Car and Driver - Great timing

["John R. Boyce" <nbec@tic.bisman.com>]

>Tests were conducted with fwd and AWD pairs of A6s and MB E320s.  First
>look at graphs shows compelling reasons to equip any car with winter
>tires all around.

Thanks for the tip on the May C&D.  Without looking at the article, I'll
share our observations.  On anything but acceleration from a standing
start, snow and ice handling in our 1995 Ford Club Wagon with four Blizzaks
is superior to our Audi CQ with all season tires (Yokohama A378).  Of
course, a quattro with snow tires would be better, but it's remarkable how
effective good snow tires are on a rear wheel drive vehicle.  The greater
ground clearance of the van is also a plus in deep snow and ruts.  The van
even feels more secure than my four wheel drive pickup with the original
equipment "all terrain" tires (useless Goodyear RTS).

We drove the van this past weekend on Interstate 94 between here and Fargo
for several hundred miles through snow, slush, and ice with absolutely no
problem.

John R. Boyce
Bismarck, ND
1991 Coupe Quattro (still for sale, but not for the above reason!)