The Zexel-Torsen method is used as the base model the other two options are compared to. 
+'s and -'s are assigned to the best of my knowledge. The criteria list contains items 
that I thought were the most important to consider, and the items are listed in 
no particular order. 
Drivetrain Comparison Matrix
Shaft Driven
Chain Driven
TRX500 ATV Diff
w/ Quaife
w/ Torsen
Criteria
simplicity (K.I.S.S it factor)
0
+
0
weight
0
0
0
cost
+
-
0
maintenance
+
+
0
design
0
+
0
gear ratio possibilities
-
0
0
manufacturing
0
+
0
part count
0
+
0
brake setup
-
0
0
reliability
0
+
0
prior experience w/
-
-
0
+'s
2
6
0
0's
6
3
0
-'s
3
2
0
TRX500 ATV Diff
w/ Quaife
w/ Torsen
Totals
-1
+4
0
Conclusions

From this first comaprison, the Quaife method comes out on top. Torsen is second and the 
shaft driven method is in last. This simple comparison is done without giving each criterion
a certain weight. Packaging should be on the list, but it's difficult to compare without
having the designs completed for the three methods. 

On Ebay there's a Quaife that's being auctioned off. It's for a civic, but we might be able 
to get some use out of it. It's currently at $305. 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1766107968

And on the Quaife America website, they are selling the ATB diff for a 
Ford - MTX75 Focus / Mondeo / Contour / Cougar FWD  for  $595.00.


Reply back with some constructive feedback. Is the criteria list missing anything?
Are there any opposing views as to how the +'s and -'s were assigned?

Again, I think going to a shaft driven set-up will take much longer to develop. And it
will be more of hassle than we all really know. We should go with what we know now,
and that's the chain driven route. 

This matrix comparison tool will be learned by many in DDR's product design class.


zotfsae.tripod.com