RE: quattro vs. traction control

["PAT MARTIN" <MARDKINS@msn.com>]

I dont think I but it that the state will allow traction control with snow 
tires when chains are required.  I doubt it.  As far as the BMW and Saab being 
good in the snow I can tell you that the Saab is a damn good snow car.  Not 
quite as good as my quattro but close on regular tires.  Probably not on snow 
tires.  I cant believe the BMW's claiming they are good snow cars, its 
laughable.  RWD with traction control is still rear wheel drive.  How could 
2wd with traction control be as good as 4wd with traction control.
Pat Martin
864000csq 2 1/2 cat back, H&R-Boge,advanced and loving it.  Drilled and 
stopping it.  Koenig Cobra 16x7 with AVS Intermediates, K&N.
95 subaru legacy
I think I saw some discussion about this in the archives, but I can't
find it now, so I'll ask anyway (sorry if I annoy!):

At the local auto show yesterday I got into an interesting discussion
with the BMW rep, who tried to tell me that their traction control was
just as effective in snow as any 4WD system (including quattro).
Specifically, she said that I wouldn't need tire chains when there are
chain requirements.  Not sure I believe her.  (Actually, I'm sure I
don't.)

This is an important consideration because in the mountains of
California where I go in the winter, chains are usually required in
snowy conditions unless you have 4WD and snow tires.  For those of you
not familiar with California's mountains and who maybe don't have
highway departments with such policies,  I can tell you that this isn't
as conservative as it seems:  when storms come, the snow falls heavy,
wet, and fast, and the roads are steep (plus the drivers are from
California  - enough said).   Since putting on tire chains is a major
nuisance, I want very much to have a car that doesn't need them.