S4 sports diff really necessary?

[sr95]

I know this topic is beaten to death but I wanted to know if it would genuinely make a difference for my needs. I am looking at an S4 that I will be commuting with about 100 miles a day most of which will be interstate miles so will not having the sports diff really affect things like passing power? Also will it make a difference in the snow for instance would having the sports diff be the deciding factor for not getting stuck in snow? Please let me know your thoughts and/or experiences.

[Grumby21]

I’m Cummuting 66 a day I do not know if I have the sport diffBut so far it’s not bad.

[sacandagaD]

The Sport Diff, like Testicles isn't necessary, but it's just nice to have in case you need to use it/them.

[hilmar2k]

Depends on how you drive. If you like to attack the corners on a nice mountain road, then yes, I would say it's necessary. Normal driving, highway, etc, nope. I can actually feel it kick in, so I know exactly when it's helping. There are corners that it easily adds 10 MPH to the speed I would feel safe going through.

[sr95]

Will it affect snow driving or no? I would presume the latter but I've heard some owners say there is a decent difference.

[hilmar2k]

Will it affect snow driving or no? I would presume the latter but I've heard some owners say there is a decent difference.

Yup, it sure will.

https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring/testing-the-new-audi-differential-system-on-canada-s-icy-roads-1.394608

[B8S4inKC]

Mine had the perfect spec, except the sports diff (🤬) but I never really notice not having it day to day. These cars will still corner great regardless, I only notice the difference during spirited drives with my friend that does have it.

But IMO good tires will by far have the biggest effect on how your car handles. Don’t go cheap on tires and you’ll be fine.


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[hilmar2k]

Mine had the perfect spec, except the sports diff (🤬) and I never really notice it. These cars will still corner great regardless, I didn’t even notice the difference until I road in a car that had it. Tires will make the biggest difference



You can't notice what you don't have.....

[sr95]

Thanks for the help, the only problem I really have is that I need the car asap and the ones that I'm looking at don't have it. If I had more time I would try to find one with the diff. As far as snow is concerned I would only really be worrying about snow in my neighborhood parking lot and maybe some back roads before hitting the highway which would only be about 3 miles or so anyway, but I think with good tires I should be fine.

[hilmar2k]

Thanks for the help, the only problem I really have is that I need the car asap and the ones that I'm looking at don't have it. If I had more time I would try to find one with the diff. As far as snow is concerned I would only really be worrying about snow in my neighborhood parking lot and maybe some back roads before hitting the highway which would only be about 3 miles or so anyway, but I think with good tires I should be fine.

Sounds like you were looking for people to tell you that it isn't necessary, as it sounds like you've already determined that you won't be getting it.

[sr95]

Sounds like you were looking for people to tell you that it isn't necessary, as it sounds like you've already determined that you won't be getting it.

Well yeah, I just needed to know if I would be needing it given my driving habits.

[hilmar2k]

Well yeah, I just needed to know if I would be needing it given my driving habits.

I'd suggest driving one with, and without, and see what you think. Maybe you can find someone local who has one that will let you drive their car. Unless you've completely resigned yourself to the fact that you can't get it. IN that case, this whole thread is moot.... [;)]

[rand0mher0]

If you don't rip around on mountain roads often, I'd say no not necessary. If you like to canyon carve, yes it is absolutely necessary and I can feel a huge difference from it going around corners on throttle. In terms of snow driving, the diff will help yes but I think a good set of snow tires and you'll be fine. The car is still quattro so it'll handle snow great like any other quattro car.

[wootwoot]

People that don't have it will say you don't need it while those that have it swear by it.

[hilmar2k]

People that don't have it will say you don't need it while those that have it swear by it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choice-supportive_bias

[AudiS4SD]

Just remember, in order for the sport diff to be effective, you need to corner under power -- not coasting or under minimal power. Otherwise, it's all up to the tires at that point to get you around the corner.

So, if you always corner under power, you'll see that the sport diff is useful. I've had 3 S4s (long story ha); 2 with and 1 without. It is noticeable when used properly.

