mrbobyu

Hey,

If anyone could give me some input or some information which one would perform better during the winter in montreal. Both will get winter tires. Also if you have any experience with those cars during winter time.

From my perspective the Audi S4 will do much better in Winter. Thanks

Bob

cheeba

MKI TT is Haldex I, and the MKII TT is Haldex II; all current S4s are Torsen IV. The following information applies to the Haldex I and the Torsen IV systems.

Haldex is an electronically controlled system, and Torsen is mechanical. Haldex is 90F/10R torque split, with a 50F/50R maximum split (highest percent of torque that can be sent to the rear); Torsen is 50F/50R, but can transfer 75% of available torque to either end. For some reason, most of the internet believes that Haldex is FWD, and does not send power to the rear until the fronts are slipping; but, I have spoken with actual Engineers at Haldex, and what I stated above is correct. The Haldex system is fairly well designed, and can 'predict' situations where additional rear drive is needed, e.g., when mashing the accelerator, the system will send torque maximum torque to the rear without there being any actual slip. It also keeps the fluid pump pre-charged, so that it can react very quickly when slip does occur (1/7 of a tire revolution).

There are very few drivers that would be able to even differentiate the driving feel between the two systems, let alone require the additional torque distribution of the Torsen system. Tires will make a much more significant difference than switching between Haldex or Torsen would. In fact, I'd rather drive a FWD car with studded Winters than an AWD car with All-seasons. Would I rather have Torsen? Yup, it is an inherently stronger system, and has higher torque splitting. Does it really matter? Nope. And I drive very aggressively...I break traction pretty much every time I drive my car

The TT is an inherently better handling car due to lower weight, shorter wheel base, and lower centre of gravity, all of which come into play when a car is breaking traction. The interior also heats up very quickly due to its small volume. Of course, the S4 has a back seat that can fit people that weigh more than 75lbs

Bottom line: Buy what you want, and spend the most money that you can on Winter and Summer tires – they're what really make the difference.

mrbobyu

Thank you for the reply. Mainly the problem in Montreal, Quebec is the accumulation of snow. So basically if the car is too low, the car will get stuck easier inside the snow. But I really like the TT but the weight is lower as well so in winter it will be a pain driving it. I don't know if anyone have driven a TT car during winter time at Montreal.

Thanks again for the reply, it just prove audi have great engineering behind the wheels .

joeporto

cheeba, interesting, never read about these two systems before.


bob, i drive around all winter slammed maybe 3inches off ground and yet never really considered it will happen.
your decision should be based on practicability, daily use, gas consumption.

cheeba

I looked up Montreal's average annual snowfall - Wow! Although, clearance is really only ever a problem the one or two times a year that it dumps a foot over night, and the roads aren't cleared by morning.

Lower weight is better for handling and stopping. It really only affects traction in the form of mass per unit area that you're putting on the ground; but, you can counter that by installing the narrowest tires that you can put on whatever wheels you're running. Either way, a few hundred pounds won't matter much for any of the above.

joeporto

it all really depends if he drives more in urban areas or back country. the stock hight of the tt vs s4 is nearly the same, like you stated, the only difference is weight. a slimmer tire is more of a modification imo. if hes more of a city driver he wont need a fat wall and i think he'll opt for performance.

the choice is yours, those are two very different cars. it all depends on which you feel more comfortable driving in. considering the excellent plowing service in montreal i dont think making a choice over 2-3 dumps a year is really a factor you should be taking in notice. or take a look at the Q5-7.

Steff_S4

I am driving a B7 S4 in Montreal and it is a perfect car for winter. I have a winter wheel set in 17 inches (jsut enough to clear the brakes) with Yokohama winter tires and it is absolutely better than the ML 350 I was driving before.
Regarding the TT I will be able to give you feedback in a couple of month as I am buying a 2004 MK1 for my wife

mrbobyu

Oh thanks, it would be appreciated to have some feedback from a real driver than some reviews. Congratz on your future buy .

sakimano

what S4 are you looking at?

mrbobyu

probably 2012 model with turbocharged.