Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site abnjh.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!abnjh!lute 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