RWD with LSD and without active stability control can actually be more dangerous than RWD with open differentials, especially on slick roads. And of course, modern stability systems have what's called e-LSD, by applying brakes to transfer torque side to side.

 

I still don't particularly like ABS, either. True, it helps keep the tires rolling instead of locking up and sliding, which gives you steering control (assuming the tires themselves still have any grip)...but, IMO, it seems like the stopping distances themselves are longer.

One good thing, though, that DID come from ABS, was that the basic ABS sensor system made electronic traction-aids and stability systems possible. Stability systems have prevented a lot of accidents....especially among classic oversteer/spin-out cars like the Porsche 911. The ABS sensors, in some cases also help some AWD systems by insuring that certain wheels don't spin.

 

Except that you can look up stopping distances for cars with ABS and without ABS, and they're actually shorter, not longer.

 

Perhaps. I haven't gone out and actually measured them, myself. On several of the vehicles I've owned with ABS, it felt, even with the wheels still rolling, like the car was simply taking forever to stop on really slick stuff, whereas standard brakes often locked the wheels but felt like they stopped shorter. Maybe some of it is just mental, or perceived. Either way, with or without them, I give the car in front of me PLENTY of room.....only idiots tailgate on slick surfaces.

 

On really slick stuff thats one thing, but in general ABS absolutely shortens stopping distances.

 

 

Remember too, ABS was not designed to shorten stopping distances. The point is to prevent wheel lockup so you can maintain steering control of the vehicle.

 

Oh...definitely. Couldn't agree more. That part is not in question.

Wiki, BTW, agrees with me on needing more space to stop with ABS on snow and ice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system

 

I would try to put the best all season tire on your RWD LS as you can for snow rating, I think you will be fine in the mostly moderate snow Baltimore gets with a good snow rated all season tire like Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 or something like that.

 

Yeah I’m sure I’ll be fine. Going to put a set of the Pirelli P7s on there.

 

With snow tires it is very important to make sure that they aren't worn out. Modern tires (not only snow, but performance and even all season tires) wear out very quickly. For instance I had Firestone Winterfoce 16" tires that I bought for my Lexus back in 2009, and when my Lexus was destroyed by Sandy I put them on my Mazda 3 that I had, they lasted until 2015 and still had good amount of thread on them. I disposed them because I no longer had a vehicle that they would fit. My X1 also had 17" Winterforce tires, and they lasted for 3 years with almost no noticeable wear. They were also extremely durable, hitting many potholes without damage. Unfortunately they are not available in all sizes, and I couldn't get them for my m235i, and got Blizzak WS80 instead. They barely lasted two seasons before rear tires were worn out.

 

Now there is new breed of tires called "all weather tire". I heard some of it's brand does very good in the winter.

 

Michelin Crossclimate tires, apparently they are very good under all conditions, but they are not yet available in the US.

 

That's an interesting perspective. What I learned about myself, is that I instinctively mash my foot to the floor in a panic situation, even though I was taught to pump the brakes.

When I did the Porsche event with professional drivers, they stated you are free to push any button you like in the vehicles. The one button you are not allowed to touch is the one for PSM. If you press this button, the entire event will be shut down, and you can explain to the other 15 participants why the event is shut down for the day.

I have taken the DSC off one level on my 335, to make sure I could do it (say I were stuck in snow etc.). But I took it seriously, I did not take it off completely (idiots on the forum have wrecked their cars, we can all laugh as much as we want since it's not our car, but there has to be a reason it occured). When stuck I pressed snow on the LS430, and as I had suspected, it seemed to be useless.

 

do they get a snowflake and M+S designation on the sidewall? Sounds like a gimmick to me. Wonder if they are allowed in Germany and Québec during the winter.