[hilmar2k]

Just remember, in order for the sport diff to be effective, you need to corner under power -- not coasting or under minimal power. Otherwise, it's all up to the tires at that point to get you around the corner.

So, if you always corner under power, you'll see that the sport diff is useful. I've had 3 S4s (long story ha); 2 with and 1 without. It is noticeable when used properly.

Good point. In fact, when I fell like I got into a corner a little hot, I throttle through it, using the sports diff to keep me out of trouble. Reminds me of driving my old 911.

[doughboy17]

You will not notice it on the freeway. You may if you push HARD on an off or on-ramp. Really the twisties and SHARP turns are where I notice it.

It is an interesting sensation, since I became accustomed to my B7 A4's rear end simply sliding a bit due to the RS4 rear sway.

[kwik_shift]

The Sport Diff, like Testicles isn't necessary, but it's just nice to have in case you need to use it/them.

this has me dead [:D]

[sr95]

I'd suggest driving one with, and without, and see what you think. Maybe you can find someone local who has one that will let you drive their car. Unless you've completely resigned yourself to the fact that you can't get it. IN that case, this whole thread is moot.... [;)]

I don't want to regret my purchase so I'll take your word and drive both and see if it's well worth the extra time spent finding one to buy. Now the hard part is actually finding an S4 with the diff that I can drive since I don't know anyone personally who owns one.

[hilmar2k]

I don't want to regret my purchase so I'll take your word and drive both and see if it's well worth the extra time spent finding one to buy. Now the hard part is actually finding an S4 with the diff that I can drive since I don't know anyone personally who owns one.I do, but I'm not sure I'm close enough to you. Where in NJ are you?

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[sr95]

I live in Princeton which is basically Central Jersey

[hilmar2k]

I live in Princeton which is basically Central Jersey

Yeah, that's a hike. Well, if you want to drive a couple hours north, you are welcome to take mine for a spin. But I am sure there are a ton of members close to you that both have a sport diff and would be willing to let you take it for a drive.

[sr95]

Yeah, that's a hike. Well, if you want to drive a couple hours north, you are welcome to take mine for a spin. But I am sure there are a ton of members close to you that both have a sport diff and would be willing to let you take it for a drive.

That's quite alright I'm just appreciative that you offered more than anything.

[SteveYem]

I had a 2012 S4 without sport diff, and now a 2015 S4 with sport diff. I actually do find that it seems to be beneficial in the snow. When going through turns if the car starts to lose traction, it feels like the rear end will push out a bit to correct, i.e. induce some oversteer (or at least counteract the car's natural understeer to an extent) to keep the car on track through the turn.

[sr95]

I had a 2012 S4 without sport diff, and now a 2015 S4 with sport diff. I actually do find that it seems to be beneficial in the snow. When going through turns if the car starts to lose traction, it feels like the rear end will push out a bit to correct, i.e. induce some oversteer (or at least counteract the car's natural understeer to an extent) to keep the car on track through the turn.

Have you ever gotten stuck in snow (for instance in your driveway) with your 2012 or did it always pull out with no problem? Also were you running similar wheel and tire setups on both cars?

[SteveYem]

Have you ever gotten stuck in snow (for instance in your driveway) with your 2012 or did it always pull out with no problem? Also were you running similar wheel and tire setups on both cars?

Never had a problem getting stuck in the non sport diff model, and had similar winter tires to my current car. Don’t get me wrong, the non sport diff S4 is a great car and no slouch, but I do see the benefit of the sport diff.

[sr95]

Never had a problem getting stuck in the non sport diff model, and had similar winter tires to my current car. Don’t get me wrong, the non sport diff S4 is a great car and no slouch, but I do see the benefit of the sport diff.

That's good to know. I'll try to keep my eyes peeled for the one with the diff. Wish I could just buy the one without and install the diff myself later on [>_<].

