work out what needs to go where and as such the newer cars can engage the rear wheel drive much faster.If it's anything like my Golf, for the most part it won't need to kick in. The big heavy engine sat over the fronts wheels gives it all the grip it needs.
However, I live on top of a hill on the North Downs, and last week I couldn't have got home without the four wheel drive. My neighbours had to leave their car at the bottom of the road for three days.
If you pull away at a junction in the wet with quite a few revs then you'll feel the car hunker down (well, with the soft suspension I have anyway) as it transfers drive.
Going round a corner fast will lead to just lead to understeer like any normal FWD car, but you'll pull out of the corner quicker and with more confidence.
To be honest, my car doesn't have the power to really warrant it in the dry, but the R32 and Passat have quite a bit more power. See if you can find one to test.
However, I live on top of a hill on the North Downs, and last week I couldn't have got home without the four wheel drive. My neighbours had to leave their car at the bottom of the road for three days.
If you pull away at a junction in the wet with quite a few revs then you'll feel the car hunker down (well, with the soft suspension I have anyway) as it transfers drive.
Going round a corner fast will lead to just lead to understeer like any normal FWD car, but you'll pull out of the corner quicker and with more confidence.
To be honest, my car doesn't have the power to really warrant it in the dry, but the R32 and Passat have quite a bit more power. See if you can find one to test.
Thanks everyone.
I'm considering going back in the company car scheme, and given that it will be a third car it needs to be as cheap as possible. Anything with 4x4 and SUV next to its name gets you clobbered with high tax and lease costs. Whereas the Passat 4Motion is pretty cheap, so is attractive!
on the other hand i could replace my old A8 with a newer one or maybe an R32. There's a thought.....
cheers
I'm considering going back in the company car scheme, and given that it will be a third car it needs to be as cheap as possible. Anything with 4x4 and SUV next to its name gets you clobbered with high tax and lease costs. Whereas the Passat 4Motion is pretty cheap, so is attractive!
on the other hand i could replace my old A8 with a newer one or maybe an R32. There's a thought.....
cheers
Hi
I have had a passat V6 synchro and a W8 both with the same 4 wheel drive system, which is identical to that on the Audi and not the same as the haldex system on the golf R32 etc.
I have driven about 150000 miles on them between these two cars and think the system is excellent. great wet weather grip and traction for any acceleration these cars have. i changed the dampers on the V6 as they were too soft but they are excellent on the W8 which actually rides better and handles much nicer. Not driven the Diesels which are more common with the 4wd option.
In short i would wholeheartedley recomend it!
Paul
I have had a passat V6 synchro and a W8 both with the same 4 wheel drive system, which is identical to that on the Audi and not the same as the haldex system on the golf R32 etc.
I have driven about 150000 miles on them between these two cars and think the system is excellent. great wet weather grip and traction for any acceleration these cars have. i changed the dampers on the V6 as they were too soft but they are excellent on the W8 which actually rides better and handles much nicer. Not driven the Diesels which are more common with the 4wd option.
In short i would wholeheartedley recomend it!
Paul
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