[torsen] Newbie needs advice re AWD differentials

[John Shost]

The amount of torque transfer on Torsen systems is design dependent. Static torque split (front / rear) is usually close to the cars weight distribution, although some sport models are given a rear bias to make things more interesting to enthusiastic drivers. Designers restrict the amount of transferable torque because higher transfer diffs have greater drag (lower fuel economy). The Haldex system does not use a front/rear diff, it has a clutch. The amount of torque (front/rear) is dependent on road surface traction (unlike the design limit of Torsen). If there is no traction in the front then all torque that is transmitted to the ground goes through the rear wheels (100% minus viscous losses of slipping front wheels). The side-to-side differentials are open. The brake controller adds resistance to slipping wheels so that the other side can transmit tractive force. If you’re doing trails work then you’ll probably want lockable diffs.




 --- On Tue 03/30, Stephan C. Stille < stillesc at yahoo.com > wrote:
From: Stephan C. Stille [mailto: stillesc at yahoo.com]
To: torsen at audifans.com
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 11:50:46 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [torsen] Newbie needs advice re AWD differentials

>From my rudimentary knowledge of the available differentials within the VAG, I would like some advice as to what might be the best fit for me.<br> <br>>From what I understand, Torsen is a permanent 50/50 split of power allocation, unless circumstances demand more torque to one axle or the other...<br> <br>The Haldex is basically a permanent FWD, unless circumstances demand more torque to one axle or the other...<br> <br>My intended use:  mostly mountainous asphalted curves, and lots of highway driving, some trails.<br> <br>My concern is the wear of the permanent Torsen vs the Haldex (situational wear).<br> <br>I am looking to purchase either a used quattro IV Torsen (A4 or A6 95-98) or a new Haldex (Skoda 4x4).<br> <br>Any advice would be appreciated.<br>Thanks,  Stephan<br><br><br>---------------------------------<br>Do you Yahoo!?<br>Yahoo! Finance Tax Center - File online. File on time.<br>_______________________________________________<br>torsen mailing list<br>torsen at audifans.com<br>http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/torsen<br>

_______________________________________________
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!