How do the 2wd and 4wd TDi 150's compare?

[istvan24]

Hi,

first time poster here, nice site!

I'm thinking of changing car at some point soon and high on my list is a Leon TDi 150. I'm trying to decide whether I really need a 4wd version or not, and what the difference in effect a Revo would make on these 2...

I am going to be doing everything from Motorway to B road driving and mountain conditions - I need a "do everything" car until I can get my track day car sorted (stripped G60 / VR6 Corrado or a 205 GTi Mi16).

What difference to day to day driving does the 4wd system make? I'm based in Europe so I can get hold of 4motion TDi's quite easily but I read here that the 4wd drive version doesnt transfer the power to the road as well as the 2wd (?).

Also, if I chipped / revo'd a 4wd would this produce a lot more strain on the motor/transmission? I drive relatively hard on B roads but have to take it easy on the motorways (les Gendarmes are a little unforgiving, especially if they learn that you are a "Rosbif" tearing up their fair countryside :-D) - not really going to be able to pay for a new clutch every 20000 kms!

Last question (for the time being) with a heavy diesel motor in the front of the car I guess the Leon, even in Cupra/FR/4wd guise must understeer quite a bit, is this easy to cure with a couple of strut braces (S3 for example)?

Many thanks for any input!

 

[prc]

The AWD is a bit slower than the 2wd, but you can get the power down alot better. Remember that the AWD will have higher maintenance costs, use more fuel, tyres, etc... It's also got less trunk space...

 

[istvan24]

Still, if you can put the power down better and have better handling than the already good 2wd then when I change car I'll probably go for a 4wd. Needs to have character though...?

 

[prc]

A chipped TDI4 will go very very well...

 

[istvan24]

But is this a passionate car like some of my previous and present toys?

Fiat Coupé Turbo 16v (195hp)
Ford Puma 1.7 (Modded)
205 Gti 1.6 std

The emphasis on these has been a mix of speed and great handling - what I'm looking for is more of the same in a slightly more mature (ish) and less rattly (engine aside :-D) style...

The above cars were all amazing fun and really passionate to drive...I know that the diesel will be completely different in style due to the engine dynamics but will it have that (I guess this is going to sound cheesy) Evo feeling?

 

[prc]

A well chipped TDI4 150 will burn rubber in the 1st 3 gears ......

The tdi4 also has a very close ratio box to make things fun, but as with all diesels all the fun is in the low to midrange. You have a much smaller rev range with with to work.
you can extend this range a bit, but only with additional stuff (not very safe on standard car). My car for example will keep topend hp past 4500, which is an extra 500rpm compared to a stock (and most of the chipped TDi's).

 

[redcupratdi]

mine keeps power up to 5,000 rpm in 3rd and 4th

don't think you would burn rubber in 3rd gear on a 4wd motor, the traction on launch would be fun but i can still launch well with no wheelspin, but a 150 4motion would jump of the line like a scalded cat!

i think the main issue would be say 30-80 and higher up as 4wd becomes a drag.

oh and answering your last question i believe a front strut brace and a rear anti-roll bar helps

 

[Neo_VR]

As mentioned by prc..
the quattro/4motion setups have a shorter range box... so lots of cog shifting if you want to get anywhere quickly

 

[devonmikeyboy]

But it grips like a basstard and is great fun to drive with a few minor tweaks.

 

[Fluke]

But is this a passionate car like some of my previous and present toys?

Fiat Coupé Turbo 16v (195hp)
Ford Puma 1.7 (Modded)
205 Gti 1.6 std

The emphasis on these has been a mix of speed and great handling - what I'm looking for is more of the same in a slightly more mature (ish) and less rattly (engine aside :-D) style...

The above cars were all amazing fun and really passionate to drive...I know that the diesel will be completely different in style due to the engine dynamics but will it have that (I guess this is going to sound cheesy) Evo feeling?

I've just come to my Leon FR TDi 150 from a long relationship with a Mazda MX-3 and before that a Puma and and Escort GTi and various MGs.

The Leon does feel like a much bigger car than any of those, with it's heavier steering and being an oil burner and all. It does have the grin factor, but it seems I have to concentrate more on being in the right gear for my road speed. You have to keep the Revs between 1,800 and 3,500 to get the best out of it, and that's a very small range compared to what I'm used to. But the handling is sharp. There's loads of grip, and the factory stereo is the best I've come across!