Red Herring wrote:If you want to get into the specifics of vehicle suitability to the role it not always the fastest vehicle that is best. To compare just two vehicles a BMW M3 driven to it's limit is a very fast car, however a police officer cannot afford to take it to it's limit because that would leave no margin for a change in circumstances, or an error. The EVO X, with it's advanced electronics and four wheel drive, is potentially capable of going faster than the BMW, not because is has more power (it has less) but because the envelope in which it can operate is higher, not just in terms of sheer grip but because the safety margins are greater. In short at the same speed in a given circumstance the EVO is safer than the BMW. It is also easier to drive. No apology here, the easier the car is to drive quickly the more effective it is as an intercept car.
RH, I completely accept the criteria for a suitable police vehicle, but I am a bit doubtful about your specific comparison.
It sounds as though you may have been involved in comparative tests. Is that so? Before the introduction of ESP systems I used to think 4 wheel drive was good for stability and therefore safety. After the introduction of ESP, I discovered that it was far easier to lose control in a 4 wheel drive car without ESP than in a 2 wheel drive car with ESP. I think there is an argument that if you take an Evo to the edge of its enormous range of abilities things will go pear shaped rather suddenly, whereas an M3 even with ESP off will be rather more progressive - and with ESP on should be quite protective.
The one great benefit of 4 wheel drive is improved traction, but at the 300 to 420 bhp of the cars we are talking about this is not a factor other than on icy or snowy roads.
RH, I am seriously interested in your thoughts on this.
JB, I am another who never turns my safety systems off on the road. I consider that Nigel's advice is out of date.
Best wishes, Mark, sometime owner of 3 M3's and an Evo.