I have read the F.A.Q but would really like a very simple short description of the difference between Quattro and the SUVs. Can anyone help?

"Road & Track" had a good description about 10 years ago in an article they had. In regards to to the Sube vs. Audi differences, as far as I know the Sube is largely set up to put about 95% power to the front wheels; only when these start slipping is power sent to the rears. I think they cannot go beyond a 50/50 power split.<p>The Audi iss set up, to my knowledge to, give a 50/50 split under normal conditions; if front or rear starts slipping, will redisitribute power to front or rear wheels that still have grip, up to a limit of 95/5 or 5/95 to front and rear. Audi useds a mechanical power converter (Torqsens?) to redisitribute this power. Think that the viscous coupling on the Mitsubishis accomplish the same thing with a fluid torque transfer case.<p>Which is best? Personally, think either the Mitsu or Audi is Superior over the Sube.

Subarus with manual transmissions start at 50/50 and go from there. Subarus with automatics start 90/10 or thereabouts and adjust from there. I believe the manuals are entirely mechanical (viscous) and the autos are electonically controlled via the transmission. I had an Outback auto (replaced by an A4 1.8T) and have a manual Impreza RS. I definitely prefer the 50/50 split.

Most SUVs are manually switched into and out of 4WD. So quattro is always on, which helps in those unexpected situations. SUVs with 4WD tend to not have a differential between the left and right side, so you should not be driving in 4WD mode unless the tires have slippage, or you will damage the tires and axis.<p>The difference between quattro and Subaru or any full-time 4WD systems (like the Mercedes M-class, or Ford's top-of-the-line system, or the new Jeep system), I can't help you with...