Repairs vs Fun?

[colin cohen <102621.2256@compuserve.com>]

A few years ago, I was driving on a well snow covered road in my 86/4000Q and
overtook a Camry as it was inching along. I came to a left hand bend at about
25 mph, which also had opposite camber to the right. I found myself sliding
straight ahead, this was followed by a slow 360, while sliding accross the
median which separated this single lane from the interstate. Because of the
camber, I then slid backwards (after the 360) towards the direction of the
camber ultimately facing 90 deg from my direction of travel and hitting the
only support pole in 500 yds attached to a property fence. Damaged headlight
and front fender and $2550. The car I overtook, passed me by after the fence
encounter, still creeping with only a look of contempt.

When I took the car to the dealer complaining how I had been let down by the
quattro system and no response from cadence braking, they took a look at my
Firestone (Belgian made) tyres. The moral of the story is that no matter how
good our Q system may be, when traction is low, even the best of us are only as
good as our tyres. From what I have seen most of the Qs in the snow belt go
through the winter with all season feet. does this make sense, I ask you? While
the economics are clear, and two sets of tyres are expensive, are we kidding
ourselves with these great cars if we dont have the best traction at all times,
not just when its 70 deg and dry.

Thoughts anybody?