The Differences Between Audi Quattro and BMW xDrive

Here's an overview of how each of these leviathans of the all-wheel drive world work.

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Quattro

UR-Quattro video

UR-Quattro image

325iX

[reistje]

Just came here to see the fighting in the comments.

[oobanalis]

You pronounced "Allrad" really well! I'm kind of impressed. (1:47)

[Rear_Admiral]

So many quattro fanboys here.

By the way, you are the first English YouTuber to correctly pronounce all German words.

[figa]

Since I own Audi Q7 and BMW X6 I had a chance to test both of them. From what I experienced quattro is the winner. It simply gives you more confidence while driving.

[gazman]

For those interested, the quattro visualisation also demonstrates the greatest weakness. The engine is still well ahead of the front wheels due to the transmission directly driving the front wheels and therefore weight balance is some way out compared to the BMW. The BMW sends power to the front wheels by a driveshaft running from the electronically controlled centre diff at the back of the gearbox to a separate front diff. This means the engine and gearbox can be moved significantly rearward improving weight distribution. The reason the RS4 has never quite been able to compete dynamically with the M3 is simply because of this fact. Not because Audi can't tune a car but because there's a fundamental weight distribution problem that no amount of diff trickery and rear drive biasing can fix. The new "ultra" system is sadly primarily focussed on reducing fuel consumption rather than improved performance.

[RafaelGomesx]

In theory the xDrive is better but in practice the Quattro always wins

[jedipower]

The Audi Quattro is the better one in my opinion.

[abelucious]

I currently own a 2011 Audi A6 S line and a 2008 BMW 535xi, i live in Canada and drive both in summer and winter, never had problems with either car in the snow, never felt a difference between them, if you have good winter tires both cars can plow through 2 feet of snow with ease .

[jhonnypina]

I have a Bmw X5 x drive and an Audi s4, Quattro, I drive the Audi in winter conditions, that says it all.

[boostaddict]

never been on a AWD BMW before but definitely love my Quattro b7 a4 !

[danielbanaru]

I have an X3 M40i. BMW is more fun-to-drive, but man... Xdrive doesn't match quattro.

[liljanis]

I still think that the Audi Quattro group B is the best rally car and still is

[AndrewShingange]

Brilliant, no nonsense comparison. Best video I've found so far!

[ShreN_]

Unless Group B suddenly makes a return and BMW makes a Quattro S1 equivalent, Quattro > xDrive.

[iHD]

xDrive has "xD" in it. ....tells everything.

[DoselH]

Just got an A4 lol and well there is snow when i go to switzerland so then i think i choosed the right car

[mogolfiero]

Quattro sounds a lot better than xDrive. But both work just great

[panzerveps]

I have a feeling Car Throttle didn't do their homework on the newest generation of quattro...

[GermanPerfectionist]

I am from Munich, and I obviously am a BMW fanboy - I never liked Audi tho. So you can guess which AWD system I prefer.

[carlebbs]

I honestly do not know why but the rs5 with deep dish rims = bae