I just took the AU2 Fairmont out and had to do some driving on gravel roads, thought I would take to chance to see how the traction control works on the new car compared to the old (another AU2) as expected no change and I just wanted to say how average I think the traction control is on these cars, I think if you have a car with traction control the system should retard the engine before the 2 or 3 seconds it takes to kick in, then it does the job for about 5 seconds then it's gone again and it's redline with the wheels spinning freely again. When it's actually retarding it's great, just takes too long to kick in IMO, what do the rest of you think?
Current system reacts way too slow and is like a real bad abs in reverse - even worst on Fairmont with no limited slip diff available.
Other manufacturers use variations to this theme.
I think the best would be first provide a good LSD or other method that take power from the spinning wheel and gives it to the ones that are not, then do what the Germans seem to do and apply the brake to the offending tyre(s) only, while at the same time retarding the timing / ignition or fuel flow to reduce power.
Has anyone driven a good Benz with these sort of features and can comment?
Originally posted by Ford Man *Dons Bart Simpson Voice*
Traction control is for wusses sir...
Seriously though I hate traction control.. just when you need the juice to straighten you out the engine dies.. not real handy in my world..
Yep, give me a good re-end set-up with LSD and leave the throttle work to me. Like Dave Morley says, man IS smarter that machine/computer. I could not tolerate a car with traction control that could not be fully disabled.
When it's switched off, it's totally off, no probs, the problem I was highlighting was that when it's switch ON, it just seems sorta on, like say 75% on.:crazy1: does the Job when it can be bothered and has nothing better to do is probably a good way of describing how it works. Infact myself and the traction control have alot in common in that regard:s6:
May be that's what they were aiming at; a system that is not too intrusive and just 'hovers' in the background when switched on? that could explain the 'laziness' you're describing.
Yep, give me a good re-end set-up with LSD and leave the throttle work to me. Like Dave Morley says, man IS smarter that machine/computer. I could not tolerate a car with traction control that could not be fully disabled.
They said the same thing about ABS when it first came out. Engine retardation is only one way to control slip.
While it is possible for very good drives to out brake ABS systems, these are not the average motorist. From what I understand the Ford TC system is head and shoulders above the Holden system, so it from what you describe BOF it doesn't say much.
I know of the article in which David said what he did. The fact is he is wrong. For proof of how good the electronics in the M5 are, get a look at the Video top gear have!
While it is possible for very good drives to out brake ABS systems, these are not the average motorist.
And that is the problem!!! You are right; the average motorist is unable to deal with a clutch pedal, let alone employ advanced braking techniques and other adavnced driving skills. So yep, the electronics and advanced braking systems are necessary for most people. Look at where MB is heading with 'Distronics'!! I mean if the car has to start applying the brakes FOR you, you should not be on the road IMO!
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Traction Control
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