I just got done checking the archives on the often discussed FWD vs Quattro debate. It certainly took a while to get through it all, and now I'm more confused. Lots of people like to use the answer "drive both for yourself.....after all it's what works for YOU that matters" Wow, there's a brainstorm, but I'm looking for facts. I already know the benefits of AWD. I've had it on my current car (Eclipse GSX) for the last eight years and it's great. But that car HAD to have it since torque steer plagued the FWD models. But with the 1.8T, the supporters of FWD make it sound like your constantly driving around with same big fat 230 lb guy in the back seat. And that engine isn't exactly overpowered to begin with. I know, I know chip the car, right? But to me that's like athletes using creatine. Sure it works, but nobody knows the adverse long term effects yet.<p>So I'll ask specific questions that I couldn't find in the archives. And keep in mind that I think Quatro is awesome and would get it if I were buying a 2.8. It's just that I'm not sure it's justified in MY situation (unlikely to chip and living in the Southeast - no snow).<p>Assume a 1.8T in stock form (no chips)<p>1) For those of you with FWD, do you ever experince wheel spin off the line, and if so does it only occur in wet weather?<p>2) Do you ever experience wheel spin coming out of tight turns?<p>3) For Quattro owners, do you curse the fact that you are ALWAYS carrying around 230 extra lbs?<p>And yes I know it's my decsion. I'm just looking for trends from people that have owned these cars. From there, I'll be quite capable to make my decision. And for the sake of consistency, answer as if you had to drive the car in stock form in the Southeast.

I have a front trac. I suppose Melbourne Australia is a bit like the southeast, but probably with a bit more rain.<br>The car wheel spins if you push it too hard, especially coming out of very slow corners. However it is far less than all other FWD I've driven. If you don't drive like an F1 driver all the time, and it doesn't rain that much, then FWD is more than sufficient. But everytime it rains, I wish I had bought a Quattro. Because it spins quite easily in the wet. But again, not everyone drives like me. My dad will never spin the wheel.

As far as the extra weight for quattro, I don't care. If I get a mile or two less per gallon or I'm a little bit slower than a non-quattroed A4 is inconsequential to me. The payoff of quattro will come in the snow, rain, and may even be somewhat noticeable in the dry. I didn't drive a front wheel A4 before buying the quattro. Recalling traveling 50mph in 6 inch snow in my old 1985 4000Q convinced me.<p>Klutes 1998 Silver A4 1.8TQMS w/paint chips galore

The feel is subtle but really nice. In rain, it gives you a really nice feel and good confidence. I wouldn't be without it. It is mostly a personal thing, but even if I don't see much snow, it will be good to have when I move up north....<br>Chipped my car, now it really hauls. Can get all 4 wheels spinning in a u-turn, which scares the crap out of passengers, but it is wicked fun!!!<br>cheers, and good luck with your choice,<br>andrew

My last car was a '95 GSX, and at times I miss it! I bought a 2.8QM and there are still situations when I wish I had more power, such is life. I haven't had the chance to play in the snow yet, but the A4Q is a lot more sure footed than my Eclipse ever was. For the money, I think it is a no brainer, even with a 1.8T.

it feels like the center of gravity is where it should be, down low and center. I curse the fact that I didn't buy a quattro sooner. So what if you live in the SE, so do I. Why do you find it so difficult to decide. Get the quattro. It's the least money for the most fun you will ever buy. By the way, it's not just for snow. If you get into a corner too fast, just hit the gas and the Q might just save your a**.

For clarity sake, I live in sunny So. California. I purchased the Quattro option because it flat out felt like a more confident, well mannered car. All three of my previous cars were FWD, and quite frankly, while satisfied, I was ready for something different, i.e. RWD or Quattro. The question I like to ask of anyone pondering this FWD/AWD debate is how do like to drive? Do you like to drive spritedly, or conservatively. My answer was and most likely will always be the former. I like to drive by the seat of my pants, and there is no substitute for AWD. It simply feels planted to the road and in absolute control, in virutally any condition. And rightfully so, because IT IS!! <p>My latest case and point, and this goes out to all non-Quattro na-sayers in SoCal, was this past Saturday evening, which locals may remember was our first decent rain of the season. I was following a 328 up Beverly Glen, a cyn road that is single lane all the way until you reach the last 1/4-1/2 mile or so when it widens to two lanes. The BMW was pushing somewhat, but I think I was motivating him. So as soon as the two lanes arrive, I accelerate INTO the approaching right hander, and proceed to pass on the inside lane, gas pedal liberally applied the entire time. I would not have done this in any of my FWD vehicles, and the BMW apparently felt this was a bad idea as well, because he was gone. He made an attempt to catch back up in the following straight section, but all for not, as the rest was a series of progressively tighter turns, and of course the higher you climb, the worse the rain. And they say you don't need Quattro in SoCal. I do!!<p>Michael 98.5 1.8T qms Neuspeed<br>

Hey...seems like a lot of current A4 owners are former DSM owners. I had a 93 GS turbo FWD...lots of suspension mods, etc. I also miss my DSM and all that extra torque and power...<p>Oh well...lovin' my A4 none the less.<p>-Maintainer of SoCal Club DSM<br>

mitsu had suspension and eng mods.<p>u will always want more HP. The 1.8 stock was just to anemic for me after the mitsu, and i wanted a change from turbo as well.<p>I read an article about A4 racing. The drivers were saying basically that the A4 is balanced for AWD. Did not understand it all, but article implied that FWD is not as well balanced in A4 configuration.<p>As I weigh 230lbs myself, i guess its time for a diet!!!<p><p>1996 A4 2.8 qms<br>

Answer: There really isn't an answer.<p>I live in the NYC metro area (yes we get snow) and my wife's car is an AWD Subaru. My previous car was a RWD Nissan 240SX that I purchased after two VW Sciroccos. The reason I went with the Nissan was because I wanted a truer RWD feel which I got along with a lot of back end sliding in both situations I did and didn't want.<p>Anyway, I drove both Q and FWD versions of the 1.8T (along with the Q version of the 2.8) and factored in the different components (cost, weight, resale, etc..) and made the decision to go FWD based on.... "feel". I just liked the way the FWD handled and in my judgment the positives of Quattro didn't overcome the negatives.<p>So, to sum this up again, the only way to really judge what to get is to drive both of them and make your decision based on your "feel". You won't make the wrong choice then (and really can't with either choice). I know that this just doesn't answer your specific questions but all I can say is I am not unhappy with my choice.<p>cj 98 1.8TMS

I love my fwd A4, and I would have loved the Quattro as well. They are both great cars. My 30v fwd will spin the tires when it is wet; however, it is difficult to get them to spin in the dry. Although, I do have sticky Toyo T1 tires running now. I definitely am a spirited driver, and the fwd is a VERY rewarding car to drive. I even took it autocrossing, where it handled extremely well. <p>Read the following FAQ...<br><ul><li><a href="http://www.a4.org/faq/faqs/faq64.shtml">FAQ re: fwd vs. quattro performance</a></li></ul>