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From: psuvm%v6m@psuvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: 
Message-ID: <532@psuvm.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 13-Mar-84 18:58:52 EST
Article-I.D.: psuvm.532
Posted: Tue Mar 13 18:58:52 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 14-Mar-84 20:38:44 EST
Lines: 22

I've got an Audi 4000 with the front drive and rack and pinion steering.
I've also got POWER STEERING and it makes a big difference.

On front drive cars my guess is that the transaxle/engine is heavier than
the standard transmission/engine combination.  If my driving impressions are
true the gearing on rack and pinion is sufficiently high to make the driver
supply more energy.  The turns to lock parm seems fewer on rack and pinion cars
.  Now on my 4000 with air, the power steering is not high enough that you
loose the feel of the road.  You CAN NOT turn the car with one finger as I
could with my 78 Cutlass.

I've tested a Jetta (300- 400 lbs. lighter) both with and without power
steering.  I could drive it and park it but I found muscles I hadn't used in
years.  My wife can NOT drive front drive w/o power.  Parking is THE big
problem w/o power, once the car is up to a reasonable speed > 25 mph say
you no longer are too concerned.

If interested try to drive both versions.  There is a big difference in
VWoA products. See Also Audi.

Cheers
              Vince    V6M@psuvm.bitnet