[rj124104]

I have both. If I had the option I would get one with a sport diff because why not? But it would never be a deal breaker over a better maintained vehicle that was more of what I wanted. It's not a night and day difference by any means and mostly overrated in my opinion. I think most of it is placebo although obviously there is benefit to it. Don't let it be the deciding factor in the vehicle you buy.

[jygesq]

One downside to Sport diff. If it breaks, it is very expensive to fix. That and the complexity of DSG. Tranny caused me to buy platinum extended warranty for my 2015 S4. Good until Jan 2024,/ 88k miles. As I drive less than 5k miles a year, Jan 2024 is the end date. The sport diff had 3.settingd, comfort, sport & auto.When you turn hard &!fast , my car feels & handles like it is on rails. When ordering an S4,new it is worth the price of admission, $850! But if your car does not have it, the S 4 is still and outstanding sports sedan.

[sr95]

One downside to Sport diff. If it breaks, it is very expensive to fix. That and the complexity of DSG. Tranny caused me to buy platinum extended warranty for my 2015 S4. Good until Jan 2024,/ 88k miles. As I drive less than 5k miles a year, Jan 2024 is the end date. The sport diff had 3.settingd, comfort, sport & auto.When you turn hard &!fast , my car feels & handles like it is on rails. When ordering an S4,new it is worth the price of admission, $850! But if your car does not have it, the S 4 is still and outstanding sports sedan.

The car I'm looking at is Certified which is a big reason I want to get it. I believe the dsg is covered under the certified warranty but not sure about the diff.

[jygesq]

If car is CPO DSG & Sports diff would both be covered under terms of CPO. ANY photos of car?

[sr95]

If car is CPO DSG & Sports diff would both be covered under terms of CPO. ANY photos of car?

https://www.audidevon.com/certified/Audi/2015-Audi-S4-Devon-PA-ec9f0ac90a0e0adf633dd0975cff620c.htm

[esc]

One downside to Sport diff. If it breaks, it is very expensive to fix. That and the complexity of DSG. Tranny caused me to buy platinum extended warranty for my 2015 S4. Good until Jan 2024,/ 88k miles. As I drive less than 5k miles a year, Jan 2024 is the end date. The sport diff had 3.settingd, comfort, sport & auto.When you turn hard &!fast , my car feels & handles like it is on rails. When ordering an S4,new it is worth the price of admission, $850! But if your car does not have it, the S 4 is still and outstanding sports sedan.

If it breaks, you will be left with a non-sport diff S4, which is still a great sports sedan.

[Sumo337]

No sport diff = understeer
Sport diff = oversteer

I have both, and without it, it’s horrible.

[jygesq]

If it breaks, you will be left with a non-sport diff S4, which is still a great sports sedan.

Not so sure you are correct, please explain how a broken sports diff, becomes a non-sports diff s4

[Low Orbit]

The car I'm looking at is Certified which is a big reason I want to get it. I believe the dsg is covered under the certified warranty but not sure about the diff.

I just bought out my 2016 lease (DSG and sport diff). If you are keeping it for a while, I would suggest the Platinum version of the Audi Pure Protection. My dealer said it covers DSG and sport diff and you can get many different terms (7yr/70K, 6yr/100K etc.), which is far better than the CPO which just adds a measly 1 year to the original warranty, albeit with unlimited miles and they supposedly do a thorough inspection. Troy Dietrich at FD Warranty can get you a better price on APP than a dealer.

[superswiss]

To some extent the question of to sport diff or not to sport diff comes down to what driving dynamics you want/prefer. To be honest for driving straight on the highway, being stuck in traffic and what not, it doesn't much matter if you have FWD, RWD, AWD w/ sport diff or AWD w/o sport diff. The difference will become apparent during cornering. The sport diff doesn't help you if you are stuck in snow, but tires and 4 driven wheels will. But the sport differential helps you turn and maintain your line on a snow covered slippery road, and could be the difference between sliding off the road or making the turn. There are many benefits to the sport differential. One often overlooked one is that it acts as an inverse ESP. That function is fairly transparent and can't really be noticed, but what it does is it proactively stabilizes the car before any instability can occur. Traditional ESP systems are reactive, meaning the car has to become unstable first before the ESP starts to selectively apply the brakes to bring it back under control. But the sport diff can prevent the car to become unstable in the first place, which makes for a more confident and dynamic driving experience.

