I am not trying to start arguments or anything, but I really don't like to see erroneous information being spread so I would like to correct a couple non-factual statements here.
4motion is not really AWD in the sense that people think it is. Unless you mod it. I'm just sayin'.
First off: 4Motion is just the VW name for whatever all-wheel drive system they are currently using in their cars. It has been used to refer to multiple different versions of all-wheel drive so saying "4motion is not really AWD" is like saying a Mercedes isn't fast... Really depends on which Mercedes you are talking about.
Second:
Haldex Gen II (the All-wheel drive system in the MKV R32) sends power front or rear whenever needed; with its standard, straight line, no-slippage cruising setup as 95% power to front, 5% power to rear. If having power to all wheels at all times, and more to the rear whenever needed
isn't all-wheel drive, I would love to hear what your definition is
(not trying to be a jerk or anything, I am really curious what you are using as an AWD definition).
Yeah, yeah, you're right about the AWD vs 4Motion (but I figured enthusiasts on here would understand what I meant). The haldex setup, as mentioned above, is primarily FWD till slip occurs, then it transfers power to the rear wheels. It is not a true AWD setup and I would not recommend doing that mod to make it AWD. The car's got a wheelbase that is too short to have a stable, controllable car.
Again; power is applied to any and all wheels as needed in less than 1/7th of a revolution (depending on wheel speed that would be in the neighborhood of .005 second...). What exactly do you consider a true all-wheel drive setup? The majority of modern AWD systems in use outside race cars are primarily FWD or RWD and apply power where needed when slippage begins. That does not mean they aren't AWD it just means they are more practical for daily street use. Quattro is the obvious exception
My only guess is that you are both basing your definition on Quattro (which is just Audi's term the same as 4Motion is VW's) with its 60/40 base split. If this is so, however; it would be interesting to note that VW's current 4Motion system and Audi's current Quattro system are both the same generation of Haldex AWD. They simply have different programming and proportioning valves to change the base split parameters...
Here is a pretty solid definition of the Haldex Generation II system:
The second generation of Haldex coupling is an electronically controlled permanent 4x4 system with a Haldex differential calculating how much drive should be directed to the rear wheels. The Haldex system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels depending on slippage, but normally sends 95% of the power to the front wheels. It can react in as little as one seventh of a revolution of any wheel. Power transfer in the second generation is much more effective. Electronic sensors and controls can modify the system's response characteristics, for better operation in conditions ranging from dry pavement to loose gravel, snow, ice, or mud. A pre-charge pump charges the hydraulic system to allow the coupling to engage quickly.
Sounds pretty solidly like AWD to me
