General: How do I choose

[The Painter]

Originally Posted by TruckbusUK

Assuming we are talking diesel here, TBH, I didnt think you got "engine braking" as such, because there is no throttle vacuum with diesel engines ... maybe a bit extra drag from the box if it is in manual, but even that will auto shift down, once near its stall point ... I suspose you may get back pressure in the exhaust from "turbo-stall" when the throttle is released, but it wont be anything like the throttle vacuum from a petrol engine.


Just been out for a drive ... in auto didnt notice mutch at all, in manual ... not much more, then out in the petrol Clio .... much more pronounced ... diff weight and gearing I'd suspose ... but couldnt really seem much effect on the Tank!

Engine braking from a lower gear ratio when selected correctly can be very pronounced whatever the car and whatever the fuel and without using anything near aggresive revs , the scandinavians hardly ever touch the brakes on the snow relying completely on engine braking.

Interesting post here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=952978

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by The Painter

Engine braking from a lower gear ratio when selected correctly can be very pronounced whatever the car and whatever the fuel and without using anything near aggresive revs , the scandinavians hardly ever touch the brakes on the snow relying completely on engine braking.

Interesting post here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=952978

I'm very aware of what engine braking is and how it works and have used it often for over 35 years, just not convinced that is that effective in a diesel engine equiped car, thats all!

[mikesilverfox]

It does sound like the Auto is a good bet, even though the extra £195 RFI is an annual experience.

I guess the only question I may still have is taking up the Alps for Ski season. 'The Painter' was the only one of you to comment on driving the auto in the snow.

Has anyone else visited the alps Jan - Mar for a spot of alpine activity, in an Auto XC90?

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by The Painter

Interesting post here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=952978

Interesting discussion indeed, and higher compression ratios should make a difference I'd agree, but I've still not experienced it yet, or not so that it is as noticeable.
I do tend to drive in "manual" mode on snow and ice, but I think the "control" you get is more due to awareness, lower engine speed and correct selection of a suitable gear and allowing the road speed to match the conditions, rather than trying to change gear to get engine braking on slippy conditions, worse still braking. That said, tyres are also a huge factor in driving in these conditions, and can even be of more benefit should the brakes require to be deployed.