Should Audi drop FWD configuration?

[EnI]

In some other thread Yannis wondered why Audi was still using FWD on some top-end cars like A8.

I have a similar issue.

Wouldn't be more suitable for Audi's image to offer only AWD (Quattro) versions of their up-market models, while eg. A2 will be strictly FWD, and A3 & A4 will have optional AWD. All other models (A5, TT, A6, R?, A7, A8, Q? etc) should be Quattro only, IMO. Especially since Audi = Quattro.

Audi has a strong image right now, and is established as a premium brand. So, FWD on up-market models does not fit well in that image (especially because all the other competition has RWD).

What do you think? Should Audi offer Quattro versions of cars only - at least on up-market cars (from TT or A5 up)?

 

[Bruce]

In my opinion, no.

I think having FWD models allows Audi to deversify prices. So if you ask me that makes a much wider scale for affordable Audi's.

 

[EnI]

I think having FWD models allows Audi to deversify prices. So if you ask me that makes a much wider scale for affordable Audi's.

Even on top-end models like A8?

 

[Top Secret]

I think the lower end of the Audi range (A2, A3) should remain a FWD platform, with higher models (A4, A6, A8, Q7, TT, R8) come with AWD standard - kind of like Subaru. All of Subaru's export models are strictly AWD-only (Impreza, Liberty/Legacy, Forester, B9), with it's domestic, small models sticking with the FWD platform (R1, R2).

 

[Bruce]

Even on top-end models like A8?

Wait a minute..the A8 can be gotten with FWD..?

I just checked Audi of Britain and it appears you can with the 3.2 FSi, over in North America we do not recieve this model. In that case i do believe FWD should be kept off the top-end saloon. I would also take it away from the A6.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

A2 why bother ?!
A3 - FWD since this diferentiates it from BMW (Audi FWD practicability, BMW RWD pleasure)
A4, A5, A6, A8 - RWD

AWD options on each.

 

[Deleted member 182]

I don't even consider FWD Audis as real Audis.

 

[Centurion]

Since Audi car have VW DNA deep down inside they will probably be using FWD for another few years. This is beacuse VW build cars for ordinary people, who often don't give a damn about power sliding and drifting. Ordinary people simply wants a good and safe car and FWD is safer then RWD. I have no problem with the A3 being a FWD since it is a small car but I think that Audi should ditch FWD for the other cars in their line up. If I bought a sports car like the TT I would never want it to be FWD. On the other hand I wouldn't want it to be AWD either, since it adds weight to the car and spoils some of the thrill.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Since Audi car have VW DNA deep down inside they will probably be using FWD for another few years. This is beacuse VW build cars for ordinary people, who often don't give a damn about power sliding and drifting. Ordinary people simply wants a good and safe car and FWD is safer then RWD. I have no problem with the A3 being a FWD since it is a small car but I think that Audi should ditch FWD for the other cars in their line up. If I bought a sports car like the TT I would never want it to be FWD. On the other hand I wouldn't want it to be AWD either, since it adds weight to the car and spoils some of the thrill.

OK, agreed, but...

It's VW that took FWD from Audi (= DKW + NSU) and not vice-versa.

The VW used the Rear Engined RWD found today on the only descendant of the KDF/VW Bettle/Type-1, the Porsche 911.

After WW II, basicaly VW and Porsche were 2 companies building the same
car. Later the 356 and Bettle diferentiated themselves.

VW bought Auto Union (DKW really, since Wanderer, Audi and Horch were dead) and NSU. The DKW and NSU badges were droped in favor of the Audi
name, since both were VW enemies.

Thus with the FWD knowledge from DKW and NSU = Audi, VW created the Passat (rebadged Audi) and VW Golf.

In the meanwhile, Porsche sticked with the Bettle architecture for 356, 912 and 911.

 

[siko]

I would say yes... for the simple reason that I don't like FWD ever since I switch RWD. I find the concept of "performance FWD" cars a little silly, since everyone knows that proper performance cars are RWD/AWD.

So since Audi is the performance car business, I think they should either offer only quattro or make their next gens RWD-based for non-quattro.

