Despite appearances, this test of winter tires and all-wheel drive systems is purely scientific. Ignore the side action and 500 horsepower motors. This video from the YouTube channel Tire Reviews showing an Audi RS4 Avant and a BMW M3 Touring performing fantastic drifts is for educational purposes only.
In the spirit of learning, you should know that each car was fitted with Pirelli P-Zero winter tires in the same size 275/35-19. The BMW has a slight power advantage, with 503 horsepower to the Audi’s 444, but the RS4 is a bit lighter. Given that the surface in this comparison is decidedly slippery, being lighter might actually help the BMW.
The first half of the video is dedicated to old-school drag racing. Testing is done on snow and ice, with the traction control systems on and off, and the winner is… inconclusive. With all the assistance, the BMW has a slight advantage. In sport mode, with the traction control reduced, the Audi is better. And when everything is turned off, it’s just wheels spinning.
Handling comparisons, however, reveal key differences in how Audi and BMW implement their all-wheel drive systems. The M3 Touring proves to be very maneuverable, although it has a bit of difficulty adjusting and needs a lot of effort to be fast. In the Audi, the Quattro system is more precise and sends the car through corners more crisply. Paradoxically, both cars achieved identical lap times when averaged, even though multiple drivers participated in many sessions.
So what is the best all-wheel drive system? After careful scientific study, the conclusion depends entirely on the degree of slippage desired. It’s hard work, but someone had to do it.
Source:
Tyre Reviews / YouTube
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