stevie.s

Has anyone tried both? I have had A4 Quattros for the last 8 years...and I like the A3 as my next car.

The quattro is an awesome feature, but curious to hear others out there on the FWD versions.

Thoughts?
S.

FourCircle

I have a 2012 A3 FWD version because the Quattro System isn't available on TDI.

I also had drive an A4 Quattro. As for me, this is the best AWD system, any automotive brand combined. Nothing beats the Audi Quattro system, except perhaps the Subaru system, but without the German's driving experience.

The traction control system (ASR) and electronic stability system (ESP) works well in snow and ice. Driving is safe, but it's far from the Quattro.

The best for you is to go for a test drive when it snows (winter bad condition driving).

I really wanted a diesel engine (TDI). If the Quattro system had been available, I certainly paid the option without looking for the price.

Enjoy,

FourCircle

everfresh

Just remember that the A3 Quattro is running a Haldex system and not the same Quattro your thinking. Haldex allows the rears wheels to engage when the front wheels begin to slip, so it's technically not the same system your accustomed to.

I drive FWD, but would take a Quattro in a heartbeat!

FourCircle

Very interesting. I would bet it was the same system. After some instructive reading, I must admit that Everfresh is right.

Audi Quattro Haldex ® (A3, S3, Golf 4Motion) ---> ON REQUEST ALL WHEEL DRIVE
Quattro Haldex type, this system uses a hydraulic clutch with an electronically controlled pump. The control unit changes continuously, the fluid passage and therefore carry the driving force on the front or the rear. The distribution percentage can vary from 97/3 to 3/97. Haldex is the preventive said: his brain modulates the flow of oil in the differential actions depending on the accelerator, steering wheel, box, mass transfer, etc. ... This anticipatory aspect of the system may appear safer common use.

Audi Quattro Torsen ® (A4, A5, A6 ...) ---> FULL-TIME ALL WHEEL DRIVE
Torsen quattro, this system uses a mechanical principle: a differential screw by a factor blocking pre-established: 1:3, 5 at Audi. In practice, this translates into a distribution ranging from 25/75 to 75/25. The Torsen (Torque Sensing for or "torque sensor") reacts, by definition, the constraints: the train is the most resistant, so the more adherent, which supports the most powerful engine. Ecueil induced: the system is called reactive, since they depend on the level of adhesion of the four wheels.

FourCircle

The Haldex system seems (on paper) more efficient, gives better fuel economy and, because the torque is shared continuously, should give a better traction ?

- Has anyone ever compared the two systems in a road test?

4Circle

A-teck

BTW, Haldex is installed in A3's simply because of lack of space. Torsen type would just not fit.
Some interesting info about Haldex replacement:

http://hpamotorsports.com/haldex.htm

Liam15

I have an A3 2.0 TDI FWD......my only regrets with buying this car is.....it wasnt the quattro!

If i was to buy another Audi, I would definitely go for a quattro

Stevelev

Aside from the weight benefits of FWD, Quattro rules. Haldex is smaller and lighter and thus is found in the A3's and TT's. Some B7's and all B8's have rear biased torsen systems whereas it was 50/50 for the earlier models. Frankly, I've had B5, B6 A4 and as well as a B7 S4 Avant and my RS4 was the best "winter beater" ever ! My TTS w/ OEM haldex did not feel like an FWD at all except perhaps starting off or rounding a corner when there was the initial tire slip in the snow. With HPA's haldex it has improved considerably in the slippery stuff and feels far more like the torsen system ...

eleeq

I drive an A3 Quattro and got a FWD A3 as a loaner once. You definitely feel the difference. It is not as planted and you get significant torque steer. I believe as optioned right now the Quattro comes with the S-Line package which will firm-up your suspension and the steering, as well.

JSC

I've also driven both and found that it was too easy to spin the wheels starting off in the FWD A3. The FWD also slid around a little more on snowy/icy roads, but the one I drove had all-seasons and my quattro has winters, so that's not a very fair comparison.