chicagotribune.com's view

Much has been said and written about the advantages of front drive versus rear drive and FWD`s ability to pull a vehicle through the snow or over wetpavement.

But the ability to get going is only half the driving experience,stopping is the other and that`s where four-wheel anti-lock brake systems(ABS) come into play. ABS ensures that you stop–quickly and in a straightline, and without having to make a survey of the ditches on either side.

We test drove a 1987 Lincoln Continental and rain was a constantcompanion on the drive from Dearborn, Mich., to Chicago and for the nextseveral days thereafter. With ABS as standard equipment on the Lincoln-Mercuryluxury car we had an insurance policy if needed. Luckily it wasn`t.

Lincoln-Mercury is making a to-do over the JBL sound system (about $500)in the Lincoln-Continental, its 12 speakers and symphony hall-like performanceinside the car. Granted JBL does wonders for the sound of a tape or FM radio. But you tend to forget about JBL when listening to AM and the latest reportthat the rain isn`t letting up.

With four-wheel anti-lock brakes, a computer ensures tires spin at equalspeeds when the binders are applied, so that all four wheels are working incombination with one another. It means you don`t skid or lose control of thevehicle in a panic or hard-stop situation.

Ironically, with the addition of four-wheel anti-lock brakes as standardon the Lincoln-Continental, Ford beefed up the engine by going to anelectronically controlled, fuel-injected, 5-liter V-8 engine with 150horsepower, up from 140 h.p.

Stylewise, the `87 Lincoln-Continental looks the same as the `86 and thechanges are unseen, such as upgraded corrosion protection and an 84-ampbattery replacing the 71-amp unit.

The car is built on a 108.5-inch wheelbase and is 200.7 inches long. Curb weight is about 3,800 pounds, but you don`t feel any sluggishness in thewheel. In fact, the power steering is a bit mushy.

Just about any comfort or convenience item you could think of isstandard. Options include an anti-theft system, bodyside moldings (whichshould be standard), power moonroof, puncture sealant tires, leather interior and choice of wheels. Base price is about $26,000.

The Lincoln-Continental is a rear-drive luxury car. Someday soon thiscar, along with the Continental Mark VII and Lincoln Town Car, will be builtoff the same front-wheel-drive Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable platform.

That will mean the luxury Lincoln line will be somewhat smaller, a little lighter, and fuel economy will be increased. And, yes, Ford is considering ABSin the FWD models, too.