RE: Dry AWD performance

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

Again my post was not about safety, or ultimate performance necessarily it was 
more about usability.  But I do disagree about it not making a difference in 
the dry.  Repost us a report after a year and a summer and tell me if you 
notice what I am talking about.
I do agree that a driving course is a must.  See you at Portland?
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, cheap Kelly 
Springfield snows now, K&N. 
95 subaru legacy 
Bothell, Wa.

I have a '97 A4Q (2.8L, standard tranny).  The AWD was very impressive here
in Seattle so far this Autumn/Winter.  But... I lived in central and
southern California for 27 years.  I have never been in a situation there
where Quattro would have made any difference to my safety.  Yeah, I've been
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.  

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.

Regards

> All the people that have not driven a quattro or any other all wheel drive
car 
> for any amount of time constantly say that there is not use for a all wheel 
> drive in a dry climate.  I say you are WRONG.  Having owned many very good 
> front drivers and several rear drivers I say that all wheel drive is not
about 
> its wet or snow performance its about all around performance.