"Mike Hunter" <mikehunt2@mailcity.com> wrote in message
news:lamdnca90vuQPVzeUSdV9g@ptd.net...
> In the real world of experienced drivers, traction control is a pain in
> the butt. When one is driving slippery road it works fine but if one is
> trying to get motivated when the traction is less than ideal, the traction
> control needs to be turned OFF or the engine drops down to idle and you
> can't get to goin' That is true of FWD or RWD vehicles. The 'traction
> Lox' axle is the baby that does what needs to get dune to drive when it
> slick. My Mustang will get up our driveway, or any icy hill, better than
> the FWD cars any day. People assume because FWD may have an advantage when
> driving in unplowed snow that it handles better or is better on plowed
> mountain roads, as well, FWD is not better. Next time you slide of the
> road on an icy downhill curve, take note of what the cop is driving when
> he comes to investigate the accident. 
>
> mike hunt
>
Just got rid of a ten y/o T-bird--V8, no ABS, no traction control--and
replaced it with a Nissan Maxima, my first rice rocket--FWD, switchable
traction control, 4 wheel discs, load sensing ABS. I've had the opportunity
to drive the Max on snowy roads. While the T-bird was always a handful, the
Max has no problem under any conditions. Plus, even though both cars weigh
about the same, and have the same wheelbase, the Max is a rocket ship
compared to the Bird.
I wanted a Mustang GT, when I bought the Max, but the Ford dealers were
non-responsive, while the Nissan dealer fell all over themselves trying to
be helpful. Unlike the Ford slug, the Nissan sales chick was knowledgeable
about the technical aspects of the car. With the exception of
Daimler-Chrysler (and I have nagging doubts about their quality), American
carmaker are killing themselves with their crappy attitudes. At today's
prices, cars are no longer throw away toys, unlike the good ole '60's.
