[V8] Future of Quattro

[Tony and Lillie]

Snows make an Ok FWD very good in the winter, but still not like the Quattro 
with snows. However, plenty good for 95% of drivers, I'd say. Just not for 
us leadfoots!!!!!!

One thing to consider, though, is that not all FWD's are the same. I've 
driven some that are merely OK on snow (on all seasons, this is) and some 
that are pretty good. The best I've driven is a tie between any "floater 
barge" such as a Deville or Park Ave, and a Plymouth Sundance. The worst was 
a VR6 Jetta3. That Jetta had brand new all seasons, BTW. Weight transfer and 
compliance are a good thing when traction goes down, so a stiff car doesn't 
do as well as a soft one. Of course, with AWD you can get a better balance 
because of the added traction.

Tony

On the subject of the Prius, anyone know how bad leather tanning is for the 
environment, then notice how many Prius' have Leather?? I'm no 
environmentalist, quite the opposite, just think it's a rather funny irony, 
that's all.

----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: [V8] Future of Quattro


> Looking at new cars for my wife. She is packing on the miles - mostly 
> hiway, country B roads to our place, a couple of mild mountain passes. 
> Snowy winters but not too bad.
> Wants a 5 door hatch style. Currently has GTI Summer, Range Rover winter. 
> Range is similar to (but tops due to ground clearance)  the V8 in terms of 
> snow performance.   Looking to combine the two and achieve better 
> efficiency. This is the way manufacturers are headed too.
>
> Short list???
>
> Audi A3 TDI - 4.7 L/100  hiway
> or the A3 Quattro
> Ford Focus (leather etc) 5 door
> Range Rover Evoque 2.0 L Turbo
> Prius (never driven one)
>
> Will the best snows be good enough for FWD?
>
> Looking hard a the most efficient since this car will be in service for 
> 7-10 years = 250,000 km's.