Re: Abs off...why?

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.com.pl>]

At 14:34 21.04.98 -0400, Sachelle Babbar wrote:

>Why were the 86 and up turbos made with an abs off switch? Were there any
>other models/makes that had this feature? If I were to drive one with the
>abs off, would I have an easier time locking up the brakes (compared to a
>non abs car) because the system is optimized for abs use?
>
>My current turbo doesn't have abs and the braking control is excellent. In
>almost all conditions, I can keep it on the edge of lockup with no lockup.

In deep snow or graver you are likely to achieve shorter stopping distances
with ABS off. A locked wheel works like a snowplow, accumulating the snow
in front of a tyre. A skilled driver can achieve better stopping results
with ABS off by applying correct amount of pressure to _just_ keep the
wheels at the edge of locking, just like you do. In daily driving, I think
ABS is a nice thing to have, though. 
I can't think of any other manufacturers that used an "ABS off" switch.
Must have something to do with Audi's philosophy of offering to drivers as
much control over the vehicle as possible.


Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.com.pl
87 Audi 5000CS turbo (mine)
88 Renault Medallion wagon (mom's)
91 mountain bike (just in case both cars broke at the same time :-)