Just wondering if anyone has doubts regarding the S3 haldex diff's performance for the quattro setup. Ive read reviews saying its not as quick to respond to loss of traction and that it realistically only engages the rear wheels when it "has" to. Does this mean that its really just a FWD in normal driving conditions? I'd just like to clear a few things up...might i add...the S3 looks awesome.

Yes, it means that Haldex equipped cars (S3, TT & Golf 4Motion) are front wheel drive vehicles most of the time. Haldex triggers rear wheels only if front wheels start to spin. You can think of Haldex as another form of EDL and it doesn't respond as fast as you might expect. And as it switches the rear wheels on and off depending on the front wheels, don't expect a straight driving line. Too bad that Audi couldn't stick to Torsen Diff, but the engine layout forced them to go for Haldex.

ravenx
'00 Black S3

Was the reason for the engine layout due to limited space? What has your experience been like with your S3's performance/handling?
...and compliments on owning an awesome car!

is fun, especially doing 1st-2nd-3rd's is great, but you need to get used to the soft clutch, which doesn't give any feedback at all. Handling could be better. Better shocks, stiffer springs and performance tyres are all the car needs. My car came with Pirelli P6000's and I don't like them. I'll go for hard compound Michelin Pilot Sports soon. Moreover the brake fade is quite annoying (you can read discussion details about this issue in our previous posts below). Still a great car overall, and it sure outperforms many hot hatch without much effort.

The engine is trans mounted, mainly because of limited space. Therefore Torsen Diff was out of question. Pity. If the S3 has been a full time 4wheeler, it would have been one of the milestones of motoring history. But now, it is just the ultimate hot hatch. Still enough to bring a smile to your face :)

ravenx
'00 Black S3