How well do cars do in crash tests they're not optimized for?

Re:How well do cars do in crash tests they're not optimized ... by sokoloff on Tuesday June 30, 2020 @03:00PM (#23693534)

The likelihood to oversteer depends on whether the 2WD alternative is front or rear wheel drive. RWD is more likely to oversteer on acceleration in slippery, turning conditions.

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Re:How well do cars do in crash tests they're not optimized ... by hansvm on Tuesday June 30, 2020 @07:18PM (#23695934)

No argument here. That was my regional bias slipping in -- RWD is incredibly uncommon in the cold places I've lived except for pickups, and most people are aware of the potential dangers of RWD.

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Re:How well do cars do in crash tests they're not optimized ... by sokoloff on Tuesday June 30, 2020 @10:49PM (#23697241)

I daily-drove a rear-drive Alfa Romeo Spider for 5 Boston winters. Then drove a rear-drive Mercedes E300TD for another 4 Boston winters (though that one I at least put snow tires on). You learn pretty quickly what the car can and can't do; even on summer tires (and a limited-slip differential), the Alfa would go until it got high-centered on the snowpack. Either would handily out-perform my current Nissan LEAF (FWD) in the snow. LEAF factory tires are designed for economy, not winter traction.

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