I read somethning recently that said VW uses the term "Synchro" for its 4 x 4 systems while Audi uses "Quattro", SEAT uses an "R" and Skoda uses "4 x 4". Might have been on this forum.

I seem to recall that the original Quattros used a Torsen differential to split power front and back but I seem to think they now use a Haldex coupling.

Does anyone know if the systems are basically the same or are there differences between the brands?

John

Unfortunately not much of that is correct!

Audi use the brand "quattro" for all cars with 4WD regardless of whether they are Haldex or Torsen equipped. The first quattro cars didn't use Torsen but a fixed centre diff. 2/3 years later Torsen centre diffs were used. In 1998 came the S3 that couldn't use a Torsen diff as it had a transverse engine and so a Haldex coupling was used. On all transverse cars Haldex is still used, and Torsen is used on longitudinal cars. This is the same across all VAG cars.

Seat do not use "R" to denote 4WD, no "R" branded car has been 4WD.

VW used to use "synchro" (sp?) but now use "4-motion". I'm a bit rusty on the older VW stuff but I'm not sure that synchro badged cars mirrored the Audi setup with Torsen or if they still used the earlier system, but I'm quite sure they mirrored Audi.

Skoda simply use "4x4" and I believe Seat use "4-Trak" although I might be wrong there, as I've only ever seen one.

The last Seat 4x4 was the Aletea FREETRACK 4, which I believe has been dropped due to poor sales; having seen one in yellow paint finish at the combined Skoda/Seat dealers in York, I can understand why (personal view obviously).

TP

Never mind what they call it.......

VAG transverse mounted engines have generally used Haldex system. Fore-and-aft mounted engines, Torsen differentials.

Bugatti Veyron uses Haldex. Irrelevant maybe, but interesting anyway.

Edited 12 December, 201015 yr by Agerbundsen

SEATs are denoted 4. They made a Leon 4 in the previous shape but it wasnt brought to the UK.

Unfortunately not much of that is correct!

Audi use the brand "quattro" for all cars with 4WD regardless of whether they are Haldex or Torsen equipped. The first quattro cars didn't use Torsen but a fixed centre diff. 2/3 years later Torsen centre diffs were used. In 1998 came the S3 that couldn't use a Torsen diff as it had a transverse engine and so a Haldex coupling was used. On all transverse cars Haldex is still used, and Torsen is used on longitudinal cars. This is the same across all VAG cars.

Seat do not use "R" to denote 4WD, no "R" branded car has been 4WD.

VW used to use "synchro" (sp?) but now use "4-motion". I'm a bit rusty on the older VW stuff but I'm not sure that synchro badged cars mirrored the Audi setup with Torsen or if they still used the earlier system, but I'm quite sure they mirrored Audi.

Skoda simply use "4x4" and I believe Seat use "4-Trak" although I might be wrong there, as I've only ever seen one.

Funny, I saw the thread and was going to add 'ask Ben from Shark' as he seems to know the 4x4 stuff quite well! (After an educational conversation yesterday!) :yes:

As Techie says there was a Leon in the previous (nicer looking?!) shape that was 4wd with the VR6 2.8l engine iirc - called the Cupra 4 - I saw one driving in Spain around four years ago - I didnt get a good look as it really WENT! Id have liked one or those tbh just for the sound of the engine combined with the 4wd! LHD only though. :'(

So Audi cars that use Haldex ie the S3 - do they actually have 'Quattro' badging on them?

So Audi cars that use Haldex ie the S3 - do they actually have 'Quattro' badging on them?

Yes, (although it's quattro - Quattro was the car for the pedants out there) you'll see quattro on A3s and TTs that use Haldex but you won't actually see a badge on S or RS cars as they all are 4WD by default.

The last Seat 4x4 was the Aletea FREETRACK 4, which I believe has been dropped due to poor sales; having seen one in yellow paint finish at the combined Skoda/Seat dealers in York, I can understand why (personal view obviously).

That's the one! I've only ever seen one (which was also yellow). As Tech1e has said they just use "4" to denote 4WD, that's one I wasn't sure of

Funny, I saw the thread and was going to add 'ask Ben from Shark' as he seems to know the 4x4 stuff quite well! (After an educational conversation yesterday!) :yes:

As Techie says there was a Leon in the previous (nicer looking?!) shape that was 4wd with the VR6 2.8l engine iirc - called the Cupra 4 - I saw one driving in Spain around four years ago - I didnt get a good look as it really WENT! Id have liked one or those tbh just for the sound of the engine combined with the 4wd! LHD only though. :'(

So Audi cars that use Haldex ie the S3 - do they actually have 'Quattro' badging on them?

They also did a 4x4 PD150 Cupra.

They also did a 4x4 PD150 Cupra.

Every day is a school day! Never heard of that one before. :no: