It's not so much that it becomes a "good" handler.. but it does seem to make a bit of a difference anyway.. and like you say, sand (or kitty litter) are good if you get stuck and need some grit on the road

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1991 MB 300D 2.5 Turbo (207000km) (now gone)
1993 Audi 100 CS Quattro (300000km)
1999 VW Jetta TDI (290000km)
2002 Audi A6 3.0 Quattro (150000km)
2005 MB E320 CDI (34000km)