[MR2] New Car "do-dads"

[Joseph Obernberger]

I think ABS is a very good thing - in panic situations, people 
(including myself) nail that pedal, and if the tires are all locked up, 
you can't steer to avoid what you nailed the brake pedal for in the 
first place.  ABS allows you to still have steering even with full 
braking applied.  It's especially good in the rain.  On snow, I don't 
think it matters all that much - never drive that fast in the snow.
At the track, I very rarely go into ABS, and when I do, I know I'm at 
the limit of braking.  New ABS systems are miles better (especially 
German cars for whatever reason) than our 91 turbos.  The ABS on the 
91's can be scary at times - coming on over bumps at light pedal effort, 
and then the pedal dropping down a couple inches.  New cars don't do 
that - the pedal stays nice and firm, and I feel I can much better 
modulate the brakes.

Joe
http://www.lovehorsepower.com




On 1/25/2010 10:44 PM, James wrote:
>   On this topic, I'd be interested in hearing what you guys think about ABS.
> I'm inclined to include it on the "do-dad" list, my impression being that
> ABS is for those who don't know how to modulate brake pedal pressure.  I'd
> prefer to back off on my brake pedal when I feel the wheels locking up or
> start losing steering control, instead of feeling the pedal chattering under
> my foot.
>
> James
>
>
>    
>> From:<waynearndt at waynearndt.com>
>> Subject: Re: [MR2] MR2 news from Top Gear
>>
>> Not to mention all this high tech stuff takes the responsibility away from
>> the driver which in turn makes for a poor and untrained driver. Even the
>> most responsible driver can't be expected to be all that great when every
>> car they've ever driven has actually driven itself... And I agree with Bill
>> about forcing all the "do-dads" onto us with new cars. No matter how much
>> cash I have i my pocket, I cannot even buy a new car without may of these
>> "features". Pet peeves that I wish I could do without are airbags, Big
>> brother's Onstar and the cars with push start buttons rather than typical
>> keyed ignitions. As mentioned earlier, it makes that panic reaction less
>> likely to be figured out in time. I guess maybe I'm a Luddite too.... I
>> suppose that means I digress since I'm an IT guy.... The exceptions for me
>> that I've come to like are powered&  heated side mirrors and keyless entry.
>> It's nice having the mirrors stay clear even when the outside temp is -20F.
>> And as long as I lock the car with the fob after closing all doors I will
>> never again lock myself out.
>>
>> -wayne
>> '91 Turbo T
>>      
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