Bernd,
Sure it's a marketing ploy to have base models with drums and upgraded versions
with disks. The manufacturing cost between base models and upgraded models is
far less (if there is any difference) than the added price that is charged for
the upgraded model (this applies to more than just brakes too), more profit
flows to the bottom line with the upgraded model. Manufacturers need those base
models for advertising, ever notice the adds "starting at $xxxxx" with a
picture of a loaded vehicle then down in the corner in real small print "as
equiped $xxxxx + 30% or so). The base price establishes a mind set of I can
afford that car even if when they go out the door it's $10K more where as they
may not have even considered the vehicle at the price the final sale price.
Remember manufacturers are in business to make a profit if they don't the are
gone in short order. In the automotive industry it's all about status, style
and preception much much more than real world measurable differences. The
consumer has no way of confirming much of the claims of superiority between
manufacturers so it becomes a big marketing game.
Dave Clement
99 SLT+ CC 4x4
In article <BAY9-DAV19r1LfVOBqA0000514c@hotmail.com>, fasstdak@hotmail.com
("Bernd D. Ratsch") writes:
>
>
> Hehehehe....my old AMC Javelin was that was as well - 4-Wheel Drum (No Power
> Assist). Try stopping that one in the rain. ;)
>
> Drums don't cost much less to replace (Shoes, Drums, Hardware Kit, Wheel
> Cylinders) than Discs (Rotors, Calipers, Pads)...but the safety factor is
> what most look at now. The marketing ploy may have something to do with the
> newer vehicles coming with 4-wheel discs...but there's still
> small/lightweight vehicles with drums in the rear (so much for marketing).
>
> Example: Neon - Base Model has Disc/Drum. Performance/Upgraded version of
> Neon has Disc/Disc. It's not just a marketing ploy since the cost of both
> systems isn't much different.
>
> ..and the debate goes on. :)
>
> - Bernd
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Pindell, Timothy" <TPindell@OTTERBEIN.EDU>
> To: <dml@dakota-truck.net>
> Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 8:02 AM
> Subject: Re: DML:Rear brake conversion
>
>
> > But seriously folks, my friend has a big 'ol C-body Sport Fury. Drums on
> > all four corners with no vac assist. It stops well enough, but you have
> to
> > think ahead. That pedal is two feet wide for a reason- so you can stand
> on
> > it with both feet! <cringe>
> >
> > My real question is this: Disks are so much simpler and more effective.
> > I'm pretty sure everybody will agree on that point. Why aren't disk
> brakes
> > used by default on everything? Are drums really that much cheaper and
> more
> > reliable with all of those moving parts?
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat May 01 2004 - 12:00:18 EDT