Subaru 4x4 system same as Audi ?

[phib]

As per topic is the 4x4 system the same in say the impreza (2003), outback and say a 2006 a4 or a6 ?

Ie same level of grip

Thanks
Phib

[VR46]

Same level of traction yes.

[lexusboy]

As far as I know the Quattro system isn't a conventional 4WD system. It will only engage the rear diff when it senses the wheels starting to slip.

If its different on the high power S and RS models I don't know.

The Subaru is a more conventional system.

But don't take my word as gospel lol

[300bhp/ton]

phib said:

As per topic is the 4x4 system the same in say the impreza (2003), outback and say a 2006 a4 or a6 ?

Ie same level of grip

Thanks
Phib

Try Google and have a read up on this. There are many different types of AWD system and even different subsets. It's also about traction, not grip.

[300bhp/ton]

VR46 said:

Same level of traction yes.

No. And that's exactly the point

[CraigyMc]

doogz said:

lexusboy said:

As far as I know the Quattro system isn't a conventional 4WD system. It will only engage the rear diff when it senses the wheels starting to slip.

If its different on the high power S and RS models I don't know.

The Subaru is a more conventional system.

But don't take my word as gospel lol

You're describing the system fitted to the A3/Golf/stuff like that. With the engine mounted transversely. The larger cars, A4 and upwards, use a more conventional longitudinal engine/full time 4WD set up.

The non-permanent 4wd systems are haldex couplings (electronic couplings). That covers off the small cars, mostly those with transverse engine installations as doogz says.

The permanent 4wd setup (mostly) uses a torsen diff in the centre of the car's transmission (this is what you're calling permanent 4wd). There are exceptions. The Q7/Touareg/Cayenne uses something else.

The original Audi (ur-)quattro had a torsen diff, so the popular belief is that this is what quattro means; but these days it is a marketing term pure and simple: Audi slap that badge on anything with 4wd irrespective of the actual drivetrain setup.

C