<br>i thought that all the diffs in the A4 were Torsen. If they were, u would not need to use abs to do EDL, the torsen would do this. <p>So must i conclude that only the center diff is torsen?<p>If so, i also thought that the 1996 did not have EDL. <p>1996 a4 2.8

The center differential is Torsen. The laterals are open with the EDL (actually diff braking). W/O the electonics, you would have a 2WD car at worst as the torsen would try to split torque between F and R axles where the torque would go to the wheel with the lower grip.<p>Using the EDL on an AWD allows for only very limited slippage, like a half of a second @ full throttle on slick, slippery pavement. It is a handful but fun, when controlable.<p>

"permanently engaged all-wheel drive system with Torsen center differential and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)" -- Straight from the brochure I picked up at the dealer at the time I bought my 98.5 1.8TQMS (Dec 98). This language appears to support your theory.

the following excerpt from Sydney Morning Herald review of A8, describing its drivetrain: "Between the V8 and each wheel is the quattro system, which uses a Torsen centre differential to distribute engine torque to each axle, varying the amount each receives by up to 66 percent... The Electronic Stability Program monitors each wheel's state of grip, and the overall stability of the car, correcting any wheelspin and front or rear end twitchiness by reducing engine torque and applying the brakes... Electronic differential locks use the ABS sensors to monitor and correct wheelspin below 40 km/h, while Electronic Brake Force Distribution varies braking pressure continuously at each wheel to maximise performance."<br>

<br>.

EOM

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I would've definitely bought the TDI. I also drive a '99 Jetta TDI that's great car and has gotten 60 mpg on a 400 miles road trip!

While vacationing in Italy this month and saw loads of Avants with the TDI engines. Interestingly, I saw more A4 Avants than sedans? I suppose this make some since when you consider that they're not SUV crazy. Another observation was that only about half of them were Quattro drive?

Tim

99.5 1.8T Avant QMS Santorin/Clay Cloth

In Europe gas is like ~4 times more expensive. No wonder people prefer low consumption diesels. Believe me, I owned a Rabbit D one while college, I could not have afforded a gas car.

Even with the recent spectacular advances in TDI technology diesels are: noisier, pollute more and weaker (except for low end torque) than gas. Some countries in Europe started to consider raising the price of diesel to reflect its higher and more harmful pollution characteristics.

I REALLY wish European governments realized that diesel is bad and adjust the astronomical taxes on gasoline accordingly. The whole hype and advancement of diesel technology is the outcome of the ridiculous taxation they have other there.

All that said the current diesel technology is noteworthy for the low consumption, but I think over 90% of people would drive gas cars if price was not a factor.

... and this year had an 2.0l Hdi (direct injection) one. Compared to last year's 2.1l turbo Diesel engine this new one feels like a gasoline one. Revs up 1000RPMs higher (red line beyond 5000RPMs), no black smoke under strain what so ever, killer torque, sounds almost like a gasoline one, 0 - 60 in about 10 secs and still great mileage - about 1/3 better than gas equivalent.
Plus (in theory) the diesel engines require less maintenance.
I'd take and Audi diesel anytime if available in the US!

My girlfriend has a Beetle TDI which I drove for several months until my A4 arrived. Its a great motor (very similar to A4 TDI). I have also ridden in an A4 TDI in Germany.

The motor is a little rougher at idle and under acceleration, but once you're up to speed, its smooth and quiet. And the gas mileage is great. In the Beetle we usually get 45 mpg.

AndrewC
A4 1.8TQMS

Check the following C&D article about these "poor man's friends". ;-)

http://www.caranddriver.com/FrameSet/0,1350,_sl_NewArticle_sl_0_cm_1633_cm_1572_1_21_cm _00,00.html

I would definitely buy one. Add frugality, social responsibility, and
ultimate exclusivity to the already outstanding package of audi a4
quattro, and you've got a real winner, a car for the next millenium!!