Miata Mailing List: January 1996, Message #11
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   From: nerf@globalx.net (Bruce Murphy)
Subject: Engine braking
   Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 00:50:39 -0500

Another point about winter driving is that higher gears are inherently more
stable when accelerating on ice. Why are Mustangs rotten winter cars? Way
too much torque. Even though Miatas are not known as possessing a surplus
of torque, any car can break loose under icy conditions. Keeping my Miata
in a low RPM range, and out of the torque band keeps me from inadvertantly
snapping the back end out. (This does, however, spoil my fun)

I'm ice racing this year, and all of quickest cars seem to have electric
carving knife sized motors.(Here's a good use for your old Yugo! :-)  In a
rear wheel driver, it's always a battle to keep the rear nailed down. I've
seen guys stick cinder blocks, old engine parts, wet sand, etc. in the
trunk to get more grip. I'm thinking of filling up the spare tire well in
my RX-7 with cement, but if anyone can think of something better, like a
neutrino star, let me know.