Wolfgang, I don't think people are cheapskates for buying the fwd Audis, but I do feel that the entire reason for buying an Audi is the Quattro system. Audi didn't make their money on fwd cars. When they came out with the Quattro here in the states (82, 84?) their sales began to rise. There are scores of fwd cars out there, many of them good, but there is only one Quattro along with numerous other awd systems that are inferior. I would venture a guess that Quattro accounts for 98% of sales in the U.S.
Audi dominated the rally scene in Europe and the States during in the
80s because of Quattro. Their entry into racing was also very successful. I believe they dominated much of the Euro racing in those days and each win caused them a weight penalty. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) would not allow Quattros in any of their race classes because of the distinct advantage over rwd and fwd. Audi and their Quattro have dominated any number of race scenes, but especially LeMans in recent years, and the Petite LeMans series here in the States.I have driven many fwd Audis at Audi sponsored driving events and they do not compare to Quattro. They are good cars, no doubt about that, but my choice for any car would be Quattro or rwd. If Audi was suddenly to stop production of Quattro, my next choice would be the Nisson GT-R or one of the MBs AMGs. It would not be an Audi fwd. And, I agree with you that the Audi fwd is an extremely good car.
Be well,
Dave RS6