[boneheaddoctor]

I've owned several vehicles with them...dramatically improved traction...not just in snow...but rain and dry roads as well as those with sand or dirt on them. I would order it on any vehicle its an option on.

 

[boneheaddoctor]

On a Cruze? Not worth it.

On something like a Focus ST? Sure.

Ever drive a diesel Cruze long? Those things are desperately clawing for traction on dry pavement with the traction control turned off. And you don't even have to be an overly aggressive driver. Never drove a gasser Cruze so I can't compare.

 

[boneheaddoctor]

The crappy LRR Eco tires aren't doing it any favors - flooring a gas Eco from a stop achieves tons of wheelspin too.

I had a FWD car with about the same torque output as the CTD, never really felt that it needed one at that power level. Having driven a tuned one making 320 ft lbs and 280 hp, I felt that needed it, and they did indeed offer it in the higher performance variant of that car, before going to an AWD system.

True but you make the most of what you have available with it.

Might not matter to a lot of drivers though....I like to have that extra margin of traction, etc, available if I ever need it. Drive enough miles and can make the difference between getting out of a sticky situation or not.

Not as good as an AWD system...but lighter...and cheaper.

The only vehicle I've ever owned I have felt it would not have mattered on....was a 1968 Fiat 500.
With a whopping 17 hp at the crank...it didn't have enough power to spin ONE tire in the rain on slippery glass smooth Italian roads.
.

 

[boneheaddoctor]

Yep..Torque steer is significantly less with LSD...and if you have ever been caught in Black ice...or freezing rain..(something that happens in southern states too) you quickly discover the sort comings of "Traction control"

At least with LSD you can get one wheel on the shoulder and move....with "Traction control" if one wheel is on ice...it kills power so much the car won't even move...and with it off...all you do is spin.

First car I dealt with that on was a 1996 Saturn SL2. Really crappy brakes...but otherwise loved the car.

I can understand it not being Standard Equipment....Cost reasons would drive up the base price. But having it as an availible option....that's something I'd love to see on almost everything.

My truck has a locker in the rear end...(sort of the ultimate LSD)...and I am considering a LSD for the front axle.

If you manage to get THAT stuck with both....then you really deserve the humiliation of being stuck. ON the road anyway.

 

[boneheaddoctor]

Back in my College days I had a 1973 Olds Cutlass "S" basically the lowest cheapest version. Power steering and nothing else. Bench seat...and it had a factory limited slip differential.

Traction control works by cutting power and applying brakes to the wheel with less traction. VS splitting traction between both wheels. Get one wheel in the air or on ice and all bets are off with it.

I get the arguments from several members that this isn't a performance car and I'm not arguing it is. A LSD of any type does serve a purpose far beyond the drag strip however. It it will make the difference between walking from or driving from difficult traction situations. Driver skill and finesse can only get you so far combine those with Limited slip. Your chances greatly improve. Your long wait for a tow MIGHT be during a severe weather event (making a long wait much longer if one arrives at all)...and MIGHT put you in danger.

Does everyone NEED it? No, does everyone want it? No. If it was yes you would see it as standard equipment. But its a fantastic option...and far more useful than most options are.