Okay, I'll play devils advocate here and offer up a different view. Sometimes what may seem more complicated can actually simplify diagnosis and increase component reaction time.... which leads to better drivability, and can actually last longer than their mechanical counterparts. As that article that Chad sent us the link to mentions/eludes to, by the time most of these "by wire" systems hit cars, reliability has been proven in other disciplines (aircraft etc). I'm sure nobody thinks that aircraft mfgs would be installing LESS reliable systems in airplanes.
Mechanical steering racks do work, so did recirculating ball steering, so did mechanical drum brakes, so did carburetors. Mechanical systems evolve, until the fact that they ARE mechanical actually becomes a limiting factor. Then a fresh approach is needed to advance said system from there. We all expect the newer models to be faster and handle better and be even more comfortable and reliable right? The fact that an ECU, electronic pumps and injectors and a host of sensors (rpm, throttle position, TDC, mass air flow (MAF), intake air temp, sonar etc etc, can actually make cars more drivable, faster, efficient and actually safer is really cool IMO. Okay, so the drive by wire helps mfgs to meet emissions requirements, but they are also helping efficiency and offering up new possibilities like dynamic stability control (a few of which actually work pretty darn well). I remember when people were up in arms about ABS. They were so worried about a computer thinking for them. Well, think about how much safer we are in typical panic stops in the rain etc, than without ABS. Now we even have brake assist, traction control, stability control.....margins for safety. I'm glad we have ECU's, sensors and fuel injection....cause I can't tune a carburetor worth a crap. And I can't wait for electronic valve train, electromagnetic brakes and whatever else is in store for us to trickle down to our Audi's and VW's. Why not say goodbye to replacing lifters and cams, and timing belts when sensors and electronically actuated valves can get it done. Don't get me wrong, I loved my old 79 Trans Am with 300+ carbureted hp and rear drum brakes (who needs brakes anyway when your 18?). =) But I have grown to appreciate the sophistication that technology brings to the automobile. After all, who would really want to drive one of those on a daily basis anyway, with 12mpg and stopping power like the Flintstone mobile. Heck, I remember having to give explicit instructions to my girlfriend on how to start it when temps dropped below 45 degrees........ pull the manual choke (courtesy of Holley), step on the gas three (3) times, start, let idle 10 seconds and push choke in halfway, after 10 more seconds push choke in completely and blip the throttle two (2) times and let idle for 2 minutes. Needless to say, she didn't drive the T/A much in the cooler months. Just my opinion folks.....nothing more. Steve Hauptmann South Carolina -----Original Message----- From: Adam Frank [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 4:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [a2-16v-list] New 2.0T 16V I honestly dont see any benefits at all. I mean, why replace the throttle cable with a circuit and servo? whats the point? just more complicated. And what happens in the event of an electrical failure in the car while travelling down the turnpike at 80mph? No brakes? No steering? no throttle? I say stay with simplicity. Why did they use mechanical steering racks and throttle cables in the 80's and 90's? because it worked! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Larry Velez" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 8:22 AM Subject: RE: [a2-16v-list] New 2.0T 16V > > Just curious. But what are the benefits of all this 'by wire' stuff? > Why is there an industry push in this direction? > > Larry > 91 GTI 16V > _______________________________________________ > a2-16v-list mailing list > [email protected] > http://mail.a2-16v.com/mailman/listinfo/a2-16v-list > For list archives, see listinfo link above. _______________________________________________ a2-16v-list mailing list [email protected] http://mail.a2-16v.com/mailman/listinfo/a2-16v-list For list archives, see listinfo link above.
