FREDS
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Survivalist enclave
Originally Posted by Nick Graves,Jul 28 2009, 10:40 AM
The more insipid side of FREDs is that they're used to imbue balance on an unbalanced design. The Focus aRSe is a classic example.
Drive a well-balanced car smoothly and the FREDs shouldn't intrude; how often does one trigger ABS when driving? OK, one 'pump' occasionally on a gravelly road, but that's it. They are there for the unforeseen.
If gurning neanderthals cannot see that, it's a form of Darwinism.
Drive a well-balanced car smoothly and the FREDs shouldn't intrude; how often does one trigger ABS when driving? OK, one 'pump' occasionally on a gravelly road, but that's it. They are there for the unforeseen.
If gurning neanderthals cannot see that, it's a form of Darwinism.
try that in my beemer without DSC and it would spit you off the road
as will the S2000
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,181
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From: Hertford
They do indeed; it's why German cars traditionally have heavier, generally vaguer controls - to deter the knuckle-walkers from over-correcting. But they now desperately need FREDs; even the TDSs.
Actually, it might be quite fun if some sort of 'death ray' were to disable all the FREDs for a day! How many of these ridiculously muscle-bound Prunkwagens would be traded in for one of those smart-looking new Fiestas? A new gov't scrappage incentive, if you will!
Actually, it might be quite fun if some sort of 'death ray' were to disable all the FREDs for a day! How many of these ridiculously muscle-bound Prunkwagens would be traded in for one of those smart-looking new Fiestas? A new gov't scrappage incentive, if you will!
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Heart of England
[QUOTE=ge2,Jul 28 2009, 10:43 AM] My Legacy has a form of stability control and I'm convinced it's only on there so it looks good in the brochure and because punters now expect it.
It's just not necessary, it's already got 4WD and an LSD, the only time I've seen it come on is in the snow and ice and the latter was under provocation (on track BTW
).
The 4WD does encourage some lazy, sloppy driving but I quite like it in a road car especially if the weather's shitty and I just want to get home.
But the car's best enjoyed and fastest when driven smoothly like a RWD car with a lot of grip.
It's just not necessary, it's already got 4WD and an LSD, the only time I've seen it come on is in the snow and ice and the latter was under provocation (on track BTW
).The 4WD does encourage some lazy, sloppy driving but I quite like it in a road car especially if the weather's shitty and I just want to get home.
But the car's best enjoyed and fastest when driven smoothly like a RWD car with a lot of grip.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 25,566
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From: Heart of England
ge2- 
you have the MK5 with the black trim around the stereo and climate control I'm on a mk4 with the silver trim
Nick - I'd agree consensus on the spec B seems to be it is well sorted on the suspension.
Maybe ARB's and a tad more camber to dial out some of the understeer.
I do find myself belting along in it in the wet
you have the MK5 with the black trim around the stereo and climate control I'm on a mk4 with the silver trimNick - I'd agree consensus on the spec B seems to be it is well sorted on the suspension.
Maybe ARB's and a tad more camber to dial out some of the understeer.
I do find myself belting along in it in the wet
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From: Leigh-On-Sea
Originally Posted by mikey k,Jul 28 2009, 12:02 PM
ge2- you have the MK5 with the black trim around the stereo and climate control I'm on a mk4 with the silver trim
you have the MK5 with the black trim around the stereo and climate control I'm on a mk4 with the silver trim
I've got silver trim round the stereo, it's the one just before they introduced si-drive which I think was 07 onwards.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Surrey
Mine doesn't have any sort of stability control (06 car) - just the centre diff....
Personally I think your average joe bloggs driver, and a fair number of "enthusiasts" seem to think electronic driving aids are life savers and mean you don't have to drive with consideration. I've seen so many posts saying that the traction control would have saved x accident etc. etc., when in fact it's not true.
I think that's the danger - people don't understand what they do or how they work and just assume it's going to prevent any accident.
Personally I think your average joe bloggs driver, and a fair number of "enthusiasts" seem to think electronic driving aids are life savers and mean you don't have to drive with consideration. I've seen so many posts saying that the traction control would have saved x accident etc. etc., when in fact it's not true.
I think that's the danger - people don't understand what they do or how they work and just assume it's going to prevent any accident.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 25,566
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From: Heart of England
GE2 - Looks like you got one with it fitted as an option!
Just been out and checked mine encase I have something I didn't find
Nothing there other than the climate sensor grill
Mk4 MY04/05 (auto version of mine)
Mk5 MY06/07 (Si drive model)
Mk6 MY08/09 (complete mess )
Mk7 due out shortly in new car!
Just been out and checked mine encase I have something I didn't find
Nothing there other than the climate sensor grill
Mk4 MY04/05 (auto version of mine)
Mk5 MY06/07 (Si drive model)
Mk6 MY08/09 (complete mess
)Mk7 due out shortly in new car!