Fwd: [T3] Snow in PDX

[John Jaranson <jaransonT3@comcast.net>]

<x-flowed>> On Jan 10, 2004, at 7:57 PM, Steven Ayres wrote:
> > DaveH=> We have to accept that we're
> > => very much reliant for our safety on the
> > => secondary features such as defensive,
> > => considerate driving and lots of anticipation
> >
> > I heard a news report last week, I think, detailing how many of the 
> > features
> > most people think of as making their cars safer really don't. The 
> > bottom
> > line is that the safest cars are light and nimble with good brakes.  
> > I think
> > my 34 meets those criteria pretty well, and I think any Type 3 with a 
> > well
> > maintained suspension is eminently competitive in that area. Snow 
> > driving is
> > just one prominent example.

Oops!  Meant for this to go to the List.  Sorry you will get it twice 
Steven.

> Just can't agree with this.  A light nimble car with good brakes might 
> give a good driver the best chance of avoiding an accident.  I could 
> agree with this, but it is not the safest if you get in an accident.  
> For one thing, good brakes don't do you any good once you are in an 
> accident.   The airbags and seatbelts, the vastly superior energy 
> absorbing body structures, fuel tanks, seats, energy absorbing 
> interior trim, people friendly surfaces, and such of modern cars make 
> them far better equipped to protect a driver/passenger in the event of 
> an accident then anything in a Type 3.
>
> As for anything from the 60s and early 70s being competitive from a 
> handling standpoint with a modern car...just don't see it, especially 
> for the average driver.  Our Type 3s probably have a significant 
> disadvantage in this category because of the significant rear weight 
> bias.  And the 165R15 tires don't help it much either.  I have no 
> doubt that the you reach the handling limit of the Type 3 way before 
> just about any modern grocery getter.
>
> If I am going to be in any kind of accident, I would rather be in a  
> 2000+ anything than my Type 3.  And not because i don't want to see my 
> Sophy destroyed. <G>
>
> Later,
> John Jaranson
> '66 Square (Sophy)
> '71 Fasty (Jane - darkside project in waiting)
> various parts.....don't we all.
> http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jaransonT3/jaransonT3/
> http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jaransonT3/2004Invasion/
> http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jaransonT3/notavwclub/

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