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Re: Adding Traction Control
Posted by Lane Dexter (more from Lane Dexter) on Sat, 16 Sep 2000 12:26:51
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

About 20 years ago, I inquired into limited slip for my 99 Turbo.  I was
told that it's very expensive and, unless I was a rally driver I should
avoid it.  Limited slip in a front diff. would require the arms of a
gorilla to negotiate a city street corner or parallel park.

Since my formative years involved driving ordinary front engine/rear drive
American cars on ice and snow, using cheap hard-compound snow recaps on the
rear only, and we got around fine, I don't believe a lot of exotic features
are necessary to a competent driver; they are just convenient.

I have not had the opportunity to try traction control, though I have been
impressed at times by ABS brakes.  I soon learned that with good tires my
1978 Saab could take me just about anywhere -- and careless drivers with
4WD landed in the ditch.

My advice is to go try a car with traction control this winter, then decide
if you really can't live without it.  Obvously, with enough money, anything
is possible.  But I doubt the addition of traction control is cost
effective.

As Clint Eastwood said, 'A man's got to know his limitations.'  Learn your
Saab's limitations.  With today's winter tires, they are pretty impressive.
If you need more, get more.  My Suburban will go through depths of wet snow
that leave the Saab immobile --- but it is a 4x4 with a 6,500 lb. empty
weight and 7.4 liter engine.  You don't need that on an ordinary street.
That Saab, with 4 of today's best winter tires (studded if they'll let
you), and a set of cable chains in the trunk next to your shovel and tow
strap, will take you anywhere you need to go in today's 'civilized' world.
If you live out in the boonies where plows are rare, get the monster 4x4
and park the Saab.

Good luck.

Lane Dexter

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