I often find myself driving an A4/5 loaner and it drives perfectly fine from A to B, but it isn't exactly exciting or fun. Driving with the sport differential in dynamic mode on the other hand is exciting and fun. I don't drive in the snow, but rain and the confidence the car inspires cornering in the rain is unmatched by a car w/o the sport differential. For me personally the main reason I wouldn't get another Audi w/o it is that it gives the car RWD behavior.

[SouthernBoy]

The Sport Diff, like Testicles isn't necessary, but it's just nice to have in case you need to use it/them.

Rather interesting analogy.

[Works2shoot]

I love all the 6mt / sport diff circle j--k threads recently. [emoji23][emoji16]

[rand0mher0]

Not as bad as the DSG circle jerk threads

[sacandagaD]

Not as bad as the DSG circle jerk threads

Or the gazillion "I'm looking for a used S4, anything I should be aware of/watch out for?" threads.

[sr95]

Would sacrificing mileage and cpo be worth getting a car with the diff? My mileage cap was 35k but I'm finding cars with 50k+ with the diff. Non cpo but still appear to be in good condition.

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[my65bug]

I just bought a 2013 with the sport diff. I am not sure what the car would feel like without it but I can feel that thing kick in on my twisty commute.

[rand0mher0]

Would sacrificing mileage and cpo be worth getting a car with the diff? My mileage cap was 35k but I'm finding cars with 50k+ with the diff. Non cpo but still appear to be in good condition.

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50K miles isn't huge but depends how bad you want CPO, lol.

That being said, I bought my car with no warranty and 44k miles. Totally worth it to get a car with all the options I wanted and while searching, if the car didn't have the diff it was a total deal breaker for me. Me personally I'd say it's worth it.

[rj124104]

I would take the extended warranty over sport diff any day unless you have tons of cash to burn then just get a CPO sports diff model [>_<]

[bhvrdr]

Would sacrificing mileage and cpo be worth getting a car with the diff? My mileage cap was 35k but I'm finding cars with 50k+ with the diff. Non cpo but still appear to be in good condition.

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This is completely subjective and up to you.

I, personally, have had both cars with and without sport diffs. I always put my sport diff in comfort mode or non aggressive mode because I already have RWD cars to shake their asses loose. I like the AWD audi precisely because it has no overseer or bad understeer if driven well and the suspension is even somewhat well aligned and sorted.

If I didnt have a RWD car would it be a bit of fun to put the sport diff in dynamic and kick the rear out a bit on autocross courses (you really dont need to do this on the streets)? Sure it would i guess.

If I had wanted an M3 or M4 though I would have bought one. So for me I liked the car fine without one. Its also a 5K dollar part that I wouldnt want on my car after warranty.

That said, there are people who absolutely love the ability to kick the rear out easier. If you want that trait, the SD will do it.

Mike

[superswiss]

This is completely subjective and up to you.

I, personally, have had both cars with and without sport diffs. I always put my sport diff in comfort mode or non aggressive mode because I already have RWD cars to shake their asses loose. I like the AWD audi precisely because it has no overseer or bad understeer if driven well and the suspension is even somewhat well aligned and sorted.

If I didnt have a RWD car would it be a bit of fun to put the sport diff in dynamic and kick the rear out a bit on autocross courses (you really dont need to do this on the streets)? Sure it would i guess.

If I had wanted an M3 or M4 though I would have bought one. So for me I liked the car fine without one. Its also a 5K dollar part that I wouldnt want on my car after warranty.

That said, there are people who absolutely love the ability to kick the rear out easier. If you want that trait, the SD will do it.

