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I grew up and started driving when radial tires were virtually unobtainable. Lots of propaganda from the tire companies about all the dangers of those radial tires. Renault's imported into the US had radial tires, which usually lasted longer than the car itself.
It was a rare set of tires that lasted 20k miles and yes the traction was pitiful, even though you would think with all that rubber wearing off it would be the opposite, but the wear was due to heat generated by the bias plies.
Remember the Goodyear Polyglas tires of the late 60s early 70s? Significantly better than normal tires but not half as good as radials. In fact radial tires are one of the single most significant mileage improvements of them all.
A 1970 340 Formula S Barracuda was good for 0-60 in 7 seconds. That's right 7 seconds!! A lot of that was tires. My 4 cylinder Altima is good for 0-60 in 7.5 seconds without any tire squeal whatsoever.
I may be the only person here or anywhere else that drove a 1937 Ford with the original cable operated drum brakes, with radial tires. I stopped that car once with my thumb.
regards
Mech
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