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Re: Yes - Probably more than you want to know. (archive)
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Posted by FWK-Z3 on June 19, 2000 at 21:57:42:

In Reply to: Re: Yes - Probably more than you want to know. posted by SteveR on June 19, 2000 at 14:03:44:

Only an ideal differential distributes torque equally. The typical open diff used on most cars has a primary driven wheel (affixed directly tothe drive gear) while the other is driven through the bevel gearset. On VW's the left wheel is driven directly. This is interestng, as the right wheel has trhe longer shaft and is on the heavier side of the car (wioth the engine located to the right of the vehivcle centerline. Despite this, on every iteration of this chassis I have ever drive, it is the right wheel that spins first.

My citation of Volkgswagen practice results from having worked on VW front drive systems for 26 years (1975 Scirocco, 1981 Rabbit, 1995 Golf and 1999 New Beetle). Other cars I have owned have been front or four wheel drive (with the exception of the Alfa and Z3), but have had engines placed longitudinally rather then transversely in the chassis. I am sure that other manufacturers of transverse FWD vehicles use driveshafts designed fo the proper torque characteristics, but I prefer to speak from experience, and my experience is wiht VW products.

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