Which one's better
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From: Mountains
Car Info: 2007 Nissan Frontier
Personally I would say Subaru, but im kinda biased 
I've driven both quite extensively and still say Subaru. I just think that subaru's reacts faster to adverse weather conditions and transfers traction quicker in a less complex system (=less problems)
Quattro is the older system of the two and thus probably is more refined. But it is also much more complex which means more places for things to go wrong. Also, I personally think that the Subaru system is much better for modding IMO.
Cheers
-Jeff
I've driven both quite extensively and still say Subaru. I just think that subaru's reacts faster to adverse weather conditions and transfers traction quicker in a less complex system (=less problems)
Quattro is the older system of the two and thus probably is more refined. But it is also much more complex which means more places for things to go wrong. Also, I personally think that the Subaru system is much better for modding IMO.
Cheers
-Jeff
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,801
From: my home is Portland but I'm @ School in Seattle
Car Info: 1998 Subaru Legacy L 5-speed
subaru, definately better for modding and behaves better when racing. Quattro behaves a lot like FWD (at least in the TT I saw racing). I also say it out of brand loyalty (and the constant battle raging between me/my subie vs. my friend/his audi 200 turbo (which sadly is much faster) with 300,000miles. That is when its not in the shop though.
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Originally posted by whitelegacy98
subaru, definately better for modding and behaves better when racing. Quattro behaves a lot like FWD (at least in the TT I saw racing). I also say it out of brand loyalty (and the constant battle raging between me/my subie vs. my friend/his audi 200 turbo (which sadly is much faster) with 300,000miles. That is when its not in the shop though.
subaru, definately better for modding and behaves better when racing. Quattro behaves a lot like FWD (at least in the TT I saw racing). I also say it out of brand loyalty (and the constant battle raging between me/my subie vs. my friend/his audi 200 turbo (which sadly is much faster) with 300,000miles. That is when its not in the shop though.
the quattro in the TT is different than the one in the A4-A6-A8.
The TT's engine is transversly mounted, like the EVO or most other FWD cars.
The other Audis are longitudinally (I may have killed the spelling on that) mounted, like the WRX and a few other FWD cars, as well as most RWD cars.
The TT is actually a VW platform (like the beetle and golf) and uses an Audi-fied version of 4-motion (oddly enough the passat uses a VW-fied version of quattro and calls it 4-motion!)
So-it depends on which quattro you get (that's why C&D is always down on the TT, it has very poor handling for a sports car)
By the way, the WRX is an AWD only car, just like every other Subaru. However, the system was used in FWD applications previously (as a marketing ploy, they got rid of all FWD cars, they didn't sell well enough anyway). It was never used a RWD only.
However, the longitudinal engine is similar in layout to Audi, Dodge/chrysler LH series cars(full size like intrepid and 300M), and pre GM Saabs.
If you ever get the chance, go to the touring international auto shows (the one in Boston just ended). They have a Subaru drivetrain on a stand to see all of its parts.
So...in answer to the original question.....
The Audi system is better and seems to handle more power (RS6,S4,S8), but is heavier and more expensive. that's why it's kind of a non-comparison. If you have the money to get a performance Audi, then do it...it will be a nicer car to live with than the Subaru. But you will pay10-20k more for it! So I'll take the Subaru, a motorcycle, and a plasma screen/hometheater set-up instead.
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Originally posted by Derbagley
One item of note....
the quattro in the TT is different than the one in the A4-A6-A8.
The TT's engine is transversly mounted, like the EVO or most other FWD cars.
The other Audis are longitudinally (I may have killed the spelling on that) mounted, like the WRX and a few other FWD cars, as well as most RWD cars.
The TT is actually a VW platform (like the beetle and golf) and uses an Audi-fied version of 4-motion (oddly enough the passat uses a VW-fied version of quattro and calls it 4-motion!)
So-it depends on which quattro you get (that's why C&D is always down on the TT, it has very poor handling for a sports car)
By the way, the WRX is an AWD only car, just like every other Subaru. However, the system was used in FWD applications previously (as a marketing ploy, they got rid of all FWD cars, they didn't sell well enough anyway). It was never used a RWD only.
However, the longitudinal engine is similar in layout to Audi, Dodge/chrysler LH series cars(full size like intrepid and 300M), and pre GM Saabs.
