4x4 Payload and Towing Limits

Reading the small print of the sales brochure whilst researching 4x4 fuel consumption for a different thread on here (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/291357-octavia-iii-4x4-fuel-consumption/) also showed up some interesting facts regarding the difference in payload and towing limits between the 4x4 and the normal estate (looking specifically at the 2.0 litre diesel versions).

The total weight of the 4x4 is 2,018kg compared to 1,917kg for the normal estate.  This is 101kg (5%) more - quite a lot, and more than the weight of an extra passenger.

The maximum payoad for the 4x4 is 638kg compared to 645kg for the normal estate.  This is just 7kg (1%) less.  Why so little difference - but also, why any difference at all?  The difference in the weight of the vehicles themsleves is much greater than this.

The maximum (braked) towing weight is 2,000kg for the 4x4 compared to 1,600kg for the normal estate.  This is 400kg (25%) - almost 1/2 ton - more.  A lot more.  Presumably because of the greater weight and better traction of the 4x4, but they seem to be suspicious round figures.  How are they calculated?

(If we looked at the 1.6 litre diesel or at the petrol models I expect we would see different figures again, and probably nothing like the same ratios - further mysterious inconsistencies - but I won't go there at the moment.)

 

Edited 12 October, 201312 yr by Stuarted