Can someone with an RS comment on the brakes without ABS? The more detail the better regarding threshold braking, wheel lockup, rain etc.
Thanks,

 

bump...... ive been wondering this myself ive been thinking about getting an rs and the only thing holding me back is the lack of ABS i dont have much tech knowledge on ABS at all so i was just wondering about how much of a diffrence it really made

 

Come on someone, How bout a little real world experience here?

 

Perhaps a little understanding of what ABS is will help explain why no one is answering. Anti-lock Brake Systems function only when the brakes are on AND a tire is sliding. By quickly releasing the locked wheel ABS allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle and actually steer around a problem. Without ABS a locked wheel will go straight until the driver manually reduces pedal pressure.

How often does that happen in a car that has tremendous brakes and great tires? Answer - not too often. Usually in those cases the driver is so panicked that he is not going to steer around anything - he freezes. A driver who is used to hard braking will release pedal pressure as wheels start to lock - ABS does not help him much if at all. Question do real race cars have ABS - Answer No.

Only in lower grip situations (rain) or in cases of lack of talent does ABS really benefit a street driver. However some ABS systems have problems in snow. They release the brakes so often that the driver encouters a very hard pedal and no braking action at all. I had this happen in an Audi A4 with summer tires during a freak snow in October. Scared the crap outta me.

With that said, I pick up my RS tomorrow. I doubt whether I will notice the lack of ABS. I rarely have felt it engage in any cars I own on the street.

Regards,
Alan

 

With the results posted in most of the magazines being among the best stock street cars ever tested, it's hard to believe the brakes could be better.

 

Well, got the RS on Friday and today it rained. Tried as hard as I could to get any lockup under braking. I was on the street and I am still breaking in the car and brakes so it was not a full application. But I braked harder than I would advise braking in the wet and had no lockup. S, if you use you head there really is little reason for ABS on this car (IMHO)

Regards,
Alan

 

I've spent time at the track and autocrossing with and without ABS.

Once you are familiar with it, you'd have to be Schumacher to outbrake modern ABS. It just ain't happening.

Even if you are that awesome, say threshold breaking, any muppet can match or best your 60-0 distance by simply standing on the brakes until ABS engages. The reason it is missing from the Evo RS is rallying. Locking up the wheels is expected and good with grooved or knobby tires. On tarmac, wet or dry, mere mortals won't best ABS.

But do you *need* it? Nah. It's nice if you have it, though.

 

I agree.