Mike

That's an interesting perspective from somebody with RWD cars. Oversteer doesn't mean one has to break the rear tires loose. That would be power sliding and drifting, but oversteer is about inducing extra yaw moment via throttle and fine tuning the turning radius w/o having to make steering wheel adjustments or turn the steering wheel quite as much, which increases the front tires' lateral grip (useful on slippery roads for example). That's perhaps the most enjoyable part of RWD. Being able to tighten the turning radius by increasing throttle input, keeping it neutral or increasing the radius by letting off the throttle. I keep my SD in Dynamic mode most of the time and whenever I put it in Comfort or even Auto mode, I initially get taken by surprise due to the lack of turn in. It always takes me a moment to adjust my muscle memory and remember to turn the steering wheel more for the desired turning radius. I don't power slide around all the time and during normal driving I take corners pretty neutral, but at any moment I can increase the throttle input to tighten the radius. I would expect that somebody who owns RWD cars appreciates that aspect.

[Low Orbit]

I always put my sport diff in comfort mode or non aggressive mode because I already have RWD cars to shake their asses loose.
Mike

How do you adjust the sport diff? I just leave my 2016 S4 in dynamic mode. Does the sport diff have a different setting?

[bhvrdr]

How do you adjust the sport diff? I just leave my 2016 S4 in dynamic mode. Does the sport diff have a different setting?

You go into individual settings and set it up any way you want it. If you have the whole car in dynamic mode though the sd should be too

Mike

[fstr n u]

I'm sorry to be a Debbie Downer as i'm a die hard Audi enthusiast, but the SD doesn't quite turn the S4 or S5 into a rwd feeling vehicle. I've had an S5 with SD and now an S4 without and the difference is slightly noticeable...but not mindbending. Audi's with SD still demonstrate understeer in most conditions, and i'm sorry, but most Audi owners don't track their cars around proper race courses/tracks. I've raced on several courses across the US and very rarely will you find Audi vehicles.

For the occasional spirited runs, just enjoy a mildly tuned S4/S5 and have fun. For winter driving the SD will make a bit more of a difference when you want to be a hooligan.

You can't go wrong either way. if you can find an Audi with an SD, take it. If you can't you'll still love your Audi.

[sr95]

I was able to test drive both cars yesterday and I definitely noticed the difference with the SD around turns and exits. I got to test it in the rain a bit and when I was exiting the highway I definitely felt more confident cornering at higher speeds as opposed to the non SD car. But on straights, I felt no apparent difference in power as expected. I think the SD will definitely help in bad weather and will undoubtly be more fun around corners so I'm going to try to hold off a little longer and try to find one with the diff.

[bhvrdr]

I was able to test drive both cars yesterday and I definitely noticed the difference with the SD around turns and exits. I got to test it in the rain a bit and when I was exiting the highway I definitely felt more confident cornering at higher speeds as opposed to the non SD car. But on straights, I felt no apparent difference in power as expected. I think the SD will definitely help in bad weather and will undoubtly be more fun around corners so I'm going to try to hold off a little longer and try to find one with the diff.

Im not saying the sd doesnt make a difference (it does) but in the scenario you are talking about with exit ramps it would be placebo as the sd is going to have no effect when you are coasting or braking like on an exit ramp. The sd will help on power so entrance ramps.

Mike

[superswiss]

Im not saying the sd doesnt make a difference (it does) but in the scenario you are talking about with exit ramps it would be placebo as the sd is going to have no effect when you are coasting or braking like on an exit ramp. The sd will help on power so entrance ramps.

Mike

Opinions is one thing, but let's at least keep the facts correct. As opposed to other differential technologies, the SD does indeed work off throttle. It's mentioned in this video for example at 2:22.


https://youtu.be/rQowh2Kr38s?t=2m23s

[AudiS4SD]

Opinions is one thing, but let's at least keep the facts correct. As opposed to other differential technologies, the SD does indeed work off throttle. It's mentioned in this video for example at 2:22.


https://youtu.be/rQowh2Kr38s?t=2m23sIsn't that what he said? You need to put the SD under power for it to be effective. Coasting or braking into a turn will do nothing for you from the SD.

