Quote:
Originally Posted by pete c
Also, not all TC is created equal... My 2009 Sonata's TC is complete garbage. Most of the time, it just kills power. I have actually turned it off in disgust to be able to get up a hill.
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Most systems "control" traction like people try to control crime. They don't want it getting out of hand. Wheelspin detected? Kick in the ABS. Problem soved: no more wheels spinning!
In any snow at all, or in the wet in certain locations, turning it off is just another part of my routine. I'd rather be a little busier than have the shock of brakes being applied for me when what I want and am expecting it the exact opposite.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryland
Being able to stop is more important then being able to go, 4 wheel drive hurts stopping distance, if for no other reason that it makes the vehicle heavier.
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Correlation is not causation. Most 4/AWD rigs are just plain too heavy for "stopping distance" to be anything more than a sick joke even before the extra drivetrain gets counted. And speaking of dodgeball victims, they invariably have automatics. It's a trifecta of excess weight, lack of gear control and sloppy power input.
My Subaru was the bomb. Yes, the drivetrain (and the turbo...
) held down my gas mileage. But with a manual transmission, control of the driven (count 'em, 4!) wheels was unsurpassed. Slightly lifting the throttle introduced deceleration evenly in all four corners. Coming off entirely or downshifting let you do it with more force. With the engine it's all smooth and controlled, reversible with a thought- your foot never leaves the pedal. Not as clumsy or random as pads clamping down on rotors; an elegant system for a more civilized driver.
Stopping distance? You can slow well enough to not need to stop.