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From: lute@abnjh.UUCP (J. Collymore)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Front-Wheel Drive and Power Steering?
Message-ID: <500@abnjh.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 12-Mar-84 10:25:16 EST
Article-I.D.: abnjh.500
Posted: Mon Mar 12 10:25:16 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 13-Mar-84 08:11:28 EST
Organization: ATTIS, NJ
Lines: 24

I am looking at new cars, and am pretty sold on the Mazda 626.  Needless to say,I am also price conscious, and am not getting features that I feel are
unnecessary.  

Recently, I was lucky enough to find a Mazda dealer that had SEVERAL 626s in
stock for me to look at, and he even let me test drive one!  It was fully
loaded, and I found that I didn't like the power steering.  I have been driving
a Mazda GLC wagon, w/o PS, for several years and found it very easy to handle.
However, the driver told me that since the 626 has wider (14") wheels, and
front-wheel drive, there's A LOT of weight and traction in the front, and it
will probably be difficult to turn and manuever.

Now a car that turns like a TRUCK I don't want.  But, I like to feel the
road when I'm driving, and I found the power-steering to be mushy, and make
me feel less secure.

So what's the story?  Is driving a FWD car (a Mazda 626, in particular) without
power-steering like handling a TANK (especially when parking)?  Or is handling
the car w/PS just a matter of my being able to use one finger instead of two
hands?

Your comments are appreciated.


					Jim Collymore