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Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 04:28:03 GMT
From: "Chris" <smiecnopsami.com>
Subject: Re: 4 wheel drive


Why do so many posters here equate the AWD option with SUVs? One has NOTHING to do with the other. And why can't you see benefits beyond foul weather traction? One of the biggest problems with Saab's handling is it's FWD configuration. A FWD sedan will never compete with RWD cars like BMWs or MBs in the handling department. Ideally I would love for Saab to produce a RWD 9-5, but there is no chance that this will happen, since the car is marketed to a different demographic group than say a BMW is. But an AWD option is the second best choice, IF done properly, ala Audi or Subaru with 50-50 initial power distribution. That way the car will gain a good balance, no torque steer, and ability to put down a lot more power to the road. And yes, it will be safer too. On the other hand if Saab decides to go with one of the systems that send power to the rear wheels only when slip is detected, then the disadvantages will far outweigh the advantages. Just my two cents... "Four Weis" <mweinopsamcom> wrote in message news:3D15E79B.4B698E1Dnopsamcom... > AWD or four wheel drive has its advantages, primarily off road, but also > its disadvantages, several of which have been mentioned already - cost > more at purchase, maintenance is high and they use more fuel(not always > true). Another one, which Volvo Cross Country owners have complained > about is the need to replace ALL FOUR tires at the same time. They get > a flat after 10,000 miles and they are shocked when they are told they > cannot replace just the one tire. It drives the AWD system crazy when > one or more wheels rotates at a different rpm than the other wheels. It > thinks the other wheels are "slipping" due to lack of traction. > > When this issue is resolved, and it will eventually, maybe then AWD cars > will be useful and cost effective. The solution might be something as > simple as improved computer programs for the AWD system. Imagine your > car asking you in a pleasant voice if you replaced the right front > tire(whatever happened to the talking car systems?). If you answer yes, > then it would then "measure" the rolling diameter of the new tire and > use that factor to help determine if the car is really losing traction > on the other wheels. Beam me up Scotty! > > > > Paul Hudson wrote: > > > "Skid" <skid2nopsami.com> wrote in > > news:5V1R8.39546$EP.2984nopsamnsc03: > > > > > You are welcome to your opinions, but they show a lack of > > > experience with the Saabs you are criticising. > > > > > > > Not necessarily. I'd like a 4WD Saab - I've got a 9000, and > > since I live in the UK, snow's not the problem. However, there > > have been numerous times I'd have liked a bit more traction - > > pulling away in a hurry when turning right (left, to you > > Americans :-)) in the wet often leaves the front wheels > > scrabbling for grip. > > > > Lots of horsepower in a FWD car isn't ideal. I don't really > > understand why they haven't done a 4WD up to now... > > > > P. >

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