All,

 

I recently changed my Elegance (09 MY) hatch manual 4x4 and went for L&K (13MY) fwd DSG. In terms of engine, they are 2.0 TDI 170bhp. First impressions.......loving my DSG which I always wanted to consider one. But, in terms of driving dynamics I've been experiencing a significant difference between 4x4 & FWD on normal road conditions which I didn't anticipate! With my FWD, I feel there is a lot of body roll and somewhat feel more jerky or sideways movement whereas my prev 4x4 felt more composed, planted and stable on the road.

 

I understand 4x4 was 75kgs heavier than my current one but I'm trying to understand what is making this huge difference...or is it the suspension coz my FWD has done only 8k whereas my previous one had done 65k ish when I sold it. The tyre size and pressure are all the same and I can't see that making any difference. There are few other subtle changes to the FL SII....the seat bolsters have had few subtle changes (reduced thickness) when compared to pre-FL ones and I guess the texture of the L&K one is slightly different to Elegance due to ventilated seats. Unsure if this is contributing to the change in driving experience........

 

If any of you have gone from 4x4 to FWD hatch, I would love to hear your experiences. I'm still loving my day to day experience with SII but this huge difference in driving dynamics has been totally unexpected especially on normal road conditions. Do let me know your thoughts....thanks.

 

Regards,

 

Joeboy1980

Can't speak for moving from 4x4 Superb to FWD, but I drive an Audi allroad quattro and recently acquired a 1.6 TDi Super Elegance for my wife.  In normal driving conditions, I can't see any difference in road holding between them.  In fact, in my 13 years of ownership of the allroad, I can honestly say that I've only experienced one month where I actually needed the 4WD.  That's based at close to sea level in Dublin.  Living at altitude would be much different.

 

I would suggest that body roll has nothing to do with how the wheels are driven, but more down to suspension.  However, it's odd that you're experiencing a major difference between cars of the same make/model.

its usually suspension as per tropheus' note above. 

 

there is an anti roll bar on the back of the saloon superb, but I am not sure if its as big as the 4x4's ARB. 

 

i have the 4x4 combi, and it handles really well for a large estate, and very flat and stable through a corner

I've just gone the other way, from a FWD hatch to a 4x4 estate and I'd agree with you.  The ride on the 4x4 estate seems much better to me and SWMBO.  Neither of us have driven it close to hard, but in normal driving on A / B roads it just seems to ride better.

It will have something to do with weight and the distribution of it.

 

With the 4x4 you have a driveshaft running down the middle of the car, haldex unit at the back and extra driveshafts etc.

I have a suspicion the 4x4 receives uprated ARB's.

Thanks Guys. 

Joe, if you want to go back to the driving dynamics of the 4x4, I have my 2012/12 4x4 170 TDi available in the for sale section 

Zeddicus, ta for your offer m8. It's only 2 weeks since I changed my SII 4x4 to SII L&K fwd so I'm not gonna change my L&K for the next 4 years at least....

 

Yes, I do miss the 4x4 stability but guess I will get used to it considering the fact that I'm loving my DSG at the moment

Zeddicus, ta for your offer m8. It's only 2 weeks since I changed my SII 4x4 to SII L&K fwd so I'm not gonna change my L&K for the next 4 years at least....

 

Yes, I do miss the 4x4 stability but guess I will get used to it considering the fact that I'm loving my DSG at the moment

 pop an aftermarket RARB on there for a bout £150 you should be enjoying some lovely driving dynamics.