My Exploder has ABS in the rear, or is it the front?
Rear. Starting in the mid-80's, Ford started putting rear ABS on most of its trucks and truck-based vehicles. That way they could set the brake bias for a full load in the back and not have to worry about rear brake lockup.
As far as traction in the snow, what I tell anyone who asks is that it doesn't really matter, front vs rear drive as long as you've got good tires and proper weighting. Different driving styles are required; front-drive seems a little more idiot-proof, but it isn't the godsend so many people have been talked into believeing it is (I'm speaking in general here, so don't anyone take this the wrong way). Some regular tires aren't too bad, the Toyos on my car and my Dad's Civic don't do too bad. My car in particular does well, even without weight in the back (I've chased 4x4s with it a time or two).
We have one car in our family that has ABS, which is my sister's Escort. I've had the ABS come on a couple times on snowpack and ice, but I really can't say I've made much use of it or that it has saved my bacon on any occasion. It isn't too intrusive, in my opinion. You can feel it working, and it prevents a flat-out skid, but with all such things, it can't overcome the laws of physics (same with AWD, it's not going to turn or stop any quicker--sorry Subaru). Actually, what most people would tell you would be a nightmare in winter, my rear-drive all drum brake Fairlane, has been more than manageable. Sure it's a handful if you're not being careful, but a light touch on the throttle, brakes, and sometimes clutch has gotten me through some pretty ugly conditions. I imagine the disk brakes make something like a W123 easier to modulate, but drums aren't so bad if they're non-power. With something like my borther's Dodge ('73 Coronet), however, you might have all kinds of trouble. He seemed to get along ok (although he went in the ditch last December, didn't say it was under braking, so
), but the brakes on that are touchy. Just putting your foot on the pedal the wrong way (not even really trying to brake) can be enough to lock it up under icy conditions. On my Dad's 300D, I seem to remember it not being too bad in terms of brakes. It got stuck easily, as I remember, but wasn't bad once it got going. My conclusion on ABS is that it's not a bad thing to have, and in fact can be a lifesaver if you're inexperienced, but it's hardly a night and day thing if you know what you're doing. Heck, I'll bet some really good winter drivers could buy a car with ABS and never realize it's there.