Re: Dry AWD performance

["Les Lampman" <llampman@islander.whidbey.net>]

> in accidents, but Quattro doesn't improve braking time, eliminate old fogeys
> in large green sedans, or get illegals off the roads.  I have not had an
> accident going more than maybe 20mph, and I haven't had an accident in rain
> or snow.
Don't disagree... just a little counterpoint.  And guess I'm one of 
the old fogeys -- but one that drives 100K a year, has driven well 
over 2 million miles without accident or ticket, and loves to push my 
Audi Q to the limit.
The quattro advantage in the dry IMO is just another plus on 
your side. Rare indeed when the quattro would avoid an 
accident, but my Q has avoided two very serious ones. And I doubt 
my other Audi FWD (100CS) could have done it. In one case 
my son (a 4000 mi/week commercial 18wheel driver who decided he hated
computer programming and hit the road--having 5 kids may have 
impacted that decision) was forced off the road and had to take a steep median at 
70 plus -- with the torsen, edl, etc., all four were throwing mud all 
over the place... but he made it back up. WSP guy said no car could 
do that - wrong. 
 
> I'm not even remotely a slow driver.  I drove that car incredibly hard.  But
> the only time Quattro would have helped is on winding mountain roads, and
> you have to watch for other drivers, kids, and deer/foxes/cougars at those
> times.  
 
> Quattro is great, but normal drivers in dry conditions won't gain as much
> from Quattro as from antilock brakes or from a good driving course.

Right on! But if you have ABS, good driving school (I have, including 
professional drivers training and WSP), good reflexes, good judgment and 
all that other stuff -- the Q is still a plus in your favor. And if it saves your 6 o'clock
 just once, well worth it.  Normal dry driving--no diff. When it hits 
the fan, maybe. I need all the plusses I can get!

Cheers,
Les
Love this sun!