Passat VR6 4-motion vs A4 2.0T quattro

[robinm]

It's been a while since I've been on this site as I sold my S2 a year ago and am missing it. I may be able to get back into Audi ownership though. I've moved to the US with family - one wife, one kid and we will be getting a company car that I can choose within price limits. I don't want an SUV so I've narrowed it down to either a passat VR6 3.6 4-motion or an A4 2.0T quattro or even an A6 3.2 quattro. I want an estate and there are limited models in the US, all are auto.

I know it is hard to compare them, but any thoughts would be good from someone who has driven either/both.
The new 2.0T puts out 211 bhp and 258 ftlbs torque at 1500 (sounds good)
The 3.6 VR6 puts out 265 bhp and 265 ftlbs torque at 2700 (i think)

Anybody know how the 4-motion vs the quattro 4 wd system compares. Is the quattro system the torsen?

Another factor is the passats transverse engine which gives more space inside (the A4 seems very small in the back). But what is the handling of the passat like?

Any experience/opinions anyone?

Cheers robin

[anton]

Anybody know how the 4-motion vs the quattro 4 wd system compares. Is the quattro system the torsen?

Another factor is the passats transverse engine which gives more space inside (the A4 seems very small in the back). But what is the handling of the passat like?

Any experience/opinions anyone?

Cheers robin

Hi Robin,

I'm almost 100% that the 4-motion and quattro are the same things just one is on a vw and the other an audi, however all the transverse gearboxes are viscous coupling/haldex units and all the longitudinal units are torsen, as i said alsost cirtain but could be mistaken

Ant

[shark_90]

Unfortunately, the Passat is based on the Golf V platform and therefore uses transverse engines and Haldex AWD. It is NOT torsen. This wasn't the case with the older Passats, they WERE torsen, but no longer unfortunately.

For that reason, and many others, it would be the A4 for me. A standard remap will take you up to the same power as the Passat anyway, with better fuel consumption and a better engine, in a much nicer car

[robinm]

Thanks Anton and shark,

Interesting info about the 4 wd systems. How would differences translate to handling charateristics in slippery conditions?

The things going for the passat are that a V6 does sound nice, but you think the 4 cylinder 2.0T is better? Also there is more room in the back of the passat.

I think I would prefer the A4, especially after my experience with the S2, as long as it is much better to drive. Unfortunately I can't test drive the 2 cars as they have to be ordered.

Nice position to be in though having the choice of a new car. It'll be my first..

Cheers Robin

[goodall]

the passat in bad conditions you would slip at low speeds, esp and 4wd would start working, and hopefully it will be controllable once both systems are operating

the audi you would slip at medium speeds in the same bad conditions, the esp would kick in if the torsen system couldent get traction and you would be all round more in control

so audi controllable before and after the limit, passat controllable to the limit (which is lower) not controllable just at the limit, controllable-ish after the limit, limit being traction

[shark_90]

Hi again Robin

I have had lots of experience driving Torsen but not as much driving Haldex. Haldex has left a sour taste in my mouth from the 2 x S3's and 1 x A3 3.2 DSG that I've driven. The car just doesn't have a particular point at which it lets go. It caused the ESP to kick in which immediately cuts the power which is a very interesting sensation, and rather worrying to boot. Shame you can't have a test drive otherwise I'd suggest you find a roundabout and do a couple of laps so you can see what I mean.

It depends what's important to you. The 2.0T is a FANTASTIC engine (yes it's that good) and although the Passat will sound better the A4 will be more responsive and with a decent remap it will go like stink. They don't sound so bad under load either, so don't get too hung up about the V6.

If rear leg room is important to you.. then I don't know. Which model A4 is it? If you're in the US and it's an Avant then I presume it's a B7. I had two B6's and they weren't the best for rear legroom, but it of course depends on how often you'll have 4 adults in the car.

If you had an S2 then I'm of the opinion that if you bought the Passat, you'll always wish you'd got the A4 because it'll never handle and drive the way you think it's going to do.

Good luck choosing!

[robinm]

Thanks guys, just what I wanted to know and sort of suspected (especially from an S2 site). I've not driven a car with ESP hard enough for it to kick in, although I have been a passenger when it kicked in in an A3 and judging by his reaction it was rather worrying!
Guess it'll have to be the A4. Not sure the type B7? I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Robin

[Big Lee M]

Hope this will help you as this shows the difference in the Hadex of the R36 Passat and the Torsen in the Audi. I know it's the TDI but you get the view on the handling.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=R7xgndFb01E

[S2central.net]

I'm no stranger to electronics, but anywhere where drivetrain is involved - its a very complex problem, and so for average joe driver when the software detects anything untoward it makes for a pretty uninspiring drive... Which you can override partially with the ESP cancel, but Haldex is just a different 'feel' to a torsen quattro - you need to drive both to get this... Can't you locate a local dealer with something similar of each car - maybe different engine to give a feel for handling.

Gotta say though that the A4 (B5 and B7) is definitely tight in the rear - I wouldn't wanna sit there and I'm a short ****... We had a B5 for a while and even with one toddler in good kiddie seat it was not comfortable for him - you know as those seats move them higher and a bit further forward - not good.

That 2.0T FSI engine on the A4 gets good reviews and as said should chip mightily well for more fun - but again - take the kiddie with seat to the dealer and try it out...

We binned the A4 off and moved up in size to A6AR (C5) - a much bigger car. The basic A6 has the same platform I think as the Passat of same era... Sure its heavier, slower but as a family car I can't fault it really.

Company car options are a PITA in my experience - can't you take a cash deal and pick up something 2nd hand - my experience is you get a lot more car for your money and loads more choice. Appreciate that not all schemes let you do that, but its a pretty rare deal if you getting offered a company car in the USA.

[robinm]

Thanks again for the advice. I loved the youtube clip - the A4 is clearly very different.
Took the kiddie seat in as you suggested Paul, bit tight, but do-able I think. Unfortunately the company budget didn't stretch to an A6 in the end.
I'll let you know what I (we I should say - the wife wants the VW) decide on...

I'm also going to look at the 328 beemer estate - they seem to do much better finance than VW or Audi. The x-drive looks interesting - anyone any experience with this 4wd system. Not sure I can bring myself to drive a BM though... maybe bm owners ove here aren't as bad though!

cheers
robin

[shark_90]

Unfortunately x-drive is something that BMW don't market over here (because they don't like to admit that Audi were right all along and that 4WD is better than RWD) so I'm not sure what their implimentation is like. There are a few "x" designated cars over in the UK but they are generally oldish (15 years or so) 5 series.

Could be worth a drive but I find the interiors of the BMWs cold and bland. Can't deal with the sweeping lines and that horrible steering wheel design.