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[superswiss]

Isn't that what he said? You need to put the SD under power for it to be effective. Coasting or braking into a turn will do nothing for you from the SD.

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Listen to and watch the video. They don't go into details here, but it will work during coasting and under no power. It distributes the braking torque instead.

[AudiS4SD]

Listen to and watch the video. They don't go into details here, but it will work during coasting and under no power. It distributes the braking torque instead.Fair enough. Though I don't think you will get much rotation under those circumstances (I haven't).

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[superswiss]

Fair enough. Though I don't think you will get much rotation under those circumstances (I haven't).

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Here's an article that explains all these systems in a bit more detail.

https://www.audiworld.com/articles/quattro-with-sport-differential-dynamism-redefined/

Here's one section that talks about the off throttle aspects of the SD. It does some of it in Dynamic mode as well, but with more agile behavior. Worth reading the whole article.


The sport differential is even capable of completely eliminating the classic load-reversal reactions when the accelerator is lifted or the brakes applied suddenly while cornering; the driver can specify this function by selecting ‘comfort’ mode. If the accelerator pedal is released, torque distribution between the wheels is adjusted almost instantaneously. Unlike other systems, the Audi sport differential is just as effective when the engine is driving the wheels as it is on the overrun or when the car is coasting freely. In simplified terms, here too one wheel is braked and the other accelerated with the aid of the superimposed drive stages. This diverts the torque to the wheels and the vehicle is given a precisely calculated impulse in the required direction.

BTW, the ultimate combination is SD and the optional Dynamic Steering, which is what I have in my RS5. They work together as explained in the article and can pretty much eliminate understeer. The Dynamic Steering will make minor steering corrections to hook up the front tires while the SD compensates to rotate the car.

[Adamantium]

Are you sure it makes steering corrections? Everything I’ve read says that dynamic steering in dynamic mode is just a fixed yet slightly faster ratio.

The ratio and weighting changes in different comfort and sport depending on speed and steering angle.

The only system that makes steering inputs is active lane assist.

[superswiss]

I'm sorry to be a Debbie Downer as i'm a die hard Audi enthusiast, but the SD doesn't quite turn the S4 or S5 into a rwd feeling vehicle. I've had an S5 with SD and now an S4 without and the difference is slightly noticeable...but not mindbending. Audi's with SD still demonstrate understeer in most conditions, and i'm sorry, but most Audi owners don't track their cars around proper race courses/tracks. I've raced on several courses across the US and very rarely will you find Audi vehicles.

For the occasional spirited runs, just enjoy a mildly tuned S4/S5 and have fun. For winter driving the SD will make a bit more of a difference when you want to be a hooligan.

You can't go wrong either way. if you can find an Audi with an SD, take it. If you can't you'll still love your Audi.

You can't completely defeat physics, so under braking and if overcooking a corner there will be understeer as the front-end just wants to continue to go straight, but with the right setup, in particular the optional Dynamic Steering in combination with the SD, the understeer can be controlled by getting on the throttle. It's counter intuitive for most, but if you start understeering in a corner, you need to get back on the throttle as opposed to most people's reaction of letting off the throttle. These are RWD dynamics with a twist. An RWD car generally understeers even more if you get back on the throttle too early, because it lightens the front-end, but with the SD it actually starts pushing the car into the corner and counteracts understeer. It's kinda fun when it happens. If I overcook a corner I typically take advantage of the understeer to shave off some speed and then just before the apex get back on the throttle and holding the throttle to turn w/o understeer. It's actually quite effective. All the weight over the front axle can be managed much better with the SD than without.

[bhvrdr]

Here's an article that explains all these systems in a bit more detail.

https://www.audiworld.com/articles/quattro-with-sport-differential-dynamism-redefined/

Here's one section that talks about the off throttle aspects of the SD. It does some of it in Dynamic mode as well, but with more agile behavior. Worth reading the whole article.



