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I an the prototype Audi (A8,S8,& S6) fan. I'm treating myself to a new car this year, but an opportunity to expand my business into some different markets is forcing me to reconsider which one. I love AWD, and have owned Audi's Quattro, and VW's 4-Motion. I'm also attracted to the Acura RL. In the past decade more manufacturers have followed Audi's lead and introduced AWD vehicles. I drive a lot (30-40,000/yr) mostly highways, but I'm drawn to the secondary roads whenever I want a "release." I'm not that happy with the Acura's V6 - only offering, but I'd like to know (learn) more about their SH-AWD system compared to Audi. If any of you are "qualified" I'm all ears. You don't have to live in bad weather to justify the cost...just drive!  

Subaru.

Been around the longest,easiest to fix,their cars are reliable as well.

But Acura cannot be a bad choice as well.

And they are extremely reliable as far as I know.

Both Audi and VW have spotty reliability records.

But get a good Audi especially and they have been rumored to be indestructable.  

THANKS! i was always under the impression that it was Audi that introduced AWD.  agree that the Acura (RL) is a very good vehicle but i prefer the A or S6, and certainly the A8Lto the Acura. I've heard great things about the Suaru, but they have nothing that compares to my short list of Audis. Every VW that I've owned in the past has been very reliable  

I too an am Audi fan.  However, their AWD system is extremely similar to Subaru.  Many of the newer AWD units use a viscous coupling which transfers power to the non-standard drive wheels.  For example, the Honda CRV has its front wheels driven for most of the time until wheelspin is detected by the coupling, therefore engaging the rear wheels.  This increases fuel economy by not having the motor drive two axles.  For safety's sake, when required, a button on the dash overrides the coupling and makes it an even 50/50 distribution of power between the two axles.  This is for temporary use (stuck in ditch) only.  Surprisingly enough, I was able to drive a new Hyundai Veracruz recently (which has this system) and came back very impressed.  It was so quiet and reasonably priced.  I have found a comparison between the RX330 and Veracruz on another magazine's website.  Just for fun I would recommend driving one to see how far the Koreans have come.  It's no Audi, but it definitely is better than any American vehicle I've driven in quite awhile.