If you ever get the chance, go to the touring international auto shows (the one in Boston just ended). They have a Subaru drivetrain on a stand to see all of its parts.
So...in answer to the original question.....
The Audi system is better and seems to handle more power (RS6,S4,S8), but is heavier and more expensive. that's why it's kind of a non-comparison. If you have the money to get a performance Audi, then do it...it will be a nicer car to live with than the Subaru. But you will pay10-20k more for it! So I'll take the Subaru, a motorcycle, and a plasma screen/hometheater set-up instead.
One item of note....
the quattro in the TT is different than the one in the A4-A6-A8.
The TT's engine is transversly mounted, like the EVO or most other FWD cars.
The other Audis are longitudinally (I may have killed the spelling on that) mounted, like the WRX and a few other FWD cars, as well as most RWD cars.
The TT is actually a VW platform (like the beetle and golf) and uses an Audi-fied version of 4-motion (oddly enough the passat uses a VW-fied version of quattro and calls it 4-motion!)
So-it depends on which quattro you get (that's why C&D is always down on the TT, it has very poor handling for a sports car)
By the way, the WRX is an AWD only car, just like every other Subaru. However, the system was used in FWD applications previously (as a marketing ploy, they got rid of all FWD cars, they didn't sell well enough anyway). It was never used a RWD only.
However, the longitudinal engine is similar in layout to Audi, Dodge/chrysler LH series cars(full size like intrepid and 300M), and pre GM Saabs.
If you ever get the chance, go to the touring international auto shows (the one in Boston just ended). They have a Subaru drivetrain on a stand to see all of its parts.
So...in answer to the original question.....
The Audi system is better and seems to handle more power (RS6,S4,S8), but is heavier and more expensive. that's why it's kind of a non-comparison. If you have the money to get a performance Audi, then do it...it will be a nicer car to live with than the Subaru. But you will pay10-20k more for it! So I'll take the Subaru, a motorcycle, and a plasma screen/hometheater set-up instead.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 555
From: Bethlum, PA
Car Info: silver 2.5 tr 2006MT wrx
subaru i think has more power to ground effecience i saw a diagram for how the power is sent to the wheels, the audio has to change directions more than the subaru, i think from physics class they say that through universal, cv joint, differentials, there is a considerable power loss.
excelSTi check out my dccd post, i found it on another site it is pretty interesting i thought, it took me awhile to cut and paste it, i never did that before so check it out.
excelSTi check out my dccd post, i found it on another site it is pretty interesting i thought, it took me awhile to cut and paste it, i never did that before so check it out.
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Originally posted by Bagin,DVS
subaru i think has more power to ground effecience i saw a diagram for how the power is sent to the wheels, the audio has to change directions more than the subaru, i think from physics class they say that through universal, cv joint, differentials, there is a considerable power loss.
excelSTi check out my dccd post, i found it on another site it is pretty interesting i thought, it took me awhile to cut and paste it, i never did that before so check it out.
subaru i think has more power to ground effecience i saw a diagram for how the power is sent to the wheels, the audio has to change directions more than the subaru, i think from physics class they say that through universal, cv joint, differentials, there is a considerable power loss.
excelSTi check out my dccd post, i found it on another site it is pretty interesting i thought, it took me awhile to cut and paste it, i never did that before so check it out.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 492
From: Rockville, MD
Car Info: 2003 Silver WRX Sedan, 1982 Corvette Collectors Ed.
My firend is an Audi mechanic. He's from Germany, used to be at the factory, and says that Audis suck when it comes to maintenance. He always advises me not to get one. If you need more technical info I may be able to get some from him.
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the general layout between audi and subaru are very similar.
S4 is A4 with more power, same drivetrain configuration. The money that you pay for an S4 over an STI is comfort and prestige (new S4 with the V8, not the older turbo Six, STi can kill those).
I don't believe audi has a separate center diff. I think its in thesame housing as the subaru is. I might be wroong though.
S4 is A4 with more power, same drivetrain configuration. The money that you pay for an S4 over an STI is comfort and prestige (new S4 with the V8, not the older turbo Six, STi can kill those).
I don't believe audi has a separate center diff. I think its in thesame housing as the subaru is. I might be wroong though.
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