Originally Posted by Jimzz
Its more normal, esp on luxury vehicles. It used to be more common to use the front with just a little rear braking. This was due to cars not having ABS/stability control systems. Now that cars have all that tech they are less likely to spin out if the rear brakes grab sooner. Thats done so the car stops more flatter instead of nose diving. Plus rear brakes are usually thinner than front so even working the same the rear will not last as long.
So its mostly a comfort thing that can be taken advantage of due to newer technology.
I already replaced the rear brakes in my SiLs Lexus but her front still look good.
In order for ESP to be contributing factor it needs to be activated. That means that you have to drive always at the limit or on snow and ice all the time.
Now, there is only so much force that can go to the back. If you have a lot of force in the back, there is probability that rear end will pass front end in slippery conditions. Usually brake force if 70/30 and there is reason for that, and that is simple dynamic. Considering that Volvo is nose heavy car, more brake force has to be in front. BMW for example will have more equal force as most of their cars are 50/50 weight distribution.
So nose diving is there for a reason. If rear brakes are too strong, that could be exceptionally dangerous in slippery conditions. Hence smaller pads in back.