Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2003 21:33:41 +0200 From: "Mark Gerritsma" <nl.autonopsamtmfweb.nld> Subject: Re: Changing suspension on new 2003 9-3?
'nuther Bob <undisclosednopsamsclosed.com> schreef: >> - Ford Escort Wagon 1.6, totally stable around 110 mph >> - Ford Focus Wagon 1.6, totally stable around 110 mph > > Perhaps the European versions of those care are superior to the > USA versions. I drove a Ford Escort wagon. It was uncomfortable > at 75mph and getting positively squirrely at 80mph. This was a > well maintained car with low miles, good tires, etc. If I have the right car in mind for the US version the European Escort was nothing like the US version. See http://www.fordescortforum.de/php/show/348_1.jpg for a picture (this one is a bit lowered though). > ...or perhaps your definition of "stable" is different that the > one most of us have. I consider a car stable when I don't have to work a car to keep it going where I want it to. You do not need 100% concentration just to keep the car on the road. So lightly keeping hold of the steering wheel and making small corrections only, without the feeling of driving all over the place, like you sometimes have during heavy X-winds. I can understand your remark though. The car I drove in the US (a Dodge Grand Caravan) also started to feel uneasy at over 80 mph. Like you lost contact with the road acompanied by small body movements. A European Chrylser Grand Voyager (essentially the same car, right?) has uprated springs & shocks, better brakes and lowered power-steering (e.g. you need more force to turn the wheel). -- mvg, Mark Gerritsma