Re: FWD/RWD/AWD, New Alfas, Audi A4, WRX

[Alan Lambert <lechefgerard@domain.elided>]

Muse away, but you're wrong--while I AM over 35, I've been driving FWD
cars since the 1966 Citroen Pallas, then Saab, then a 164L----When I
got into a '74 Spider, then a GTV-6, I found cars that HANDLED--that I
could control, and that were a hell of a lot of fun. Idon't have that
feeling with any of the FWD cars that I've driven.

alan

--- The Csank Family <csank@domain.elided> wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> Just a few musings:
> 
>     I think I know why most Alfisti in the USA prefer RWD - they are
> mostly
> older (over 35), and grew up driving RWD on (usually) well-maintained
> roads,
> and they got used to driving a RWD car.  However, I am almost certain
> that
> if our younger populace were surveyed, they would be happy with FWD
> (although both groups would probably agree that AWD is better, but
> isn't as
> affordable).
>     For a fast street/ track/ autocross car, many FWD cars are very
> competitive (just ask the racing crowd out there).  Cars like the
> Integra
> (now RS), Civic, GTI, Jetta, Celica, Eclipse (and Alfa in Europe) and
> many
> more use FWD and still perform very well.  Excellent street/ track
> and rally
> performance has (of course) been shown by AWD vehicles like Audi and
> Subaru
> (many others too).  The AWD setup does have some (minor) weight and
> complexity disadvantages in track and autocross situations, however. 
> To be
> sure, RWD cars are still very popular, and do well (if in a
> well-balanced
> chassis).  Modern front-engined examples like BMWs, Mustangs, Lexus
> (Lexae?), Mercedes, Porsches (944/968/928), Mazda RX-7s, Toyota
> Supras and
> other RWD cars have many advantages in weight transfer, allowing
> better
> acceleration and more available power on the track.  But these
> advantages
> aren't really relevant on the street.
>     In my opinion, if you want to burn rubber, go buy a muscle-car! 
> RWD
> Alfas weren't made for doing that.  They were designed for "great
> handling"
> on the track and on the street, and they were among the best handling
> cars
> for their time.  But when we talk of 'new ' cars, manufacturers have
> learned
> a lot from the successes of the early small, sporty cars like the
> mini
> cooper and the first generation GTI.  Many of today's RWD cars are
> still
> great handling street cars (as long as the weather doesn't call for
> too much
> rain or snow).  But, if you live in a snowy area, or want good
> all-around
> driveability, reliability and gas mileage, while maintaining very
> decent
> handling, the technology and better slippery surface handling in FWD
> cars
> makes them a better alternative for all-purpose driving.
>     Ultimately, the best system for all road conditions is AWD.  If I
> had to
> buy a new Alfa replacement right now, I would look to the WRX, or the
> A4
> 1.8T.  However, I think I can wait.  If I could ask the Alfa Gods for
> one
> thing, it would be to give us AWD versions of all their cars...in
> fact, I
> would ask that they don't even bother bringing over any FWD cars! 
> Just
> think of it - new Alfas that handle great and have the quirkiness and
> complexity of AWD and  CVT!!  What a great way to maintain the Alfa
> image
> (and you think the Verde's ABS is complex!).
> 
> Standing by for flames!
> Alex Csank
> '69 Spider 1300 Junior (RWD/ 5-speed manual)
> '78 Sprint Veloce (RWD/ 5 speed manual)
> '87 Milano Gold (RWD/ 5-speed manual)
> '98 VW Jetta TDi (FWD and Turbo- Diesel/ 5-speed manual))
> 
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