BTW, the ultimate combination is SD and the optional Dynamic Steering, which is what I have in my RS5. They work together as explained in the article and can pretty much eliminate understeer. The Dynamic Steering will make minor steering corrections to hook up the front tires while the SD compensates to rotate the car.

I dont hate the sd at all its just not what i like about driving an awd audi. Now the dynamic steering i truly hate.

Dynamic steering gives you variable ratio in some modes and variable effort steering depending on dynamic conditions and imo there is not much worse in driving feel on the track then inconsistent steering response and thats exactly what the sytem is. So for dynamic steering id always lock it in dynamic mode so at least the ratio wont change but you still get speed sensitive variable effort and that i really don't like either.

Let me give you an example. Youre driving down a straight at 140mph with very stiff steering and then come up on a send gear turn brak8ng heavily down to say 40mph (think sebring) at which point you can feel the steering wheel start to co immediately more loose engaging itself in what feels like parking lot mode and then as you power out of the turn you feel it firm up again as you go over 60mph on up to 100+mph.

Its a big annoyance of mine. Id take the old servotronic of my b6 anyday over this stuff.

Mike

[superswiss]

I dont hate the sd at all its just not what i like about driving an awd audi. Now the dynamic steering i truly hate.

Dynamic steering gives you variable ratio in some modes and variable effort steering depending on dynamic conditions and imo there is not much worse in driving feel on the track then inconsistent steering response and thats exactly what the sytem is. So for dynamic steering id always lock it in dynamic mode so at least the ratio wont change but you still get speed sensitive variable effort and that i really don't like either.

Let me give you an example. Youre driving down a straight at 140mph with very stiff steering and then come up on a send gear turn brak8ng heavily down to say 40mph (think sebring) at which point you can feel the steering wheel start to co immediately more loose engaging itself in what feels like parking lot mode and then as you power out of the turn you feel it firm up again as you go over 60mph on up to 100+mph.

Its a big annoyance of mine. Id take the old servotronic of my b6 anyday over this stuff.

Mike

How much have you actually driven a car with the Dynamic steering? Yes, in Comfort and Auto mode the ratio adjust which is excellent for daily driving, but in Dynamic mode it works exactly like the none Dynamic steering. Both have speed sensitive steering assist. Most recent power steering do. My B7 S4 w/o Dynamic Steering had speed sensitive assist. The Dynamic steering in Dynamic mode has a fixed shorter ratio than the standard steering, which on a track is exactly what you want a direct and responsive steering.

[Adamantium]

Again, that’s not just the dynamic steering option, that’s electric power steering in the B8.5.

[superswiss]

Again, that’s not just the dynamic steering option, that’s electric power steering in the B8.5.

Correct. Many of the complaints are general complaints about EPS dynamic or not. Audi did have a hydraulic dynamic steering option in the B8, though, but I have no experience with that one. As far as EPS, Audi isn't exactly known for a great one, but the Dymanic EPS in my experience is better than the standard EPS. At least that's based on my 5.5 years of experience with the RS5 vs standard steering.


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[bhvrdr]

How much have you actually driven a car with the Dynamic steering? Yes, in Comfort and Auto mode the ratio adjust which is excellent for daily driving, but in Dynamic mode it works exactly like the none Dynamic steering. Both have speed sensitive steering assist. Most recent power steering do. My B7 S4 w/o Dynamic Steering had speed sensitive assist. The Dynamic steering in Dynamic mode has a fixed shorter ratio than the standard steering, which on a track is exactly what you want a direct and responsive steering.

Youre right my biggest complaint is with speed sensitive steering since at least you can lock dynamic steering ratio in dynamic mode which is what i did at all times. I guess i would have just preferrred the dynamic mode ratio at all times. I really dont like the variable ratio modes at all but i guess some do. Guess thats why its an option. I can appreciate having the option.

Mike

[esc]

Not so sure you are correct, please explain how a broken sports diff, becomes a non-sports diff s4

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/827677-If-you-sport-dif-fails?p=13303138&viewfull=1#post13303138