But in all honesty, like Eni said... "Audi = Quattro", so quattro all the way! IMHO.

 

[warot]

I think the lower end of the Audi range (A2, A3) should remain a FWD platform, with higher models (A4, A6, A8, Q7, TT, R8) come with AWD standard - kind of like Subaru. All of Subaru's export models are strictly AWD-only (Impreza, Liberty/Legacy, Forester, B9), with it's domestic, small models sticking with the FWD platform (R1, R2).

That's the way to go I think. "Sporty" or expensive cars should not have FWD at all.

 

[MikeJ]

I have absolutely no problem with base A4's and A6's being FWD. I believe that for the average customer, it makes absolutely no difference whether their car is RWD or not, and if you happen to live up north, FWD is clearly superior (in terms of acceleration etc.) to RWD when the going gets slippery. For those who have a little more money to spend or prefer a sportier set-up, there's always quattro.
The bigger-engined models and the A8 should naturally be AWD only.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Should Audi drop FWD? HELL YES!!! For a company who boasts about their QUATTRO systems and still have as FWD as a base is just plain dumb. I mean hell, SUBARU has AWD as standard on ALL of their cars (at least in the US)...what is preventing AUDI from doing the same? If it's not standard then stop boasting about it. I mean c'mon the only reason anyone really cares about Audi is because of the Quattro...so make it standard!!!!

 

[Yperion]

I agree with what Mike says. For 90% of drivers RWD offers no advantage over FWD , and in bad weather we can even say that FWD has the advantage. No coincidence Volvo and SAAB are both FWD since Sweden has a lot of snowfall.

Furthermore i have even met BMW owners who thought that their car was FWD (crazy but true) and i have even heard some people saying why BMW and Mercedes haven't drop RWD many years ago most cars were RWD , so RWD=old and FWD=new!!!

Ok i accept that those people who say those things know nothing about cars but still we shouldn't think that everyone know or cares about his car having this or that technology. For the majority of car owners , a car only helps them with everyday transportation so if it's good in that role nothing else matters. No wonder Toyota is the No1 manufacturer when it's well known for selling lifeless and totaly bland automobiles.

That said i believe that at least A8 and A6 should had AWD as standard. For the lower models FWD could still be used as a base option.

And finally for those that complain about FWD not being the driver's option i ask you this: Which is better to drive? An underpowered BMW 318i with a 130 hp 2.0 lt engine or a FWD Audi A4 1.8T with 163 hp which is and feels much faster? I compare those two cause they have almost the same price here in Greece.

 

[bum-man]

FWD is the Devil.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Hey...FWD isn't that bad. If you think that FWD cars can't handle, then I bet you haven't driven a honda Type-R car. Those cars handle great and mixed with a high-rev engine...FREAKING SWEET!!!!

 

[bum-man]

Oh, I have no problem with cars such as the Mini, Civic's, 3-door Golf's, and 3-door A-classes. It's all the other FWD cars that bother me, especailly as they get bigger in size. They are the bane of my existance.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Oh, I have no problem with cars such as the Mini, Civic's, 3-door Golf's, and 3-door A-classes. It's all the other FWD cars that bother me, especailly as they get bigger in size. They are the bane of my existance.

Thats exactly what I was thinking...Smaller FWD cars a fun but as they get bigger in size they get very bland in handling and are more prone to understeer problems...especially in the rain.

 

[Tumbo]

Of course no.
Why? To expensive!

 

[Yperion]

Actually a RWD car only costs 500 euro more than a FWD one to be produced (i have read that figure in Autocar) but...
1- RWD cars compromise in cabin space and trunk space...
2- FWD are much easier to drive for all the Joe Doe out there...

So Audi could easily switch to RWD overnight (there is space in the rear suspension for the transmision anyway because all Audi's are designed to have quattro also) but Audi is not Lexus which takes and replicates everything that BMW and Mercedes do. Auto Union's philisophy was FWD since the 1930's when DKW was essentially the marque that used FWD for the first time on a large scale in production vehicles. Back then RWD was considered old fashioned and FWD the modern.