The early S60's with AWD have been shipped without stabilty control option - two dealers told me that AWD doesn't require it. Not really true. A few articles I read have said Volvo will make it available in late 2001. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks

Chuck,

it is true that any S60 AWD built until the end of December will not have DTSC available. Starting w/ production of S60 AWDs in January 2002 and forth, DTSC will become available as an option.

This feature is not available for the current V70XC and V70AWD models. These models will have DSTC available to them after March 2002, when their current AWD system will be switched to the Haldex system currently found in the S60s.

Yannis

Yannis - thanks for the information. You've confirmed for me what I suspected: that the two sales reps didn't really understand what dynamic stabilty control sytems are and how they work. It's really a safety issue if you get into a curve too fast. Has nothing to do with "off road" driving or even start up traction in the snow. Coupling it with the new haldex AWD system and ABS should be relativley straight forward for Volvo. I'm holding off my purchase until it's available.

Chuck,

I'm in Seattle at 206. 264-4800. Please call me and I will be glad to fax you the information I have re: S60 AWD's...

Le Tecia

The dealer people are correct in that AWD doesn't require DSTC as you then 4 driven wheels. I highly doubt they'll change that option, using it for any AWD car.

I don't know about all other AWDs but I remember that years ago, Suburu thought the same way. Their AWDs also didn't offer traction control but their FWDs did. They too said that AWDs didn't need it.

BTW, it's not really "stabilty" control, it's traction control and it controls wheel spin on take-off from a dead stop only. All Volvos have ABS however.

Even on a snow covered road, you don't have traction problems taking off from a stop with AWD.

OK, I'll admit that I spoke too soon and after researching this, it appears that Yannis is correct even though it comes as a surprize to me.

Despite all the new gadgetry, I STILL find that letting off the gas if slipping on any surface in my old, RWD cars still works just fine for me. Roads in my area are rarely bad enough to warrant AWD for me but if I lived in an area where it was essential, I'd have it too.

Hey, Ron..."thanks"...

Yannis

> The dealer people are correct in that AWD doesn't require DSTC

NONSENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

No car *REQUIRES* DSTC.

ALL cars can potentially benefit from it.

- Dave; '95 854T, 117K mi

Ron,

All fine AWD's have DSTC: ML320, BMW 330ix, BMW 5X, and LR Discovery. I think Volvo S60 do need it. I am buying one, only if DSTC is available.

Just because those have it doesn't mean they make engineering sense. They might simply make good marketing sense. You're also comparing it to vehicles that, at the very least, *think* they might be driven off-road. The S60 is not like that at all.

In other words, even if the S60 AWD should have DSTC, your logic doesn't hold up.

-cj

Sorry Chris, I have to respectfully disagree. AWD and DSTC perform two distinct and separate functions. If you can only have one go for DSTC (I'd much rather be stuck in the snow than end up in the river). AWD + DSTC is a much better option in my opinion though and probably worth waiting for on the S60.

First off, AWD is only of use when your foot is on the gas. As soon as you get into trouble you'll probably find your foot is not on the gas (as more than a few Audi Quattro owners have discovered the hard way when they've pushed their cars too far). Further, AWD, unlike DSTC will not brake wheels individually in order to correct a sliding car (and of course neither system is of use if none of your wheels have traction). It is because of DSTC that I was saved from ending up in a significant accident a couple of years ago and I highly and whole heartedly endorse it.

Thanks.

-rdo

How about BMW 330xi, this is not an SUV. Even the RWD has it. I think you guys have to get updated on exactly what Electronic Stability and Traction Control does to an SUV or non SUV vehicle, or AWD/FWD and RWD, on dry, wet and snow. By the way, I missed the AUDI QUATTRO's.

It all depends on your driving enjoyment demands. Remember, some people enjoy fine cars, some others drive a blue car. In other words, some people may not understand the difference between a hamburger steak and a Porter House, after all, is all BEEF!!! RIGHT???

Best Regards,

It all(beef whether you call it "porter", "fillet mignon" or whatever) goes in the same place, comes out the same place, the same way...

Yannis

"It all(beef whether you call it "porter", "fillet mignon" or whatever) goes in the same place, comes out the same place, the same way..."

This is true!!! So you should get two Toyota Tercel's for the price of one S60. Takes you to the same place!!! Then you can drive not only a blue car, but also a gray car (gray will match any shirt color).

John R.

:)

Yannis