Originally Posted by Welwynnick

Hi Zax, I think I know what you mean. If you set up a car so that it's neutral, it's only balanced when you're not accelerating or braking. So that means at the limit, if you brake into a corner, or accelerate out of a corner, that will usually upset the rear end. A good lap depends on being able to get the power down early coming out corners, so race cars are usually set up with wide tires and/or soft suspension at the rear to help dynamic traction. With no power or brakes, that will make the front push, but it helps the time if the driver can balance the car.

I drove around with a bad ABS sensor cable for a little while, so had no electronic aids. It was surprisingly easy to lose one end or the other, but difficult to control. Everything is slugged and time-delayed, and contrives to make it uncontrollable IMHO. I've had lots of tail-out action in my time, but not in the W220. Yes, it's a powerful RWD car, but it doesn't lend itself to balancing the chassis with the throttle like a sports car. The steering is slow, the throttle is slow and the brakes are slow. I think it works best when you stay just within the limits, and keep it on rails, then it's very effective and enjoyable.

My first S600 NA had 225/55/17 all round, and they were too small for the power. 245/45/18 all round worked really well. However, I'm not sure I'd want to drive a V12TT with just 245's. With 245 / 275 on my TT, I found it was quite an uninspiring car - fast, yes - but not very enjoyable to drive. The power was a novelty, but while it added something, it took something away as well.

Since I went to 275/30 all round I've never looked back. I'm sure the tail will bite if I get on the gas too early, but it's never actually felt tail happy. It still feels like the steering leads the nose, and the nose leads the tail, so it's responsive without feeling unstable. When you corner hard, and want to tighten the line, it doesn't feel like the steering is pushing the tail out instead of pulling the nose in. And boy, does it corner hard. The limits are huge, and it stays flat and neutral up to the limit (at least as far as I've pushed). I think its hugely talented, just without the feedback and adjustability that you get on the best cars.

So I suppose I'm saying no - narrow rear tires on powerful cars aren't great, but wide front tires ARE. I think I've given up trying to persuade others what a good idea it is. Everyone sticks to "Mercedes-knows-best". I thought I found something new and exciting, and didn't want keep it to myself.

How's that fantastic car of yours going?

regards, Nick

Originally Posted by Zax63

I agree the cars do not lend themselves well to tail out antics like some sports cars, I attribute this to the ABC system fighting the natural physics of it all coupled with what you mention above.